GIS Specialist 3

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website. 

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail, and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.
 
This position resides in the newly formed Asset Management department within Metro Transit. Asset management focuses on the strategic planning for the care of physical assets throughout their lifecycle. The department collaborates across the organization to support technologies, processes and culture that contribute to a strong asset management program. 
 
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:  
The Metro Transit GIS Specialist 3 leads, manages, operates, and maintains the overall Metro Transit Geographic Information System (GIS) environment to support geospatial asset management functions through industry standards and best practices. These functions include the digital GIS inventory and related database applications, data collection, quality control, business requirements and spatial analysis. Work tasks are varied and provide challenging and rewarding opportunities.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.  

This recruitment may establish a six (6) month eligibility list for current and future vacancies if we have multiple qualified candidates.

1.  Create, collect, document, and manage asset-related geospatial data to support Metro Transit’s GIS and management needs. 
 

• Develop, create, and process GIS line, points, polygons, metadata, and attribute data requirements, ensuring the alignment with data collection industry standards.
• Work with contractors, vendors, and internal staff to request, receive, manage, and coordinate geospatial data relating to geo-referenced infrastructure projects.
• Establish and develop documentation for best practices for the data collection, including clear protocols, standards, procedures, and protocol for internal and external collection. 
• Identify, develop, create, compare, and manage geospatial asset management hierarches with Enterprise Asset Management System (EAMS).
• Create scripts and macro automation to input data.

• Review, Quality Control (QC), manage, maintain, and update Metro Transit geospatial asset-related data to accurately process and publish.
• Identify, manage, and maintain geodata sources relating to Gopher State One Call requirements, ensuring buffer zones are accurate and to meet MN State requirements.
• Convert historical information from obsolete sources (paper-based project documentation) and geospatial GIS data structures.

• Act as a point of contact for assistance regarding GIS products, software, and services.
• Supports users by providing analytical support, workflow automation, scripting services and other types of Python and ArcMap application support.
• Develop data analytic templates for asset management analysis scenarios.
• Build and maintain communication and relationships with groups inside/outside Metro Transit and coordinate and collaborate on projects where visions/missions/objectives align.

• Design, develop and implement web applications to aid field crews and other staff to more efficiently complete work tasks.
• Identify and migrate paper forms to electronic forms and automate workflows using Collector, Field maps and Survey123.
• Create internal and external outreach tools using ESRI Story Maps, Experience Builder, and other application platforms.
• Maintain an understanding of latest ESRI application advancements and implement and/or recommend improvements when appropriate.

• Develop a comprehensive strategy to manage and support Metro Transit’s asset-related GIS (Geographic Information System) spatial data through the enhancement of systems, tools, best practices, industry standards and services, ensuring the data remains accurate and relevant over time.
• Plan, develop and implement Metro Transit-wide asset-related geospatial initiatives and projects, datasets, features, and workflows.
• Develop communication forums to share asset-related needs and deliverables for the business partners.
• Identify integration points for EAMS system.
• Identify, manage, and maintain geospatial dataset needs for various systems, e.g. Gopher State One Call requirements.

• Provide training to end users of GIS applications.
• Troubleshooting issues with applications and other GIS-related systems for office and field staff.
• Research and procure GPS equipment for aid in collecting and fine-tuning GIS basemap.

Any of the following combinations of experience (full-time, professional related work experience using ESRI software and other geospatial technologies WITH experience designing and creating cartographic products, creating geoprocessing solutions to support customers, and developing geospatial datasets and metadata) AND completed education (degree field of study in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), geography, engineering, planning, or closely related field):

• High School diploma/GED AND at least eight (8) years of related experience.
• Associate degree AND at least six (6) years of related experience. 
• Bachelor’s degree AND at least four (4) years of related experience.
• Master's degree AND at least two (2) years of related experience.

• Knowledge of geospatial concepts, principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of GIS software methods, applications and systems.
• Knowledge of relational database systems.
• Knowledge of data stewardship, standards and metadata.
• Knowledge of web development, testing and implementation methods especially as applied to geospatial, graphical and statistical applications.
• Basic project planning and management principles.
• Skilled use of Esri software (ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Extensions) including tools, databases and resources such as Shapefiles, Geodatabases and Web Services.
• Skilled in documenting GIS data and applications using GIS metadata system design and technical specification methods.
• Skilled use in SQL database query tool and Python.
• Skilled in GIS technology to research and analyze business issues to recommend solutions.
• Ability to provide GIS services and support to internal and external customers in the organization using tact, courtesy and cooperation.
• Ability to initiate, execute and complete work projects within timelines.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments, work on multiple ongoing projects, define project scopes, identify barriers and solutions, 
• Ability to embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within Metro Transit.

Union/Grade: Non-Represented/Grade H
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive:  No

Work Environment
Work is performed in a standard office setting. Some positions may require travel between primary work site to other sites.

The responsibilities listed are typical of the positions included in the job classification; however, not all duties are necessarily performed by each specific position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position. Regular attendance is an essential responsibility.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications. 
2. We complete Work Record Evaluation (WRE) for ATU internals only. 
3. We rate your education and experience.
4. We conduct a structured panel interview.
5. We conduct a selection interview.