Temporary GIS Specialist

About our opportunity:  
The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Temporary GIS Specialist in the Water Resources department. The purpose of this position is to enter, maintain and analyze water infrastructure data in a geographic information system (GIS), conduct hydraulic modeling, and support the engineering division by evaluating applications for minor projects.

What you’ll be doing:  

• Collects water system infrastructure data, including fire hydrants, meters, valves, and as-built layers: obtains infrastructure details from global position system (GPS), imagery, staff reports, or other methods; enter and/or downloads collected GPS data into GIS database; verifies and updates information; identifies relevant available data sources; and assists in gathering and analyzing information from other City departments, as well as other local, state, and federal agencies and private sources to maintain accurate data.
• Maintains and updates maps and related files: identifies, inputs, and edits key data points into the database; revises maps to correct errors and to record various changes to water system infrastructure; adds or updates water system infrastructure; coordinates with field crews to collect and verify field data; and updates connected database information.
• Receives, reviews and provides approval recommendations on applications for minor land subdivisions, minor land combinations and small residential construction projects (i.e. fences, sheds, decks, etc.): interprets submittal material such as project data sheets, survey plats, site plans, and construction drawings; utilizes GIS water system database to determine if the proposed work will have a potential impact to existing water infrastructure or water service methods, and ensure that the proposed work will not violate any water department policies or standard specifications; provides written feedback to applicants and other City staff as part of the review process.
• Provides customer service: receives and responds to requests for data and information; conducts research required to answer customer questions; provides maps or data to customers; and logs work tickets and customer interaction.
• Digitizes maps, plans, and drawings: interprets maps and as-built drawings: takes counts of feature points from as-built drawings; digitally records dimensions, features, and key reference points; edits and revises data to ensure integrity and continuity of data input; and saves files in accordance with protocols.
• Composes and produces presentation-quality maps and plots: analyzes, integrates, and displays different kinds of geographic data using GIS system; determines the details of the map to be shown; consults with users to identify needs; designs cartographic appearance including size, scale, legend, and map elements; and identifies the most current data to use.
• Conducts fire flow and other hydraulic modeling: communicates with fire departments to determine project boundaries and timeframe; evaluates accuracy of hydrant locations and attributes; evaluates accuracy of model output.
• Communicates with supervisor, other City employees, contractors, the public, outside agencies and organizations, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

About you:

We know your time is valuable. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements or have comparable experience and/or education will be considered:

Persons of all genders and races are encouraged to apply.

Other things to know: 

About us:

The City of Asheville is dedicated to providing quality service for the residents and visitors of our beautiful city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Asheville, NC is a thriving mountain city that has a culture enriched in diversity.

The City of Asheville values and respects a diverse community, workforce and ideas, and is committed to promoting an equitable, fair, and just employment environment. Our organization seeks to create and provide access and opportunities to employees, residents and visitors to fulfill their potential through inclusive engagement practices, relationship building and an authentic sense of belonging.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. The City of Asheville is proud to be a second chance employer.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: 

• Knowledge of ESRI software including ArcPro and ArcGIS Online
• Knowledge of Innovyze InfoWater
• Ability to recognize discrepancies in attribute data and perform quality checks on own work.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, management, contractors, and the public.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written formats, including professional email correspondence, and developing reports from GIS information.
• Customer service skills, including using independent judgment to apply ordinances and regulations during customer interactions.
• Ability to think creatively, initiate research, and bring resources together to resolve a problem or provide a solution.
• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.