Engineering Specialist - GIS - VA Department of Transportation

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Title: Engineering Specialist - GIS

State Role Title: Engineering Technician IV

Hiring Range: $61,356 - $99,704

Pay Band: 5

Agency: VA Dept of Transportation

Location: Dept of Transportation

Agency Website: www.virginiadot.org/jobs

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

What drives you? Whether it's knowing the work you do makes a difference, having a great work/life balance, working on exciting and challenging projects, leading innovation, and championing change or simply working with a great group of people who are committed to professionalism. At the Virginia Department of Transportation, we have something for you.

Our Location & Design Geospatial Program is seeking a highly skilled GIS Engineering Specialist to enhance our capabilities in GIS spatial data analysis and mapping. This role will involve managing digital transportation data, mobile applications, digital maps, geodatabases, innovative software applications, and generating reports to support transportation and construction projects.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with GIS and exceptional quantitative skills, proficient in GIS and eager to innovate and excel in the role. The selected candidate will utilize aerial imagery products to create maps, reports, and presentations for various GIS initiatives.

This role involves a broad range of responsibilities associated with GIS data management and development, particularly in support of projects such as Stormwater Basin (BMP), MS4 activities, photogrammetry flights, drone flights, and the development of Right-of-Way layers. Additionally, the selected candidate will be responsible for the following:

GIS Data Development, Maintenance and Support: Overseeing the creation, upkeeping, and utilizating spatial data to support the L&D Geospatial Group and other divisions relying on geospatial data. Using ESRI's ArcGIS Suite (including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, Field Maps, and Experience Builder) to develop GIS applications based on user requirements. Integrating GIS data with tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, PowerBi, Tableau, and other databases. Managing data conversion between GPS, CADD, and MicroStation formats.

Analyses, Trouble shooting and Process Improvement: Conducting analyses and troubleshoot issues with GIS applications, addressing problems faced by end users on both desktop and mobile platforms.
Collaborating with internal and external technical resources to resolve issues related to GIS applications and data. Evaluating current geospatial systems and identify opportunities for improvement through innovative applications, automation, and streamlined workflows using software programming or scripting.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control: Performing QA/QC of geospatial data to ensure compliance with data standards and formats. Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to support and promote the L&D Geospatial Program.

Technical Advice and Guidance: Acting as a technical consultant to inspectors, contractors, and management, providing advice on technology applications and strategic planning. Participating in strategic planning and development projects, providing recommendations and leadership as required. Staying up to date with advancements in GIS technology and collect geographical data from various sources, including satellite imagery and aerial photography

Training: Providing training and support to end users, including the creation of job aids and guidance for GIS applications. Collaborating with cross-departmental teams to enhance GIS-related efforts and projects. Developing and delivering effective training materials and sessions, utilizing strong oral and written communication skills.

Record Maintenance: Researching and updating records or databases related to assigned programs. Verifying project data, maintaining files, and recommending updates when discrepancies are identified.

Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of relational databases, database design, data integrity, and metadata documentation.
• Working knowledge of GIS theory, applications, architecture, and technology trends.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS Desktop extensions, ArcGIS Spatial Analysts and ArcGIS 3D Analyst.
• Working knowledge of Windows operating systems.
• Working knowledge of the ESRI geodata schema and behavior.
• Working knowledge of Access, ArcGIS Desktop, ArcInfo Workstation, ArcView or other ESRI desktop software products.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with customers.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and training to staff, especially as is related to sound use of GIS technology to support project development and program management.
• Ability to develop, interpret, apply changes to policies, and prepare technical reports.
• Ability to work independently and help develop projects, program, or process improvement efforts as directed by management.

Additional Considerations

• A combination of training, experience or education in Engineering, GIS, Geography, Computer Science, Information Systems, Environmental Science, or related field desired.
• Experience in the independent planning, design, and implementation of enterprise spatial data systems and applications.
• Working knowledge of GIS applications and GIS operations, policies, procedures, and standards.
• Experience using GIS for transportation planning and analysis.
• Experience in scripting Python, JavaScript, Visual Basic, Model Builder, ETL Tools, etc.
• Cartography skills as well as knowledge of Project Wise.
• Experience using ESRI’s ArcGIS Suite and other relevant GIS software for creating, collecting, updating, and maintaining databases, attributes, maps, and websites.
• Experience with additional add-ons from MS365 such as PowerBI, Tableau and conversion tools.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and process improvement skills for performing task such as geoprocessing, spatial analyst, 3D analysts, and other GIS extensions.
• Effective communication skills for training and technical support.
• Experience with custom GIS applications and tools using programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, R, ESRI Model Builder, ETL Tools, etc. for help in automating workflows and to develop a way to push/pull data into GIS, CADD, and MicroStation.
• GIS Certification or a GISP is a plus