Geographic Information Systems Specialist I

City of Sacramento

  • Sacramento, CA
  • 2 days ago
  • $83,419.34–$117,379.39 Per Year

Highlights

For additional information regarding the Citys RGEAP, please copy and paste the following link into a web browser: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/Divisions/ode/workforce-equity-documents/Full-RGEAP.pdf Positions in this class are responsible for the most complex and varied research projects, and independently design, test, deploy, and integrate complex disparate spatial databases and computer applications for City program operation and policy analysis.

Numbers & Facts

LocationSacramento, CA
Salary$83,419.34–$117,379.39 Per Year

Description

Geographic Information Systems Specialist I

Salary

$83,419.34 - $117,379.39 Annually

Location

Sacramento, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Career

Job Number

017026-26-IT

Department

Information Technology

Division

Citywide GIS Support

Opening Date

10/05/2026

Closing Date

10/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

THE POSITION

With supervisor approval, incumbents may be eligible for intermittent remote work; however, they must physically reside within the Sacramento region or have the ability to regularly report to a City of Sacramento physical worksite with little notice.

This GIS I position is in the Information Technology Department and may work with multiple departments and Charter offices, providing GIS support and services such as data management, mapping, spatial analysis, and development of mobile and web GIS applications.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate will have have experience in editing and maintaining GIS data, developing web-based mapping applications and supporting map services using ESRI GIS software, technique, and tools. Additionally, a demonstrated working knowledge of spatial analysis and automation using ESRI geoprocessing tools and industry best practices is essential. The ideal candidate will be highly self-motivated, detail-oriented, and quick to learn new technologies. Proactively proposing improvements, and thriving in a collaborative, dynamic team environment are key attributes in the ideal candidate. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have the ability to understand and define user requirements, analyze complex problems, research and evaluate alternatives, and communicate effectively.

Experience with the following is desirable in the ideal candidate:

  • Geodatabase editing in enterprise GIS databases
  • Industry standards and terminology in municipal government, including supporting local government's public works and parks essential functions such as street infrastructure management and maintenance, traffic engineering, parks maintenance, and solid waste operations

To perform a variety of professional analytical work in the analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance of an automated geographical information system.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Geographic Information Systems Specialist I is the first working-level class in the series. Incumbents in this class perform difficult professional analytical work related to an automated geographical information system. Assignments are generally limited in scope and within the design and procedural framework established by higher-level employees. However, as experience is acquired, the employee is expected to perform with increasing independence.

Geographic Information Systems Specialist II is the journey-level class in the series. Work in this class is distinguished from Geographic Information Systems Specialist I by the greater complexity of assignments received and the greater independence with which the incumbent is expected to operate. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from Geographic Information Systems Specialist I. When filled from the outside, significant prior automated geographical information system experience is required.

Geographic Information Systems Specialist III is the advanced journey-level class in the series. Work in this class is distinguished from Geographic Information Systems Specialist II by serving as a principal City-wide specialist responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing the automated geographic information system. Positions in this class are responsible for the most complex and varied research projects, and independently design, test, deploy, and integrate complex disparate spatial databases and computer applications for City program operation and policy analysis. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from Geographic Information Systems Specialist II.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by a higher-level position. Responsibilities may include direct and indirect supervision of lower-level positions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Depending upon assignment, typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Develop geographic information systems layers/data elements consistent with the existing standards.

  • Coordinate the maintenance and scheduling of the geographical information system base map in conjunction with all other land based systems and/or files in the City.

  • Evaluate and recommend acquisition of computer hardware and software necessary to implement the geographical information system.

  • Plan and coordinate the administration and maintenance scheduling of all layers defined in the geographical information system in conjunction with all other land based systems and/or files in the City.

  • Perform digitizing and drafting as required.

  • Train users in the use of GIS and related software, workstations, printers and plotters, digitizing tablets and tables, and GIS networking systems.

  • Develop and document GIS procedures.

  • Develop prototype GIS products and cartographic quality maps.

  • Supervise, train, and evaluate subordinates.

  • Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification

QUALIFICATIONS

Geographic Information Systems Specialist I

Knowledge of:

  • Principles of geography and cartography.

  • Principles, procedures, techniques, nomenclature, and operation of GIS workstations.

  • Techniques of digitizing, drafting, and automated mapping.

  • Principles and characteristics of automated geographic information systems.

  • Principles of supervision and training.

Ability to:

  • Perform technical research in geographic information systems.

  • Produce maps which satisfy departmental user requirements.

  • Operate GIS workstations, related peripherals, and communications networks.

  • Perform digitizing and drafting using GIS software and digitizing equipment.

  • Develop and maintain user documentation.

  • Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on GIS workstations, related peripherals, and communications networks.

  • Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental staff, other City departments, and vendors.

  • Lift and move computer hardware weighing up to 50 pounds. Lifting restrictions may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Education:

A Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Geographical Information Systems, Geography, Information Systems, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.

  • AND-

Experience:

Two years of experience in operating, maintaining, and implementing automated mapping and/or GIS systems -OR- One year of experience as a City of Sacramento Information Technology Trainee.

Substitution:

An AA degree plus two years of additional experience can be substituted for the higher education requirement.

PROOF OF EDUCATION

Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Employees must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.

THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please note, the City of Sacramentos preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.

  1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application by the final filing deadline;
  • Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.

  • Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:

  • If applicants do not list current and/or past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).

  • If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.

  • Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted online with your application. Proof of education will be required at time of appointment.

  • Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

  • If you're requesting Veteran's credit, a copy of your DD214 must be submitted online with your application or emailed to the Employment Office by the final filing deadline. Information regarding the use of Veteran's credit can be found in the Civil Service Board rules under rule 4.9C.

  • Applicants are responsible for attaching a copy of their DD214 to each position for which they apply.

  1. Training and Experience Exam: (Weighted 100%) - The questions located at the end of the application are the Training and Experience (T&E) Exam. Responses to the T&E questions will be rated and scored. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidates education, training and experience. The exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this job. When completing the T&E questions, please note:
  • Responses to the T&E questions must be submitted online; paper questionnaires will not be accepted.

  • A resume will not substitute for the information required in the T&E questions.

  1. Eligibility: Candidates who pass the Training and Experience Test will be placed on the eligible list. The hiring department may contact candidates for interview at any time during the life of the one-year list. Candidate's eligibility expires one year from the date of notification of a passing score for the Geographic Information Systems Specialist I examination.

  2. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail)- All candidates that pass the examination and are in one of the top three ranks will have their application forwarded to the hiring department for review. The hiring department will select the most competitive applications for further consideration. Human Resources will only evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications, as stated on the job announcement, for applications selected by the hiring department.

  3. Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass LiveScan/fingerprinting. If applicable, candidates may also need to pass a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and/or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.

QUESTIONS:

For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:

Bilingual Pay

Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? Thats right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.

Pension Reform Act

The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicants eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Additional Information

Civil Service Rules: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/CivilServiceBoardRules62012.pdf

Union Contracts:https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/labor-agreements.html

Salary Schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/documentlibrary/SalarySchedule.pdf

01

APPLICATION: I understand my application must meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of employment with the City of Sacramento. The experience I list in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement. A resume, responses to the supplemental questions requiring a narrative response, employment history listed elsewhere in the application or attachments will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section of the employment application. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Please refer to the City of Sacramentos Applicant Resources Page for Screening Instructions: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment

  • Yes

02

PROOF OF EDUCATION: To qualify for this classification you may use any combination of education and/or experience as listed to provide required knowledge, skills, and abilities. I understand proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment if I am using education to qualify for this position. Please refer to the City of Sacramentos Proof of Education Requirements (https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment) for information on accepted documentation.

  • Yes

03

EDUCATION CONFIRMATION: If I am using education to qualify for this position, I attest I possess or will possess the following level of education by time of appointment if I am selected for this position.

  • No units from an accredited college or university
  • Less than 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university
  • 30 semester or 45 quarter units from an accredited college or university
  • 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university
  • Associates Degree
  • 90 semester or 135 quarter units from an accredited college or university
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Doctorate

04

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE: The answers to the questions below will be reviewed by the hiring department along with the information provided in your employment application. Therefore, your answers must be consistent with your employment application information (especially in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections), must be unambiguous, and must contain sufficient but concise detail and organization. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of completing this Supplemental Questionnaire. Lack of clarity, incomplete or inconsistent information, and/or disorganized presentation may negatively affect the hiring departments review of your Supplemental Questionnaire. I understand and agree to the above instructions.

  • Yes

05

Describe a project where you had to create geospatial information and develop a map product or web map service. Include in your response the types of tasks performed, systems, used, obstacles faced and overcome, and how the final map or map service was developed.

06

Describe a project where you participated in the development and implementation of a solution to a geospatial analytical problem. Describe your role and involvement in the process, any follow up performed, any documentation produced, and how it was used by others.

07

Describe your experience working in a demanding environment or with difficult customers. Include in your response how you managed yourself, work tasks, and overcame any adversity.

08

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION: The following questions are the Training and Experience (T&E) Examination. In addition to the City of Sacramento employment application, applicants must complete and submit online responses to the T&E questions. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidates education, training and experience. Therefore, your responses to the T&E Exam questions should be thorough and complete because the exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this job. In accordance with the City of Sacramentos Racial and Gender Equity Action Plan (RGEAP), this examination contains non-binary names and pronouns. For additional information regarding the Citys RGEAP, please copy and paste the following link into a web browser: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/content/dam/portal/hr/Divisions/ode/workforce-equity-documents/Full-RGEAP.pdf I understand and agree to the above instructions.

  • Yes

09

Select the one option that best describes your experience using a geographic information system to conduct research to complete a project or assignment.

  • Two years or more
  • At least eighteen months, but less than two years
  • At least one year, but less than eighteen months
  • At least six months, but less than one year
  • Less than six months

10

Select the one option that best describes your experience troubleshooting and providing routine maintenance to information system workstations, communication networks, and/or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

  • Two years or more
  • At least eighteen months, but less than two years
  • At least one year, but less than eighteen months
  • At least six months, but less than one year
  • Less than six months

11

Select the one option that best describes your experience communicating technical information with non-technical customers or users.

  • Two years or more
  • At least eighteen months, but less than two years
  • At least one year, but less than eighteen months
  • At least six months, but less than one year
  • Less than six months

12

Select the one option that best describes your experience in the implementation of a map product or web-based solution which included compiling and reviewing data sources and/or using geospatial processing tools.

  • Two years or more
  • At least eighteen months, but less than two years
  • At least one year, but less than eighteen months
  • At least six months, but less than one year
  • Less than six months

Required Question

Employer City of Sacramento

Address 915 I Street

Historic City Hall

Sacramento, California, 95814-2604

Phone (916) 808-5726

Website http://portal.cityofsacramento.org/HR

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