The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities. When you interact with a City employee, you will find our collaborative, driven and efficient staff working together to provide strategic solutions for the community and each other. We are a city focused on external and internal customer service and try to find a way to say “yes,” while not compromising the City’s or our own integrity.

Our efforts are guided by our core values:

• Integrity
• Stewardship
• Service
• Community
• Innovation
• Teamwork

Our employees are passionate about innovation, collaboration and growth, which is supported by the City’s Council and Executive Team. We are an environment that thrives on making changes, pivoting quickly, and is full of movers and shakers. We are constantly striving to improve processes and better our approach so that we can better support the needs of the City. If you have growth mindset and find change exciting, the City of Palm Desert may be your ideal working environment!

THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Palm Desert is looking for a skilled GIS Analyst to join their team. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and analyzing applications, as well as developing databases using integrated Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology. This role's primary objective is to support citywide mapping operations and manage GIS-related projects. The chosen candidate should have an exceptional working knowledge of GIS technology and apply their expertise to City departments, outside agencies, and the public. It is important that they have technical skills and can perform various tasks to ensure the success of this role. If you're passionate about making a difference in our community, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Under general supervision, performs computer applications and database design, development, and implementation services for departmental users utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) technology; supports the GIS environment, policies and procedures, standards, and the accuracy and consistency of the GIS information; maintains and updates layers of the GIS; collects, interprets, verifies, and processes GPS data; prepares digital and hard copy maps; assists management and staff as required in the day-to-day operations of the City operations and map requests.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Director or Information System Manager or their designee. Does not directly or indirectly supervise other professional staff but may coordinate the work of contractors and/or may provide functional direction and training to technical or less experienced employees.This is the journey-level classification. Incumbents independently manage projects and perform a full range of professional GIS functions. Incumbents are primarily responsible for offering technical expertise in GIS within the department, leading to the successful implementation of GIS projects. Incumbents use independent judgment and decision-making authority to resolve complex problems. Assignments are given within general guidelines, and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver work products or services. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for technical soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

• Develops, plans, and implements complex GIS applications software for system users that includes but is not limited to designing and developing complex GIS data layers and templates.
• Update and manage parcel and address GIS data for residences, commercial locations, and industrial sites, as needed. Prepare parcel and address maps and periodically review for accuracy.
• Responsible for evaluation of Development Services Department GIS program needs and development of appropriate GIS architecture to meet those needs; coordinates with other City GIS and IT staff on decisions involving changes to enterprise databases, applications, and protocols.
• Coordinates and integrates data systems with GIS analytic functions.
• Identifies key business requirements; writes and produces appropriate GIS functional specifications and workflows.
• Writes and updates data layers, scripts, and programs in support of specific application needs such as monitoring land supply, housing inventory, statistical reporting, cartographic production, and automation of routine processes.
• Applies knowledge of urban design principles, including 3D visualization, floor-area-ratio analysis, residential density modeling, and employment and population statistics.
• Designs editing and data update workflows to ensure business system requirements are achieved.
• Serves as primary data steward for datasets related to Development Services.
• Coordinates work plan and provides support for special mapping and data analysis projects and services as directed.
• Provides customized presentations, reports, and exhibits. May provide explanation and interpretation of research, determinations, analysis methods, and deliverable materials in private and public meetings.
• Effectively applies industry-standard cartographic design principles in the production of multi-media, digital, and hardcopy work products. Responsible for ensuring spatial data is accurately and appropriately portrayed for intended audiences and uses.
• Responsible for development and application of quality control measures on departmental GIS datasets. Ensures spatial integrity, attribute consistency, and proper integration between GIS data and other business systems.
• Prepares and maintains documentation of GIS databases (metadata), procedures, standards, and other reference materials. Manages integration of this documentation with other City business systems.
• Prepares written reports and documentation which describe project or system status, procedures, functions, requirements, and recommendations.
• Coordinates and performs research, data collection, and data entry for the creation and maintenance of GIS data.
• Assists in administering the department’s ArcGIS Server mapping services, including cartographic design, feature information delivery, system updates, and integration with key business systems.
• Creates and maintains ArcGIS online map services, Web Apps, and Storymaps. Effectively applies industry-standard web mapping and web design principles.
• Assists in updating the City of Palm Desert annual population estimates.
• Responsible for serving as point-of-contact and compiling information for mandated state reports related to development and population.
• Recommends and establishes standards and procedures to deal with the production of high priority data, maps, and services.
• Provides additional backup support to the Administration Team including, but not limited to, assistance on an as-needed basis with responding to City Council and public requests for information and preparation of agenda materials for boards, commissions, and committees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles, practices, concepts, and techniques of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) theory and function; including computer mapping and attribute data conversion, transfer, manipulation, and analysis.
• Principles and practices of mapping coordinate systems, projections, and scale.
• Principles and practices of database structures, design, and database management.
• ESRI ArcGIS software family, including Urban, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Experience Builder, SQL Server and other mapping, GIS, and CAD software.
• Equipment needed for GIS development, including workstations, printers, plotters, communications devices, scanners, and other related peripheral devices.
• Understanding of permit system information, ability to perform complex queries and ensure data integrity of permit tracking system.

Ability to:

• Interpret, apply, and explain applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and City policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Produce maps, datasets and reports using GIS; independently perform advanced GIS assignments with initiative and creativity.
• Understand emerging GIS technologies and their application to improve City services.
• Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and make sound, well-structured recommendations.
• Read and interpret surveys, legal descriptions, cartography, engineering documents, construction plans, and aerial and orthophotography.
• Perform moderately complex technical computations, compile or analyze GIS data, and develop mapping products.
• Prepare and present clear and well-organized written and oral reports to City staff and other groups as required.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Geographic Information Systems, Information Technology, Planning, or a related field and two (2) years of experience with ESRI software, including ArcGIS, with professional-level experience in the design, development, implementation, and administration of geographic information systems, including analysis, database development, and integration.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License
• Experience with Esri or Esri certification, as well as GISP certification, is highly desirable.

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds with the use of proper equipment. Reasonable accommodation will be made for individuals on a case-by-case basis.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.