What does a GIS Technician do?
Geographic information systems (GIS) analysts work at the intersection of cartography, programming, and data analysis. They analyze spatial data through mapping software and design digital maps with geographic data and various other data sets. They are tasked with discovering patterns and trends through spatial mapping and developing mapping applications and tools and managing a digital library of geographic maps in various file types. They use their findings to explain geographic trends to clients.
GIS analysts assess spatial data by mapping software and discovering patterns and trends. They design digital maps with geographic data and other sources and create shape files that merge topographical data with external data. They produce reports on geographic data using data visualizations and perform data munging and cleaning to convert data into its desired form. GIS analysts need a degree in computer science, geography, surveying, engineering, or related fields and proficiency with database programming languages including SQL or Python. They also need proficiency with front-end design languages including HTML, CSS, or JavaScript.
- Manage and review all technology supplier contracts, including software contracts.
- This is a non-merit system, employment-at-will, long-term contract position.
- Work with members of the governance body to design, develop, and implement a uniform GIS information architecture.
- Prepare departmental business plans, budgets workload forecasting reports and staffing plans.
- Manage timelines and expectations, delegating tasks, and assembly/delivery of final deliverables.
- Where appropriate, develop new and innovative solutions that are actionable, value-adding, and contribute to drive profitable revenue growth.
- May investigate new data, establish and improve workflows, create templates, and builds.
- Help to establish mechanisms for coordinated data development, sharing and information exchange.
- Administer relational databases to support enterprise geodatabase hosting with respect to storage, security, optimization, tracing.
- Track and analyze performance results from standard and customized business reports.
- Define and execute plans to incorporate policies and procedures into daily operations and systems design.
- May lead project teams and/or plan and supervise assignments.
- Define meeting agendas and schedule meetings regarding the GIS platform with partners and vendors.
- Submit and track requests to vendors and handle incidents as the NGS Technology point of contact.
- Interface directly with other department staff to determine its needs, make recommendations and perform project lead responsibilities.
- Contribute to achieving the plan and actively support development and execution of commission-wide annual action items.
- Gather and maintain knowledge of all mapping information and available resources in order to efficiently provide customers with tools to meet requests.
- Present spatial data in graphic form and prepare technical documentation/reports of analysis and findings to submit to requesting staff.
- Design accurate, logically-formatted map layouts by placing and editing appropriate annotation and symbols on the maps using proper size and font.
- Develop and uses effective mechanisms to report application development activities.
- Read technical journals, magazines, and other sources to stay abreast of GIS technology developments.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in business, engineering or gis, or equivalent experience.
- Experience with AutoCAD, CAD, Javascript, Agile, Qgis, GIS, SQL, Python, and Geo Database software and systems.
- Can problem solve with attention to detail and collaboration skills.
- Prior experience as a consultant.
- Familiar with datasets, scripting, and editing.
- Experience with relational databases.
- Comfortable surveying and developing a robust pipeline.
How much does a GIS Technician make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$59,099
/ yrGIS Technician Career Path
Learn how to become a GIS Technician, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
GIS Technician Insights
ERM“I believe the staff here really supports one another and you have the freedom to grow and strengthen your skill sets”
GPS Lands “Not sure whether it is a good place to stay for long term career development.”
SANDAG“My team is amazing and I have always been impressed by the professionalism and level of talent here.”
US Air Force“Flexible opportunity to serve your country as well as move forward in your civilian career.”
Geocentroid“Over time are not much appreciated 4. Pressure to work on regular/national holidays are next level 5. There's no work life balance.”
TomTom“My team mates are nice and cool to work with.”
GISKernel Technologies“The best thing I found in this company is the loyalty towards clients and openness towards employees.”
Axim Geospatial“I worked here nearly a year and a half and not once received a formal review nor a raise.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a GIS Technician
When working as a GIS Technician, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Python GIS, Surveying, GIS/Mapping, Python Scripting, and GeoDatabase.
- GIS Specialist
- GIS Manager
- GIS Technician
- Delivery Manager
The most common qualifications to become a GIS Technician include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.
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