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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Geographic Technician

💰 $45,000 - $75,000

GISData AnalysisGeographyTechnologyMappingGeospatial

🎯 Role Definition

As a Geographic Technician, you will be the backbone of our geospatial data operations. You are a detail-obsessed professional responsible for the creation, maintenance, and quality control of the geographic data that underpins our organization's planning, analysis, and strategic initiatives. Working closely with GIS Analysts, engineers, and project managers, you will transform raw data into accurate, actionable intelligence. This role requires a blend of technical expertise in GIS software and a deep understanding of cartographic principles and spatial data structures. You will be instrumental in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of our spatial databases and producing high-quality maps and data products that communicate complex information clearly and effectively.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • GIS Intern / Co-op
  • Geography or Environmental Science Graduate
  • Data Entry Specialist (with geographic data experience)

Advancement To:

  • GIS Analyst
  • Senior Geographic Technician / GIS Specialist
  • Geospatial Developer
  • Cartographer

Lateral Moves:

  • Data Analyst
  • Urban Planning Assistant
  • Survey Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Create, edit, and maintain complex geospatial data layers, including vector (points, lines, polygons) and raster datasets, ensuring topological integrity and attribute accuracy.
  • Perform high-volume geocoding and reverse-geocoding of addresses and coordinates, validating results for precision and resolving unmatched records.
  • Produce high-quality, visually appealing cartographic products, including thematic maps, map series, and web maps for reports, presentations, and operational use, adhering to established cartographic standards.
  • Conduct thorough quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks on spatial and non-spatial data to identify and correct errors, inconsistencies, and omissions.
  • Digitize and compile geographic information from various sources such as aerial photography, satellite imagery, survey notes, and as-built engineering drawings.
  • Manage and organize geospatial data within an enterprise geodatabase (e.g., Esri SDE), including versioning, archiving, and metadata management.
  • Perform basic spatial analysis tasks, such as buffering, overlays, and proximity analysis, to support analytical queries and project requirements.
  • Convert geographic data between different formats and projections (e.g., CAD to GIS, KML, Shapefile, Geopackage) to ensure interoperability between systems.
  • Maintain and update comprehensive FGDC/ISO compliant metadata for all managed datasets to ensure data lineage, accuracy, and usability are well-documented.
  • Operate and maintain GPS hardware for field data collection, and process the collected data for integration into the central GIS database.
  • Utilize mobile data collection applications like ArcGIS Field Maps or Survey123 to configure forms, deploy to field crews, and manage incoming data.
  • Interpret and analyze legal descriptions, plat maps, and other land record documents to create and update parcel and right-of-way datasets.
  • Update and maintain critical infrastructure networks (e.g., utilities, transportation) within the GIS, reflecting real-world changes and construction projects.
  • Respond to internal and external map and data requests, packaging and delivering geographic information in a timely and professional manner.
  • Assist in the development and enforcement of data governance standards and best practices for data creation and maintenance.
  • Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to end-users of GIS applications, web maps, and data.
  • Automate repetitive data processing and map production tasks using scripting tools like Python or by building models in ArcGIS ModelBuilder.
  • Assist in the maintenance of GIS web services and applications published through platforms like ArcGIS Enterprise or ArcGIS Online.
  • Research and integrate new data sources from public and private entities to enrich the organization's existing geospatial datasets.
  • Prepare and format geographic data for use in various modeling and analysis software packages used by other departments.
  • Create and update reference documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for common GIS tasks and workflows.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by identifying opportunities for data quality improvement.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into technical specifications and engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data and technology teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • High proficiency with the Esri ArcGIS software suite, particularly ArcGIS Pro, for editing, analysis, and cartography.
  • Experience working with enterprise-level, multi-user geodatabases (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL/PostGIS) and an understanding of versioned editing.
  • Knowledge of scripting for automation using Python (especially the ArcPy library) and/or experience with ArcGIS ModelBuilder.
  • Familiarity with ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise for creating and managing web maps, dashboards, and mobile data collection apps (Field Maps, Survey123).
  • Solid understanding of core geospatial concepts, including map projections, coordinate systems, and data transformations.
  • Experience with GPS technology and field data collection techniques.
  • Competency in reading and interpreting engineering plans, survey plats, and legal descriptions.
  • Basic knowledge of SQL for querying relational databases.
  • Experience with raster data processing and analysis.
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD or other CAD software and the ability to convert CAD data to GIS formats.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a methodical approach to tasks to ensure the highest level of data accuracy.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills for troubleshooting data issues and solving spatial problems.
  • Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting work and collaborating with team members.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and as a collaborative member of a team.
  • A proactive and resourceful problem-solver with a strong desire to learn new technologies and techniques.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • An Associate's degree or a technical certificate in GIS, Geography, Geomatics, or a closely related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Geographic Information Science (GIS), Geography, Cartography, Computer Science, or a related environmental/engineering discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Geographic Information Science (GIS)
  • Geography & Cartography
  • Urban & Regional Planning
  • Environmental Science
  • Geomatics / Surveying
  • Computer Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of direct, hands-on experience in a role focused on GIS data editing, data management, and map production.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of experience, particularly within a utility, municipal government, or environmental consulting setting. Verifiable experience working within an Esri enterprise environment and contributing to large-scale data maintenance projects is a significant plus.
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