Job DescriptionPerform a variety of entry to mid-level technical mapping using robust GIS software.  Prepare and maintain a complete and accurate set of maps for Cowlitz County using CAD and/or other mapping software for integration into a comprehensive GIS.  Process recorded conveyance (and other) instruments affecting real property, run out and verify legal descriptions, determine property ownership, and effect property segregations.  Review as-built and construction drawings and other information to create/update utility/improvement mapping.  Collaborate with staff and other departments, and provide information to the public regarding property mapping, real estate transfers, methods of acquiring titles, legal chain of title or legal descriptions, land area computations, utilities, and property tax law.  This position will have workstations in both departments (Building and Planning/GIS and Public Works) and will work 50% of the time in each office.

Benefits Information:
Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision  (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County
Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work.  Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts.  The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas. Job Duties

1. Perform technical work to build and revise maps essential to the work of the Department of Building & Planning and Public Works; interpret recorded and historical records and documents to reflect ownership, taxing districts, conveyances, acquisitions, combinations, divisions, locations and other issues relevant to cadastral and improvement mapping.  Use aerial photos, surveys, right-of-way drawings, maps and drafts (hard copy and computer data) to accurately build the comprehensive GIS map(s).
2. Perform coordinate geometry (COGO) work and other drafting duties using a variety of CAD and GIS software to build and maintain a comprehensive GIS map, and/or improvement map(s).
3. Maintain cartographic and tabular databases using a variety of GIS, CAD, and database software.
4. Correspond with the Assessor’s Office, surveyors, title companies, attorneys, other county offices and the public to resolve discrepancies in documentation/information related to cadastral and/or improvement mapping.
5. Research ownership and legal descriptions, and locate properties from deeds for public and office inquiries.  Trace real property chain of title through public records, courts, and other sources.  Provide information to the public and other county offices on mapping and segregations.
6. Perform field investigations of property descriptions and improvements as needed.
7. Assist with front counter customer service.
8. Attend and participate in staff meetings, skill improvement and training programs, conferences and seminars.   Present recommendations to improve department efficiency.

Other Duties:

1. Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

1. Associate degree in civil engineering or related field, and two year’s work experience directly related to GIS; OR, a combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform the duties of this job as determined by the employer.
2. One year of real estate, title company, or other experience dealing with legal conveyances, legal descriptions, and chain of title.
3. Working knowledge and experience in computer use and applications, including ESRI’s ArcMap software suite.
4. Working knowledge of government records, legal descriptions, deeds, and databases applicable to GIS functions.
5. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Supplemental InformationRequired Skills and Abilities:

1. Possess excellent interpersonal communication and customer service skills to courteously deal with the public and others requiring services, including the ability to handle disgruntled customers.  Develop and maintain effective working relations with staff, other departments, banks, title companies, surveyors, and local and state agencies.
2. Work well independently as well as in a cooperative and teamwork environment.  Be creative and resourceful using problem-solving skills.
3. Work well in a multi-tasking environment, while maintaining focus and successfully completing assignments in a timely and satisfactory manner as determined by the supervisor.
4. Skilled at effectively communicating and explaining processes and legal concepts to the public and other county employees.  Able to communicate in a professional business-like manner, both orally and in writing.  Maintain a professional appearance.
5. Possess a good understanding of the statutes and ordinances applicable to the functions of the department and be able to enforce them. Possess good research skills and be able to interpret maps and property legal descriptions.

Equipment or Tools:

1. Operate standard office equipment including fax, copier, scanner, multi-line phones, and printers.
2. Operate a personal computer and office applications software such as Word, Excel, and Access.
3. Operate cartographic and drafting equipment and software such as AutoCAD, SurvCADD, ArcMap, etc.