Starting salary rate  is at Step 1 ($5,129/month) for full time positions. The full salary range for this position is $5,129/month – $6,245/month.

This recruitment process will create a register that will be used to fill anticipated vacancies. There is currently one full time vacancy in Public Works. The Civil Service Eligibility Register will remain in effect for six months. This position is represented by a union.

NATURE OF WORK:

Performs a variety of technical office and field duties updating, maintaining and analyzing the Department’s Geographic Information System (GIS) and utility infrastructure data using GIS, database and information management applications. Coordinates and performs research and field data collection of infrastructure location, structural and condition information. Provides queries and analysis on infrastructure, maintenance, condition, replacement and management data and develops reports, maps and presentations for use by internal and external customers. Performs technical updates and contributes content to the City’s web pages and city-wide GIS internet and intranet pages. Assists in developing and defining GIS and data collection standards; data quality and cartographic standards; and work unit procedures and schedules. Assists in the design, creation and maintenance of GIS data networks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs accurate and timely updates to the Department’s and/or City’s GIS files and data management records. Map infrastructure by interpreting plans, legal descriptions, aerial photos, and record drawings. Assists in developing procedures and schedules to attain mapping and data management goals.
2. Performs quality control on GIS data sets by developing, running and reviewing quality control reports on spatial integrity and attribute consistency. Performs quality control checks between GIS datasets and other Department business systems such as maintenance management, utility modeling, utility billing, customer service, project tracking and infrastructure inspection systems to ensure integrated system data consistency.
3. Assists in the development of GIS and data collection standards to ensure uniformity and compatibility between the utility management systems and the GIS. May perform field collection of infrastructure location, structure and condition information. Records information into database systems and GIS mapping layers.
4. Researches and evaluates infrastructure and utility information and provides technical information and assistance to City personnel and the public. Initiates contact with City personnel, private utilities, engineering firms and the public to verify infrastructure and utility information, resolve problems, and exchanges information to ensure accuracy of GIS mapping and infrastructure data. Utilizes the GIS, AutoCAD and a variety of database applications to analyze data to provide custom mapping solutions to meet multi-departmental needs.
5. Performs analysis procedures for spatial and non-spatial data to generate statistical, condition and maintenance reports, and technical maps for departments City-wide. Determines nature of information to be queried, analysis methods and reporting format.
6. Prepares effective presentation of information using appropriate cartographic elements and media output. Creates output such as presentation maps, map books, graphs and publications using GIS and presentation software and related equipment. Presents and explains information to City staff and the public.
7. Trains and supports City staff in the use and applications of GIS information, data viewing software, departmental database management and associated information.
8. Develop and maintain data quality, cartographic standards, and best practices for GIS utility layers. Assists defining GIS standards as related to base mapping layers, database structures and City-wide cartography and mapping standards.
9. Performs technical updates and contributes content to the City’s web pages and city-wide GIS internet and intranet pages.
10. Assists in the design, creation and maintenance of GIS data networks.
11. Assists in the documentation of the GIS databases (metadata), procedures and business data interfaces.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

1. Assists other City departments with GIS mapping and analysis as needed.
2. Trains and provides input and feedback on the work of new and temporary staff members.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is primarily performed in an office setting, and requires sitting and working for extended periods in front of a computer terminal. Some positions may also perform field work outdoors on uneven terrain, exposing employee to inclement weather, noise, fumes, construction environment, and traffic hazards. Employees are required to use appropriate safety equipment and follow standard safety practices.

Physical ability to perform essential functions of the job:

• Adequate hearing, correctable vision, and manual dexterity.
• Ability to occasionally lift light weight (10-15 lbs.).
• Ability to perform extensive walking tasks (average of 2-6 miles per day), drive, and accurately perform condition rating tasks in all weather conditions for extended periods of time throughout the service area.

Experience and Training

• An AA degree in engineering, GIS technology or other relevant degree that includes coursework in surveying cartography and GIS theory and applications;

AND

• Four years of GIS or CAD mapping work experience in a relevant field;
• Two years of experience reading, interpreting and/or drafting CAD or GIS plans.

A combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the required knowledge, skills and abilities, will be considered.Necessary Special Requirements

• Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving record. A three-year driving abstract must be submitted at the time of hire.
• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal conviction and local background check.

Selection Process**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**

1. Applications are initially reviewed for minimum qualifications and a standard degree of completeness. Candidates must provide specific, detailed information so an initial determination can be made regarding your level of qualifications for this position. This includes completing all application fields and supplemental materials. If you do not provide adequate responses in your application materials to determine qualifications, the application will be rejected as “incomplete application”. Applicant status will be updated on or around July 31, 2019.
2. The applicants that meet minimum qualifications will go through a Supplemental Question Review. Relevancy of your experience and training, together with composition, grammar, spelling and punctuation will be considered when evaluating responses. Provide as much detail as you believe will fully describe your experience and training. Resumes and work experience listed on the application will not substitute for responses to the Supplemental Questions. Applicant status will be updated on or around August 9, 2019.
3. The top six (6) scoring candidates from the Supplemental Question Review will be invited to participate in an Oral Board Interview, tentatively scheduled for August 19, 2019.
4. Candidates will be notified via email of Final Scores & Ranks. The final ranking of the register will be based on total scores for the following: Supplemental Question Review (40%) and Oral Board Interview (60%).

The final candidates will be referred to the department for additional assessment.

The Civil Service Eligibility Register will remain in effect for 6 months, or longer as established by the Civil Service Commission at a later date.

Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently.

Equal Opportunity:
Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not discriminate or make decisions on the basis of an individual’s race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.
• The City will not inquire about an applicant’s criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.