Position summary”Great data informs great decisions.” Metro, a regional government in Portland, OR works with communities, businesses and residents in the Portland metropolitan area to chart a wise course for the future while protecting the things we love about this place. Metro serves the 1.5 million people of the region by providing services for land use, development and transportation planning, GIS and research, natural areas, parks and trails, solid waste and recycling and visitor venues like the Oregon Zoo. The work and decisions made by Metro are supported by the Regional Land Information System (RLIS). RLIS consists of 100s of data layers that consume terabytes of disk space that is used by a range of analysts and applications.

The Geospatial Data Specialist performs a variety of geospatial data tasks. This is an entry-level position, and we are looking for someone who is familiar with the development and maintenance of data and wants to grow their career. The position will focus on creating, maintaining and improving various datasets that are part of Metro’s enterprise data in RLIS.  This person will work on a small team, with a technical lead, but may also work directly with geospatial developers to deliver applications that help both Metro staff and the public. Supervision is provided by the Research Center Enterprise Services Manager.

This position also supports other Metro departments, local jurisdictions, and the general public with GIS products and analyses. If this sounds like you – someone who wants to take a job on and make it their own, while branching out and working as part of an interdisciplinary team – this is the job for you.

At Metro, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.

Application Requirements
1) Electronic application, 2) answers to supplemental questions, 3) a resume 4) and a cover letter describing your qualifications as they relate to the duties of this position. 

Essential Job DutiesAn employee in this position must be able to perform all the essential job duties listed below with or without reasonable accommodation; however, this list is not intended to include all of the specific tasks which an employee in this position may be expected to perform.

• Utilizes Esri software to develop, edit, analyze and publish RLIS data.
• Create, edit and run automation and quality assurance scripts (i.e. Python, ArcPy, ModelBuilder).
• Coordinate with RLIS partners who contribute data to RLIS.
• Maintain RLIS vector and raster geospatial data sets.
• Updates metadata, document procedures and follows quality control routines.
• Exchanges data and responds to requests from RLIS data partners and clients.
• Develops and documents technical processes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

This position is represented by AFSCME 3580 and is classified as an Assistant GIS Specialist. (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.Minimum RequirementsA Bachelor’s degree in geography, engineering, computer science, urban planning or a related field. Applicants should have with major course work in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and one year of work experience in GIS and computer experience; OR any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Direct experience editing using Esri ArcGIS software.
• Direct experience performing quality control procedures and maintaining metadata.
• Direct experience with scripting languages (particularly Python).
• Direct experience with transportation network analysis and maintenance.
• Direct experience in technical documentation.
• Some experience working in a workflow-driven environment.
• Some experience with summarizing complex information through visualizations.
• Some experience with compiling and normalizing data from varied sources.
• Basic knowledge of relational databases.
• Basic knowledge of Master Data Management.
• Basic knowledge of working in a tiered server environment.

Additional InformationOnline applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources at 503-797-1570.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans’ preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Criminal background check: In order to protect the well-being of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro may conduct criminal background checks on candidates selected for Metro positions. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case by case basis. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources prior to the initiation of a background check.

Equal employment opportunity:  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law.  Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer