IT Database & GIS Specialist

Job Summary:

The IT Database and GIS Analyst oversees the MPRB’s GIS and SQL database resources and development. This position will lead and coordinate with other GIS roles at the MPRB to ensure a common direction. This position provides technical expertise and ensures consistent delivery of database analysis, design, reporting, implementation and maintenance of the database systems. Furthermore, this position monitors system performance and capacity and takes appropriate corrective action within the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. This work is accomplished by exhibiting cultural proficiency through meeting the needs and interests of diverse communities.

Duties:

SQL Database Duties:

• Plan, implement, monitor, and support SQL Databases in a Microsoft SQL environment.
• Implement data security, access, distribution and retention of SQL Database information.
• Diligently monitor/improve database performance and capacity and perform database optimization tuning at regular intervals.
• Responsible for the overall database design, data analysis, data modeling and optimization strategy.
• Extract and interpret data, analyzing results using statistical techniques and provide ongoing reports.
• Lead cross-departmental teams to identify data and reporting needs for the organization.  Provide data, to support organizational efforts.
• Ensure the consistent delivery of the development and implementation of data analyses, data collection systems and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality across the organization.
• Identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets.  Provide metrics and updates to management as required.
• Migrate data from one database to another including integrations between disparate systems.
• Work with the City of Minneapolis and other third parties to share or incorporate data as required.
• Establish database and naming standards as they relate to database operations.
• Work with the Infrastructure and Operations team to ensure that database have adequate infrastructure to perform optimally.
• Write and schedule automated reports, jobs, and queries to support the business.

 GIS Database Duties:

• Work within the Infrastructure and Operations Business Unit within the Information Technology Services Department to effectively maintain and support GIS geodatabases and desktop applications.
• Organize and lead at GIS steering committee to help standardize and coordinate GIS efforts throughout the organization.
• Successfully design, create, configure and manage GIS geodatabases and other information system databases.
• Efficiently perform geospatial data processing/ETL and publishing of data into enterprise geodatabases.
• Replicate, synchronize, backup, and restore enterprise geodatabases and SQL databases.
• Develop scripts (Python), perform complex analysis, design, develop and support geodatabases.
• Effectively understand and manage a variety of department-specific and organization-wide data, using GIS databases and other technological methods.
• Utilizing industry best practices, develop and follow GIS database standards for content, format, design and maintenance procedures and maintain quality control of data sets.
• Work with internal clients to determine scope and needs for information systems on GIS related projects.
• Work with external entities such as the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County to establish shared layers and ensure that MPRB is utilizing up to date information.
• Use expertise to effectively troubleshoot GIS and databases related issues.
• Consistently address all GIS, databases, hardware or software and performance related issues.

Other Essential Duties:

• Promptly communicate with IT Management and/or designee regarding any significant issues or matters of concern.
• Support organizational Information Technology initiatives while delivering excellent customer service to MPRB GIS users throughout the organization.
• Ensure vendors meet contractual obligations and service level agreements with MPRB.
• Establish positive relationships with software vendors; work with vendors on contract negotiations, support contracts, implementation efforts, and support escalations.
• Ensure vendors meet contractual obligations and service level agreements with MPRB.
• Track and maintain GIS and Database software licensing to ensure compliance.
• Receive and respond efficiently to incoming calls, messages, e-mails, and trouble tickets regarding GIS and Database support issues.
• Ensure security protocols and policies are followed in the deployment and ongoing use of software applications.
• Provide effective customer service to ensure satisfactory and high quality resolution of customer support requests based on professional expertise.
• Recommend improvements for the efficient operation and support of MPRB technology and processes based on professional expertise, industry best practices and MPRB organizational needs.
• Develop and maintain customer-facing documentation reflecting the current standards for support of software and applications in use at the Park Board.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
•  Resource Center Duties (up to 10%)

1. Work collaboratively or independently on overflow tasks and problems not able to be solved by other ITS staff.
2. Participate in on-call rotation during evenings and weekends as defined by the on-call policy.
3. Assist other ITS staff with installation, configuration, or resolution of client application issues.
4. Research and utilize manufacturers, websites, vendor contacts, technical catalogs and documentation to diagnose and resolve problems and to make technical recommendations to IT Management.
5. Effectively troubleshoot hardware, software, or network connectivity issues to ensure technical resources are available for MPRB staff.

Related Work:

• Participate in GIS and database related budget planning.
• Plan for future expansion requirements and for the development, administration, deployment, and maintenance of custom geospatial applications.
• Represent Information Technology Services on task forces to provide direction and guidance in evaluating databases and database applications.
• Efficiently monitor and automate data archival process and perform routine data recover requests.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve recruitment, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Keep supervisor promptly informed on matters as they relate to the business unit, department and MPRB.
• Effectively work to foster a positive work environment and organizational climate among co-workers within the IT Department and throughout the MPRB by eliminating barriers to achieving results, taking advantage of available resources and developing short and long-range plans.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Create a healthy, safe, respectful work environment for Park Board employees, customers, and the public.
• Adhere to all MPRB policies, procedures, and work/safety rules.
• Foster and demonstrate effective relationship building in a collaborative environment including working across department and division lines and forming partnerships for better access and services; eliminate barriers to achieving results; take full advantage of available resources.
• Establish and maintain effective, respectful, and productive working relationships with a diverse customer base and in a diverse work environment.
• Negotiate and meet deadlines and prioritize issues, identifying which issues require immediate attention and taking effective and appropriate action based on that determination.
• Assist MPRB staff in achieving measurable outcomes that are in alignment with underserved and under-represented community driven concerns and quality of life issues.
• Remain current in industry best practices and apply knowledge to best serve the MPRB.
• Perform related work as assigned and adapting daily work to the changing needs of the park system.
• Respond effectively and in a timely manner to administrative requests.
• Serve actively on MPRB committees to ensure that safety, maintenance, planning and recreation services complement and support each other in addressing community interests, issues and needs, and are in alignment with the mission, vision, values, goals and objectives of the MPRB.
• Keep the department director promptly informed of matters as they relate to the unit, department and MPRB.

Qualifications:

Training and Experience (position requirements at entry)

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, software engineering, GIS, or related field.

 OR

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in an unrelated field and 3 years equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline.

OR

• Associates Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Information Technology, software engineering, GIS and at least five (5) years of experience related to the discipline.

OR

• Associates Degree from an accredited college or university in an unrelated field and equivalent combination of education and seven (7) years of experience related to the discipline.

AND

• A minimum of three (3) years of GIS support experience (Preferably with ESRI desktop software ArcGIS, ArcMAP, and ArcCatalog).
• A minimum of three (3) years of Experience with administration of Microsoft SQL Server.
• Familiarity with web development using JavaScript and ASP.NET.
• Familiarity with Python Scripting as it relates to GIS and Geodatabases.

Knowledge of (position requirements at entry)

• GIS principles, uses and applications.  (Preferably with ESRI platform suite of tools and server software.)
• GIS and geospatial database support experience.
• Microsoft SQL and/or other SQL based database administration.
• SQL Scripting and / or TSQL scripting knowledge.
• Experience with Python scripting as it relates to GIS.
• Ability to create mapping, imagery and data services.
• End user support and training data analysis, data modeling, web service creation, application testing and troubleshooting and database optimization.
• Strong database administration and SQL skills.
• Backup and restore processes in SQL Databases.
• Good understanding of IT/Database standards, techniques, processes, and procedures.
• Cultural competence in engaging people from diverse communities.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Minnesota Human Rights Act, including the application to MPRB programs, services and activities.
• Outstanding customer service principles and practices and standards for a diverse customer base.

 Skills and Ability to: (position requirements at entry)

• Lead and provide documentation for other system users.
• Coordinate with others to standardize and move towards a common direction for both the GIS and Database systems.
• Possess strong communication skills, effective time-management and efficiently organize priorities to meet deadlines.
• Lead and participate in steering committees and workgroups with a focus on GIS and Database activities and standardization.
• Lead, Coordinate and participate in RFP efforts for software related to GIS and Database needs.
• Utilize a variety of data sources, applications, and programs to collect, analyze, and identify potential information of interest.
• Research, acquire, ingest, catalog, query and disseminate geographic data to end users.
• Set appropriate priorities while coordinating multiple tasks/projects and meeting critical deadlines.
• Work independently and be self-motivated to accomplish both routine tasks and emergency or special projects as required.
• Understand standards techniques, processes and procedures
• Learn new concepts quickly, retain large amounts of information, and adapt to a changing work environment.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Successfully serving as a database administrator (DBA) and possess background in the use of geodatabase creation, editing and management.
• Foster and demonstrate effective relationship building in a collaborative environment including working across department lines and forming partnerships that foster better community services; eliminate barriers to achieving results; take full advantage of available resources; and provide input in the development of service area and department short and long-term plans.
• Demonstrate a full understanding of – and respect for – the diversity of the community, co-workers, and management, including individuals with disabilities or whose first language may not be English.
• Provide both oral and written communication that is easily understood and direct in its content.
• Approach situation analysis and problem solving through the lens of racial equity.
• Thoroughly evaluate program alternatives and make recommendations for improvements.
• Understand and follow work rules, policies and procedures.
• Listen effectively to understand thoroughly the intended message.
• Negotiate effective and appropriate solutions to difficult conflicts.
• Negotiate and meet deadlines and prioritize issues, identifying which issues require immediate attention and taking effective and appropriate action based on that determination.
• Solve problems and effectively handle work related issues; maintain confidentiality in work-related matters. Perform database administration tasks such as performing backups and restores, creating users, configuration and tuning and diagnostic tracing.

Applications may be filed online at: http://www.minneapolisparks.org