GIS Technician

WHO WE ARE:

Marathon County in Northcentral Wisconsin is a great place to live, work, visit and conduct business. Our county government is highly regarded and contributes to a high quality of life by:

• ensuring public safety;
• protecting natural resources;
• preparing for emergency and disaster responses;
• protecting vulnerable populations;
• creating and maintaining a high quality infrastructure for transportation; and
• providing education and fostering economic development

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a full-time position in the Treasurer’s Office located in the Marathon County Courthouse. Normal hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with a half hour unpaid lunch.

This is a technical computer mapping position of considerable complexity in the Property Division of the Treasurer’s Office. Work involves preparing and updating a variety of maps and plats, primarily from legal descriptions, existing certified surveys, and portions of existing maps using a computerized drafting system. Work is performed in accordance with departmental procedures or through instructions received and in accordance with accepted drafting techniques. Independent judgment is exercised in applying technical knowledge to work performed. Work is originated from recorded documents received from the Register of Deeds Office which change legal descriptions of property, and by the Lead Property Lister or Treasurer in upgrading former maps. Much work is self-initiated based upon department workflow.

QUALIFICATIONS:

One-year full-time work experience with automated mapping, preferably supplemented by college courses in geography, cartography, drafting or other related area; OR an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field including exposure to automated mapping; OR any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

The following duties are typical for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Operates computer assisted mapping hardware and software in generating maps as part of the geographic information system.  Assists in evaluating mapping programs and computer mapping technologies.
• Develops and maintains maps of townships, sections within townships, locations and names of roads, locations of properties, connections of properties, and showing other similar information, drawing primarily from information obtained from surveys, existing maps or plats, and recorded legal descriptions.  Work is done using a computerized drafting system using ESRI ArcGIS.
• Research information relating to property dimensions, property locations, location and type of existing surveying monuments, and similar information.
• Updates existing maps and plats as necessary based on new information received.
• Plots lots and subdivisions on base maps; draws or redraws plats to conform with survey findings.
• Analyzes and evaluates researched data for computer data entry.
• Assists with tax parcel updating.
• Maintains quality control on the digitizing of maps which may be performed by others.
• Provides exceptional customer service, including researching and providing answers to customers’ questions or providing appropriate information sources.
• Develops solutions to work issues that add value for our customers.
• Assists with tax collection during peak times throughout the year.  Balances cash drawers as needed.
• Participates in establishing professional development goals that are supportive of broader County goals.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance, works extra hours as required.
• Performs related work as required.

ADDITIONAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members. However, the person in this position may occasionally be asked to:

• Serve on county or other community committees to promote cooperation and improve services to County residents.
• Assist in parcel mapping and other mapping efforts as needed.
• Perform other related functions as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of automated mapping techniques; skill in operating an automated mapping system including computer workstations, digitizers, plotters, and printers.
• Knowledge and skill of geospatial technology, principles, and software including experience using Esri software (ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Extensions) including tools, databases, and resources such as: Shapefiles, and Geodatabases.
• Skill using coordinate geometry (COGO) and data topology preferred. Knowledge and ability to understand Parcel Legal Descriptions and the PLSS System.
• Knowledge and skills using data topology rules.
• Knowledge of surveying methods and terminology.
• Ability to read legal descriptions and apply information when drawing maps.
• Ability to discriminate between subtle shades of different colors.
• Ability to work and explain legal descriptions and maps with a variety of individuals including property owners, realtors, surveyors, abstractors, and other County staff.
• Skill in accurately processing tax collections and balancing cash drawers.
• Maintains effective working relationships with the public, other employees, and local and state agencies and municipalities.
• Ability to work independently most of the time, with limited supervision, adhering to departmental procedures/process to complete work. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions accurately.
• Ability to occasionally work in team environment to set goals, objectives, build consensus, and meet deadlines, while working with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict.
• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Understands the County’s and department’s mission, core values, plans, and priorities for the future.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.