City of Madison
Location:
Madison, WI
Type:
Full Time
Posted:
05/30/2025
Deadline to Apply:
06/08/2025
Payrate:
$70,899.40 - $83,478.98 Annually
More Information:
GIS Specialist 1
The City of Madison Planning Division is hiring a Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist 1
Are you interested in supporting efforts to improve GIS data and mapping that help inform decision making and investment in a dynamic city?
This position is responsible for entry-level professional work in the development, maintenance and application of the Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development’s (DPCED) geographic information system. The work involves database development and maintenance activities, and utilizing the system to meet related information needs. Under the general supervision of a Principal Planner, and in coordination with the Division’s GIS Specialist 3, responsibilities include: updating and maintaining geographic databases; developing specialized databases and sources of information; conducting technical analyses; and developing a wide array of mapping-related resources that effectively convey information to a wide variety of interested parties. Specific database and mapping activities pertain to: the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Area Plans, various programs and policies, requirements and other factors that shape development, development activity, administrative data, and demographic/socioeconomic data. The City’s GIS Specialists provide leadership in the use of data and GIS to support the provision of City services and inform City decision-making, with an emphasis on racial equity and social justice.
This progression series is structured to provide advancement from GIS Specialist 1 to GIS Specialist 2 and GIS Specialist 2 to GIS Specialist 3, as a function of the employee’s career development.
Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.
Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and maintain databases/map layers
- Assist in developing and maintaining databases/map layers, such as the Zoning layer and land use plan recommendations, and to reflect development activity and changes to City services.
- Utilize automated tools to process datasets and generate reports and maps. These can include tools built into ESRI software such as geocoding a dataset, as well as scripting languages such as Python or R.
- Create metadata and workflow documentation.
Develop maps, reports and analyses
- Assist in developing and maintaining static and (ArcGIS) online mapping resources related to city initiatives, development requirements, and to obtain feedback from the community.
- Assist with compiling data for Results Madison and other initiatives.
- Fulfill other data and mapping requests as needed.
- Assist with compiling property and address information for required notifications and project outreach.
Support other Planning Division and City initiatives.
Perform other related work as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of professional experience in applying the following:
- Development, maintenance and application of GIS.
- Computer software applicable to the duties of the position, including ESRI ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, and Microsoft applications.
Familiarity with the following:
- Project management techniques, practices, and principles.
- General principles of cartography for static and online maps.
- General principles of how databases Relational Database Management System (RDMS) work including joins and relates.
- Data collection and management.
OR
- Bachelor’s degree in GIS, geography, computer science, planning, engineering or a closely related field, in which GIS was a component of the program.
The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to effectively work with multicultural communities.
For a complete list of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, please see the class specification.
Special Requirements
Ability to meet the transportation needs of the position
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand or sit at computer workstation and desk for long hours.
- Ability to use standard office equipment, including computer, phone, copier, etc.