GIS Technician

Job Purpose:

Responsible for efficient operation, implementation, and maintenance of the cooperative’s Geographical Information System (GIS). Shall provide necessary data, drawings, and assistance to aid in the planning, design, analysis, installation, and maintenance of the cooperative’s electric distribution system. Will assist with IT responsibilities and dispatching as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Continually assist in the maintenance of the Cooperative’s Geographical Information System (GIS) by obtaining, updating, and implementing all information pertaining to: 
  • The electric distribution system that is provided by engineering and operations through staking sheets and various other reports. 
  • Transportation and land-use such as roadways, waterways, and state, county, township, city, and individual property boundaries. 
  • Development of data to assist plant department in the management of current and future programs and processes. 
• Obtains and implements computer programs to facilitate report writing, and to better utilize existing information contained in the mapping system.
• Responds as necessary to requests from field personnel requiring information and support. 
• Works with consultants, on an as needed basis, to maintain and improve mapping.
• Proficiently operates a personal computer, plotter, printer, and copy machine. Efficiently uses Windows based software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office applications (Access, Excel and Word).
• Support the systems and programs including, but not limited to, trunked radio communications, Automated Vehicle Location (AVL), GIS, ESRI ARCMap, Outage Management System (OMS), National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), networking, telecommunications and security. 
• Assists with in-house upgrades and installation projects, and coordinates technical support and equipment supply with vendors. 
• Provides training for system users on applications and equipment as required.
• Maintain confidentiality on sensitive Cooperative information. 
• Assists in the preparation of system planning and operational studies (such as construction work plans, long range plans, and sectionalizing studies) by providing the system engineer(s) with an updated electric distribution system model to be used in performing engineering analyzes (such as unbalanced voltage drop, fault current, and protective device coordination) and incorporating the results of these analyses into the cooperative’s Geographical Information System (GIS).  
• Assists in providing all pertinent Geographical Information System (GIS) data, drawings, and assistance to external engineering firms and/or governmental agencies for use in a regional geographic information system (GIS). 
• Provides necessary Geographical Information System (GIS) data, drawings, and assistance required by employees to aid in the planning, design, analysis, installation, and maintenance of the electric distribution system.  
• Recommends to the GIS Supervisor where improved efficiencies for the networking, usability, and operation of Geographical Information System (GIS) technology and related hardware and software may exist. 
• Assists in the maintenance of department files pertaining to electric distribution system equipment.  
• Keeps informed on the cooperative’s policies, plans, programs, and rates. Attends safety meetings, training, and other employee meetings as required. Uses safe working procedures and looks out for the safety of others. Shall be trained in and familiar with the safety related work practices, safety procedures and other safety requirements in the cooperative’s safety manual that pertain to their respective job assignments. Employee shall have a fundamental knowledge of basic first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, safe driving responsibilities, and emergency Mayday procedures. 
• Practices proper traffic procedures and complies with all traffic laws, rules, and regulations while operating a cooperative vehicle. 
• Cares for and maintains all cooperative assigned equipment and supplies. 
• Occasionally answers telephone calls, responds appropriately to the inquiries, routes the call to the appropriate person, and takes an accurate telephone call message if necessary. Dispatches crews via 2-way radio. 
• This list of responsibilities is not intended to be all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties that the supervisor deems necessary.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in related field or an Associate’s Degree with 3-5 years related GIS and/or electrical utility experience preferred. Must possess valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of using computer systems, which may include setting up and using hardware and software programs, entering data or processing information. A working knowledge of state-ofthe-art computer software and telecommunications systems. A basic understanding of programming and of technological advances in computer hardware and software, server software, and databases.

Ability to train employees in using computer hardware and software. Ability to analyze and troubleshoot computer networks and personal computers is preferred. Must be able to communicate to individuals and groups. Must be able to read, write and do arithmetic. Requires analyzing data and reports, conducting research, and coordinating people and resources. Skills in prioritizing work, procedures and goals required. Use of computer, copier, printer, calculator and other office equipment required.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch/stoop/squat, lift and push, twist upper body, bend, reach and stretch. Requires good finger dexterity and ability to perform close work. Occasionally duties may be performed outside with exposure to weather extremes. Job may require work outside of normal business hours.