Geospatial Data Specialist w/ Metro (pdx)

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oregonmetro/jobs/4173623/geospatial-data-specialist

Position summaryMetro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today and tomorrow. We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits program. Learn more about the benefits Metro offers. 
 
Metro, a regional government in Portland, OR serves the nearly 1.7 million people of the region by providing services for land use and transportation planning, housing and homeless services, GIS and research, natural areas, parks and trails, solid waste and recycling and visitor venues like the Oregon Convention Center and Oregon Zoo.
   
Data plays an important role in understanding and guiding policies, programs and decisions that our community members make; great data informs great decisions. In recognition of this, Metro’s Data Resource Center (DRC) collaborates with local partners to develop and deliver the Regional Land Information System (RLIS). RLIS provides nearly 200 layers of spatial data that support strategic decision-making for governments, businesses, and organizations across our region. RLIS is a valuable public asset which promotes data accessibility and informs our choices and decisions.

The Geospatial Data Specialist is a member of the data team, a dedicated group of GIS data and infrastructure specialists who support RLIS. The data team is part of DRC, which is housed within Metro’s Planning, Development, and Research Department. As the Geospatial Data Specialist, you will have a varied portfolio that will allow you to build close working relationships with the DRC’s other teams (analytics and applications) and other data and technology specialists across Metro.  
 
If this sounds like you – someone who wants to work with a supportive team of spatial data specialists to maintain and improve RLIS, help the community benefit from it, and launch a meaningful career in geospatial data technology – then we invite you to apply.
 
As the Geospatial Data Specialist, you will:

• Utilize Esri software to develop, edit, analyze, and publish RLIS data as well as standard and custom maps and reports for Metro staff, partner agencies and the public in a team-oriented production environment.
• Provide technical support and answer questions from the public, data partners and internal clients in-person, over the telephone, or through email.
• Coordinate with RLIS partners who contribute data to RLIS.
• Create, edit and run automation and quality assurance scripts (i.e., Python, ArcPy, ModelBuilder).
• Update metadata, develop and document processes, and follow quality control routines.
• Provide back-up assistance to other staff who supply maps, aerial photography, and mapping services.
• Manage small projects; provide tracking and coordination support for larger projects.
• Effectively collaborate with other agency staff on projects.
• Assist with support of RLIS users and Metro GIS users.

 
Attributes for success:

• Experience with maps, mapping terms and related software.
• Experience with the Esri ArcGIS software suite, including ArcGIS Online.
• Experience editing data using Esri ArcGIS desktop software.
• Experience with scripting languages (particularly Python).
• Experience performing quality control procedures and maintaining metadata.
• Experience providing customer service, training, or technical support.
• Some experience with summarizing complex information through visualizations.
• Some experience working with data from a variety of sources or in a variety of formats. 
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with a varied clientele.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Basic knowledge of relational databases and SQL.

 
Diversity and inclusion:  At Metro, we’re committed to hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We invest in employees by supporting equitable and inclusive hiring practices, employee policies and training programs.
 
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
 
Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Land Use Planning, Geography, Computer Science, Economics or a related field, and
• One year of related experience; or
• We will consider any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

 
Remote work: The DRC supports a flexible, hybrid work environment. Many of our staff work from home most of the time, but we also gather in the office for some meetings and events. Residency in Oregon or Washington is a requirement for employment.​