GIS / Data Analyst (Lake Tahoe, NV)

Organization: Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Title: GIS / Data Analyst (Long-Term Contract)
Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Application Deadline: 2016-08-12
Posted: 2016-07-25
Position Description:
TAHOE REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY
JOB TITLE: GIS/Data Analyst
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Research & Analysis, Information Systems Program Manager
DIRECT REPORTS: None
GRADE LEVEL: 6

SALARY RANGE: $17.63 per hour - $20.45 per hour

CONTRACT TERM: 10 to12 Month Contract (determined by Hire Date), which may be extended depending on funding availability and program needs. The position has funding through June 30, 2017.

This position includes benefits and participation in TRPA's retirement plan.

THE TAHOE REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA)—created in 1969 by a Compact between the states of Nevada and California, then ratified by the U.S. Congress—protects and restores the environment of Lake Tahoe. The Agency is the nation’s first and oldest bi-state regional environmental authority, a one of a kind organization -- not purely federal, state, or local, but a unique hybrid organization -- and a vital avenue working at the crossroad of private and public interests to protect and restore Lake Tahoe, its environment, and its communities for generations to come.

The Bi-State Agency is charged with regional planning, development and redevelopment oversight, implementation of environmental protections, and restoration programs for the Region. TRPA has both planning authority and the land use regulatory authority to back up, implement, and enforce regional-scale plans. Agency executives, managers, and employees are responsible to lead programs that weave together science, policy, public and private financial investment, and collaborative partnerships as foundations critical to Lake Tahoe’s long-term preservation. Agency staff functions at the complex intersection of environmental protection, land use planning, and real estate development in a highly sensitive environment. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE GIS/DATA ANALYST
Acting under the direction of the TRPA Information Systems Program Manager, the primary responsibility of the GIS/Data Analyst is to assist with cartography and data analysis, creation, and maintenance. This position will also be responsible for assisting with the organization, maintenance and analysis of geographic data using ArcGIS.

Additional tasks may include data collection, processing, and uploading, implementing data quality control, assisting with Agency data and reporting needs, and developing customized reports. 

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GIS/DATA ANALYST ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Create, edit, maintain, and organize geographic and tabular data.
• Identify, analyze, interpret and summarize trends or patterns in large complex datasets.
• Create high-quality products, maps and data visualizations.
• Assist in the creation of presentation materials, annual or quarterly publications and custom reports.
• Assist in the creation, editing, standardization, and maintenance of GIS data, including the digitization and geo-rectification of old paper maps and spatial calculations/ data queries.
• Assist with data entry, data processing, QA/QC and data uploading. Experience with automating these tasks is preferred.
• May act as lead or help others on project or program team.
• Interpret somewhat complex rules/guidelines/policies in making decisions.
• Handle sensitive data with the strictest confidence and in accordance with regulatory requirements and data sharing agreements.
• Collaborate with internal GIS users, external partners and local jurisdictions as needed.
• Perform geoprocessing, prepare and execute queries in spatial and non-spatial databases.
• Develop and execute data analysis to effectively analyze the implications of proposed land use policy provisions and projects. 
• Document methods and metadata thoroughly to ensure knowledge is retained. 
• Implement TRPA GIS protocols and electronic file organization standards. 
• Familiarity with scientific methods.

GIS/DATA ANALYST REQUIREMENTS
Education/Training and Experience 
This position requires a BA or BS in geography, planning, environmental science, natural resources management or related field and 0-3 years relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of education (e.g. associate’s degree) and experience.


Required Knowledge and Skills
• Strong problem solving skills, critical thinking and initiative.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and relay complex information to internal and external customers in an understandable fashion.
• Strong skills in cartographic design, analytical geography, database design and management, programming, project management, and communication.
• Experience with Spatial Analyst, ESRI products, and Global Positioning System data collection.
• Proficiency in database management: create, edit, update, join, append and query data from spatial and non-spatial relational databases.
• Highly Proficient with ArcGIS Desktop 10.x.
• Highly Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint. 
• Outstanding oral and written communication and time management skills. 

Desired Knowledge and Skills
• Working knowledge of Tahoe-specific environmental issues and TRPA programs is highly desirable
• Familiarity with SQL, including the ability to migrate, backup, restore, and/or analyze database performance, perform server installations or upgrades, manage users and security settings.
• Knowledge and experience with Python scripting is preferred
• Experience with statistics and statistical/analytical software 
• Knowledge of the best available GIS data and efficient methods for compiling available resources
• Ability to work independently and work in groups.
• Ability to see “the Big Picture” and contribute to TRPA’s strategic priorities.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Communication
Communicates well both verbally and in writing. Uses appropriate formal style of business and technical writing (avoids jargon, shorthand, or colloquialisms common in informal speech but inappropriate in written text); submits quality, proofread written documents (no typographical errors), and clearly organizes and expresses ideas. Participates in and comes prepared for meetings, shares information and ideas with others. Delivers well-prepared presentations and has the ability to clearly communicate ideas to others in a variety of situations.

Efficiency and Effectiveness
Takes initiative and can self-motivate. Manages workload, handles information flow, prioritizes tasks, and never says, “It’s not my job." Develops good work procedures, manages time well and keeps information organized and accessible. Incorporates state of the art business practices to accomplish results, and can identify and eliminate operational redundancies.

Internal and External Customer Service
Handles customer questions and complaints, communicates with customers, willingly takes on service problems politely and efficiently, says "Yes, and here's how," maintains and communicates a solution-oriented perspective and is readily available for customers and ensures commitments are met. Fosters understanding of Agency guidelines and services, maintains a pleasant and professional image.

Problem Solving and Solution Seeking 
Recognizes problems as a member of an integrated decision making team. Systematically gathers information, breaks down problems and complex issues into smaller components. Demonstrates an understanding of underlying issues and the difference between critical details and unimportant facts. Uses good judgment.

Relationship and Partnership Building
Demonstrates good listening and interpersonal skills, demonstrates empathy (the ability to put oneself into another's shoes). Builds strong relationships and communicates effectively with a variety of constituents inside and outside of the Agency. Demonstrates flexibility and open-mindedness, solicits performance feedback, and values and handles constructive criticism of both self and Agency. Is a positive ambassador of the Agency at all times.

Strategic Plan Implementation Focus
Accepts assigned roles and responsibilities. Monitors own project progress. Consistently delivers on milestones and action items on schedule and within budget. Effectively uses associated technology tools to track progress and to own accountability. Can course correct for continual improvement based on new information (Plan, Do, Check, Act).

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT
• Office work environment and equipment.
• Bending, Stooping, Carrying, Sitting for long periods.
• Lifting of up to 40 pounds.
• Using office equipment, computer, telephone, etc.
• Off-site meetings.
• Driving.


AGENCY BENEFITS

Agency benefits include up to four weeks of Paid Time off (PTO); 12 paid holidays; paid base
plan for employee only medical, dental, and vision insurance, Short Term Disability, and Basic Life and AD&D Insurance; immediate vesting in the Agency retirement plan.


APPLICATION PROCESS
Please visit our website at http://www.trpa.org/about-trpa/employment/ to read more about our Agency and to complete an employment application through our Career Center.

Submit a completed employment application along with a cover letter describing your interest in the position and a resume of your qualifications.

RECRUITMENT COMMUNICATION: Human Resources may contact you at various stages of the recruitment process if you meet the qualifications for the position. This contact will be via email only, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for the delivery of your application materials. Please make sure your email address is accurate. We do not accept walk-in or hand delivered application materials.

If you chose to mail your application materials to our offices, please send them addressed to the Recruiting Team – Human Resources – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, PO Box 5310. Stateline NV 89449. We do not accept applicant calls regarding open, pending, or closed positions.