San Mateo County

Description

The San Mateo County Information Services Department is seeking a well-qualified individual for the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst (IS Data Specialist I/II) position to join our dynamic GIS and Open Data Program team. This role is ideal for someone with a passion for GIS and its potential to drive innovation, enhance transparency, and promote equity in public sector decision-making. As a GIS Analyst, you will play a vital role in supporting the administration and operational excellence of the San Mateo County GIS & Open Data Program.

The GIS Analyst will also support administration, maintenance, and enhancement of the County’s Open Data program. This role involves collecting and maintaining GIS and tabular datasets, collaborating with departments to publish authoritative data, and ensuring public access to high-quality transparent datasets through the County’s Open Data portal. While experience with Open Data platforms and practices is preferred, it is not required. Also, please note that Open Data is not synonymous with Data Science; the focus is on data accessibility and transparency, rather than predictive modeling or advanced analytics.

In this role, you will be responsible for the entire GIS developmental life cycle, from data analysis and design to development, installation, and integration. Your work will include performing spatial analysis for special projects, responding promptly to customer inquiries, addressing service desk tickets, and collaborating on designing and monitoring programs and procedures for GIS users across the County.

This position offers a unique opportunity to apply your GIS analysis and database management skills while playing a key role in the continuous enhancement of San Mateo County's GIS capabilities. As a GIS Analyst, you will help ensure the smooth operation and optimization of the Enterprise GIS Database, directly supporting a variety of County initiatives and public sector decision-making processes. By joining our team, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the County's ability to leverage GIS technology for improved services and more informed decision-making.

The ideal candidate for the position will possess:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills to organize and facilitate meetings.
• Demonstrated ability to exhibit advanced proficiency in GIS software, encompassing data acquisition, analysis, and management.
• Experience working with Open Data platforms and principles, including data publishing, metadata standards, and promoting public data accessibility and transparency.
• Experience with geodatabase administration, including data creation, editing, versioning, schema design, and managing spatial data in enterprise geodatabase environments, such as Microsoft SQL Server.
• Proven experience effectively managing and integrating diverse geospatial datasets from various sources.
• Strong ability to apply spatial analysis and modeling techniques, utilizing spatial statistics, geo-statistics, Geo-AI, and network analysis to derive valuable insights from geographic data.
• Demonstrated expertise in cartography and visualization, showcasing the capability to create visually compelling and informative maps for effective communication.
• Familiarity with public datasets, including but not limited to the US Census, American Community Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and CDC health data.
• Extensive experience in using GIS, particularly proficient in ArcGIS Enterprise Portal and ArcGIS Online, and the ability to apply spatial analysis and modeling techniques.
• Advanced proficiency in GIS software, encompassing data acquisition, analysis, and management.
• Proven expertise in data visualization, skilled in tools like Microsoft Power BI, DOMO, Esri Insights, Esri Dashboard, and StoryMaps.
• Demonstrated experience working with APIs and familiarity with web development standards.
• In-depth knowledge of technologies used by the County, including ArcGIS, FME, R, and Python.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities, complemented by strong investigative and research skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and adaptability, keeping updated with the latest data analytics, visualization, and AI technologies.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs GIS analysis, including spatial data manipulation, integration, geoprocessing, and basic spatial modeling. Analyzes geographic data to identify patterns and trends.
• Manages and maintains GIS data, including data acquisition, cleansing, and quality control; ensures accuracy and consistency of datasets.
• Creates maps and cartographic products, designing clear and informative layouts and graphics to represent geospatial data visually.
• Assists in developing geodatabases to organize and manage spatial data. Helps create and manage feature classes, relationship classes, and domains.
• Uses GIS software effectively and assists in configuring tools to meet project requirements.
• Performs spatial analysis such as proximity and network analysis, applying basic techniques to derive insights from data.
• Creates interactive web maps, dashboards, and reports to clearly communicate spatial analysis results to stakeholders.
• Supports GIS projects, helping with planning, resource allocation, timeline management, and deliverables.
• Collaborates with teams and stakeholders to gather project data requirements and provide GIS expertise, communicating findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Assists with maintaining Enterprise GIS databases, making basic changes and upgrades as necessary.
• Troubleshoots database issues, manages system access, and monitors performance, resolving basic errors and failures.
• Provides technical support to GIS users, offering guidance and solutions to enhance user experience and data workflows.
• Supports assigned GIS projects, helping with tasks such as gathering requirements, working with vendors, testing, and providing technical support.
• Responds to GIS-related incidents, helping to ensure prompt resolution and clear communication with stakeholders.
• Collaborates with project managers and technical teams, ensuring standards and protocols are maintained and assisting with coordinating activities.
• Contributes to short- and long-term planning for GIS systems, offering recommendations to supervisors.
• Participates in reviewing vendor contracts, monitoring contract scope of work, and evaluating technical integrity.
• Researches and provides recommendations on tools and technologies related to GIS, assisting with implementation and system improvements.
• Maintains technical documentation and provides user training and best practice advice.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in management information systems, computer science, or a related field. Additional related experience may substitute for education requirement on a year-for-year basis, up to four (4) years.

IS Data Specialist II: Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in database management, equivalent to an IS Data Specialist I at the County of San Mateo, and specific to the specialty area assigned which includes logical and physical database administration; integration; business intelligence, analytics, and report scripting; and/or data quality and integrity.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Some positions may require the ability to pass a security background check.

Knowledge of:

• Various software packages, including word processing, spreadsheet, SQL database and database management, and reporting tools.
• Principles and practices of configuring and implementing system backup solutions.
• Principles and practices used in the operations, maintenance, repair, and administration of assigned systems and equipment.
• Basic data management theory, principles, and practices.
• Recent and ongoing developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned programs.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Customer service and telephone techniques.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with vendors and County staff.
• Specific (UNIX) procedures/commands related to Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) analysis and programming.
• Data management theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of services and programs.
• Technology, hardware and software, and current applications and practices related to data platforms such as GIS, Open Data, and Open Government.
• Techniques and methods of database system evaluation, implementation, and documentation.
• Troubleshooting, configuration, and installation techniques.
• The organization, operation, and functions of the department as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities and to determine appropriate points of escalation.
• Applicable regulatory relevant to assigned area of responsibility.

Skill/Ability to:

• Perform basic technical support functions for assigned responsibilities; troubleshoot problems and take appropriate action or escalate to appropriate staff as needed.
• Participate in design or process improvement sessions and provide sound recommendations and technical input.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve basic database problems and perform minor repairs.
• Install, configure, test, upgrade, and tune databases.
• Create and manipulate data layers within GIS.
• Create and manipulate visualizations of data and load data into the Open Data and Open Government portals.
• Use methods of ETL for data loads between disparate systems.
• Deal tactfully with the customers and staff in providing information, answering questions, and providing customer service.
• Respond to and effectively prioritize a high volume of phone calls and other requests for service.
• Learn and understand the department's organization, operation, and functions as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Learn, interpret, and apply applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Organize, maintain, and update records systems.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact and prudence within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Diagnose problems, perform remedial actions to correct problems, and/or recommend and determine solutions.
• Lead focus groups or working sessions to establish new processes or technical designs for improvement.
• Perform routine to complex functions in the installation, implementation, testing, and maintenance of a variety of database systems and other components.
• Implement a GIS program that includes effective database development, management, accessibility, and systems integration.
• Perform basic analyses of informational requirements and needs, identify problems, provide technical advice and consultation, and ensure efficient computer system utilization.
• Analyze data and recommend logical solutions to problems.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Physical Demands:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

Environmental Elements:

Employees work in an office environment with moderate levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff when providing database support services.

Application/Examination

Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing scores on this examination.

A supplemental application form must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. Resume or CV will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST

Application Screening: Monday, June 30, 2025

Panel Interviews: Thursday, July 10, 2025

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

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HR Analyst: Arlene Cahill (IS Data Specialist I/II - V272/V273)

We invite you to explore our Benefits-at-a-Glance (Download PDF reader) page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you’ll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.

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