GIS Specialist

Are you an analytical problem-solver with a passion for GIS and public service? Apply today to be the GIS Specialist for the City of Arcata!

3% Salary increase scheduled for July 2026.

Please note: Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 5th.

The City currently pays the majority of the medical coverage premium for employees and their dependents and 100% of the premium for dental and vision coverage. The City also offers a $400/month health insurance opt-out option, if applicable. Additionally, vacation accrual increases with service; immediate City contribution to deferred compensation, increasing with service; longevity pay, etc. See more in the “Benefits” tab.

• Creates, edits, updates and maintains digital mapping programs, using GIS hardware and software; creates, edits, maintains and manipulates GIS associated databases.
• Assists with the maintenance of the City’s Geographical Information Systems (GIS), databases/datasets, and related applications with focus on underground utility infrastructure including water, sewer, stormwater, and irrigation assets.
• Designs, develops and implements GIS applications; prepares procedures for appropriate integration of applications with other databases; evaluates effectiveness and recommends needed changes.
• Leads integration of City’s GIS system and Asset Management software, Cartegraph, with collaboration from Environmental Services, Engineering and Finance staff members.
• Ensures workflows between departments for timely documentation of infrastructure project as-builts in the GIS system.
• Conducts GIS spatial analyses focused on underground infrastructure including ensuring continuity between financial utility billing information with infrastructure on the ground.
• Assesses City’s utility infrastructure data deficiencies and prioritizes those data gathering needs.
• Produces a wide variety of computerized maps, graphic maps, diagrams, exhibits and displays, reports, data extracts, statistics, and other data for use by users; develops and maintains citywide base maps; creates and updates infrastructure map layers and map books; creates and assists in the maintenance of map services for posting to the City’s internet map server.
• Conducts spatial overlay analysis, map coverage queries, and produces a wide variety of reports required for City projects; researches and complies data for special projects, as directed; plots digital cartographic map products; conducts conversion operations on data in multiple digital formats.
• Performs data collection for the GIS system in the field, utilizing Global Positioning System (GPS) related hardware and processes and integrates the information into the GIS system.
• Performs routine data management and quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) processes to ensure GIS data accuracy, integrity and completeness, including data validation and correction, and GIS queries and edits.
• Coordinates the design and enforcement of GIS standards and operating procedures.
• Responds to inquiries and requests from City departments and the general public, regarding the City’s GIS.
• Provides technical directions to staff and users on GIS applications; provides custom user interfaces of GIS applications.
• Maintains excellent working relationships with and communications with multiple departments and divisions.
• Participates in the development and training for GIS users in the department and other City departments.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

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:

• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in GIS, geography, computer science, or a related field; and at least two (2) years progressively responsible experience using ArcGIS or related GIS applications, preferably in a public sector environment with focus on municipal infrastructure; and at least one (1) year of programming experience.
• Experience in a related relevant field can be substituted for the educational…