Geographic Information System (GIS) Technician

General Description


The District:
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Corporate Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

The Position

Under supervision, performs a variety of skilled duties using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools for the creation of GIS facilities, various District maps, diagrams, exhibits, and supports the District's geographic internet based and mobile solutions.

*This position will be 100% in-office.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey-level classification in the GIS series. Incumbents are required to have a fundamental knowledge of Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) based products, conversion tools, and functionalities. Work is performed with direct supervision and a moderate degree of independence. Assignments are increasingly difficult and complex, requiring analytical work based on experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodation, so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Generates high-quality cartographic and thematic maps, dashboards, and Story Maps; provides spatial analysis and presentations for requesting departments, internal meetings, or Board of Directors meetings.
  
• Demonstrates proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS Pro, including data conversion tools between CAS and GIS, functionality, and knowledge of utility network features for water, wastewater, and recycled systems.
  
• Reads and interprets civil engineering plans and specifications to maintain a database of District water, recycled, and wastewater infrastructure according to District GIS standards.
  
• Gathers, verifies, inputs, edits, maintains, and updates collected field attributes, tabular, and spatial data; maintains data integrity and performs quality assurance on data entities and attributes for Capital/Development plans.
  
• Utilizes GPS equipment and mobile GIS applications such as ArcGIS Field Maps to collect, verify, and resolve accuracy issues for District assets in the field.
  
• Develops and maintains interactive dashboards, GIS applications, and Story Maps for District projects and operations.
  
• Maintains and updates development/capital plans submitted through Plan Check using the District's Record Management system and adheres to the Record Retention policy.
  
• Performs engineering improvement plan research for the public and staff.
  
• Demonstrates working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS Online, and other GIS-related tools.
  
• Complies with District work-related safety practices and attends relevant safety training.
  
• Responsible for all other work-related duties as assigned.
  

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Minimum 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:

• Associate degree in Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Geoscience, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
  

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of work experience in a GIS related field.
  

License/Certifications:

• Valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License.
  

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of GIS and project management
• GIS Applications, including mobile GIS apps (Field Maps, Survey123), Story Maps and Dashboards
• Utility network data models and best practices for water and wastewater systems
• Data conversion and maintenance
• Python Scripting
• Standard engineering terminology, symbols, and mathematics.
• AI and Machine Learning
• Drones and Remote Sensing technologies
• Business Intelligence tools (Power BI)
• District safety policies and procedures

Ability to:

• Ability to Explain, demonstrate, and clarify GIS workflows and processes.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Understand and work with mathematical concepts including statistics and the fundamentals of algebra and geometry.
• Effectively use MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Visio) and web-based GIS software packages (Map Library, Plan check, Mapplet, Field Mapplet) to perform the job.
• Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.
• Collaborate well with others to solve problems and actively incorporate input from various sources.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. This may involve repetitive hand movements for extended periods. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Occasional standing is required, such as when presenting. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requiring clear speech and hearing. Occasional travel may be required to other worksites or conferences for meetings, training, or other work-related activities. The job may require sustained concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain. The employee should be able to manage work-related stress in a fast-paced environment.

These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for March 10, 2025) : will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Elgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: 2/25/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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