GIS Planner

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW: Department of Planning & Codes
 
The Department of Planning and Codes implements a variety of regulatory and land-use planning functions at the local level. The department implements the goals and objectives of the County's Comprehensive Plan through the administration of the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Critical Area Ordinance, Floodplain Management, Stormwater Management and Forest Conservation Regulations. Its permits, licensing and inspection responsibilities include enforcement of the Building Code, Plumbing Code, Electrical Code, Minimum Livability Code, Salvage Yard Licensing and Alcoholic Beverage Licensing. The Department is also responsible for the administration and management of the Agricultural Land Preservation Program, Rural Legacy Program, County-wide Addressing Program, Census Data Distribution and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
 
 
DEFINITION:
 
The GIS Planner is a skilled technical position responsible for maintaining and operating the County's GIS data and mapping systems for land-use planning functions. This includes operating the GIS Server, ArcGIS Online (AGOL), ArcGIS  Enterprise,  and  related  spatial  data  catalogs.  The  GIS  Planner  develops  and updates  both  static  and  interactive  GIS  maps  for  the  Department  of  Planning  &  Codes and other County departments as necessary. This position may participate in the Maryland State Geographic Information Committee (MSGIC) and the Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative (ESRGC).
 
This position works in close collaboration with the County's GIS Administrator, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in GIS data management and mapping functions. The GIS Planner also coordinates with the IT team, vendors, and private contractors to support GIS-related initiatives. The GIS Planner operates with general supervision from the Director or their designee, with work reviewed periodically in progress and upon completion. Hours normally are scheduled to coincide with the County's business operations. The work environment is generally an office.
 
The role is Non-Exempt and eligible for overtime per the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS 
Under the Caroline County Personnel Rules & Regulations, the GIS Planner is designated as "Support." This means the employee is not required to report to work during emergencies including severe weather events. The position may be subject to "call back," to return to work to complete essential functions.
 
 
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION 
Performance will be evaluated periodically in accordance with the County's Personnel Rules and Regulations and guided by mutually agreed upon work goals established by the employee and the employee's supervisor. The normal probationary period is six months, however this may be extended
 
CAREER PATH 
Employees in this position may apply for other qualifying positions within County Government.
 
 
 
EXAMPLES OF WORK: 
 
The following examples are meant to be illustrative rather than comprehensive:
 

• Operate GIS software, including ArcGIS Pro and Arc Map, to develop and update maps for County departments.
• Operate the County's GIS Server, AGOL, Enterprise Portals, and spatial data catalog.
• Represent the County at ESRGC and other regional GIS committees.
• Collaborate with the IT team on GIS-related projects.
• Provide exceptional internal and external customer service.
• Prepare reports, spreadsheets, and presentations as needed.
• Support special assignments as required by the County.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

 
 
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 
 
Must have knowledge or experience in at least two of the following areas:
 

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Database administration
• Computer operations, including Microsoft Office and web-based applications 

 
Required Abilities:
 

1. Identify, evaluate, research, and document system issues, coordinating corrective actions with IT staff and vendors.
2. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, across all staff levels.
3. Apply problem-solving, decision-making, analytical, and organizational skills.
4. Recommend system and operational improvements.
5. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal and County regulations.
6. Prioritize and manage tasks to meet project goals and deadlines.
7. Train staff on GIS applications and equipment usage.
8. Develop and maintain GIS databases and records.
9. Establish and maintain effective working relationships while providing excellent customer service.
10. Assist with computer and equipment troubleshooting, coordinating vendor services when necessary.
11. Design, implement, and maintain spatial-enabled databases. 

 
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

The Employee in this position must be able to:

• Stand, walk, talk, and hear within normal ranges (hearing aids permitted).
• Read, analyze, and solve mathematical, analytical, and technical problems.
• Maintain visual acuity, with corrective lenses if needed.
• Proficiently operates a keyboard and mouse.
• Move freely between office spaces; occasionally climb, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally; up to 10 pounds frequently.
• Sit for extended periods (over one hour) as required. 

 
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: 

Bachelor's degree in GIS, geography, geology, computer science, surveying, or engineering.
At least one (1) year of GIS-related work experience is preferred. 
 
OR 

Associate's degree in GIS, computer science, data management, or a related field.
Three (3) or more years of GIS-related work experience required. 
 
 
REQUIRED LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: 
Valid driver's license. 
 
 
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 

Substance Abuse Test: Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Criminal Background Check: Must pass a Criminal Background Check as defined in Chapter 1 of the Caroline County Personnel Rules and Regulations.
Essential Functions: Must be able to perform the essential job functions listed unless accommodations are granted under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Driving Record: No more than four (4) points on record at the time of hire and throughout employment.
Personnel Rules and Regulations: Must comply with all applicable County policies, including the Substance Abuse Policy. 
 
 
DESIRABLE ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
 
 
Experience with:

• ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Model Builder
• Python, SQL, and Arcade scripting languages
• Spatial and non-spatial data collection, analysis, and management
• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Programming in JavaScript, Python, and SQL
• Basic knowledge of ArcGIS Server 

 

SALARY: $48,297.00 - $66,233.00 Annually
 
 
BENEFITS: Paid Leave & Holidays, Health, Dental & Vision Insurances, Defined Pension Plan, Deferred Compensation, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending & Dependent Accounts, Other Supplemental Benefits. See the job posting for a full list of benefits or contact the Human Resources Office for more information.
 
 
DEADLINE: Open Until Filled
 
 
HOW TO APPLY: Apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/carolinemd.Reach out to the Office of Human Resources with questions via email at hrposting@carolinemd.org or by phone at 410-479-4105.