POSTING TYPE: Open, competitive
DEPARTMENT: Information Technology - GIS
HOURS: Full-time Mon-Fri
HIRING RANGE: $95,034- $106,913 /year (Grade 111)
SALARY RANGE: $95,034- $148,490 /year
LOCATION: Apple Valley - WSC
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 4/30/2024

The GIS Manager's role is to plan, coordinate, and supervise all activities related to the analysis, design, development, implementation, and maintenance of an enterprise Geographic Information System and associated professional services, databases and software applications. This individual will apply proven communication skills, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of best practices to guide the GIS team on issues related to geospatial mapping and analysis, as well as design, development and deployment of mission-critical GIS solutions. Work is performed under general supervision of the Chief Information Officer.

Who we are
Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellent public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Bachelor's Degree in Geographic Information Science, Geography, Computer Science or related field,
AND
8 years of comprehensive GIS related work experience in various aspects of implementing and maintaining geospatial databases and applications, and providing geospatial analytical services, especially with Esri software,
AND
3 years work experience managing technical teams.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required licenses and certification: none

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS BEYOND MINIMUM REQUIRED:
* Master's Degree in Geographic Information Science or related field.
* GISP Certification

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

Strategy & Planning:

1. Plan projects in accordance with the Information Technology Department's methodologies, standards, and guidelines.
2. Develop and maintain a GIS Strategic Plan that anticipates and incorporates changes in GIS technology, aligned with general IT strategies and infrastructure.
3. Participate in the development of IT strategies in collaboration with the executive team.
4. Promote the Information Technology Department's methodologies, standards, and guidelines to the GIS team and business users.
5. Ensure that GIS projects meet business requirements and goals, fulfill end-user requirements, and identify and resolve systems issues.
6. Review and analyze existing GIS effectiveness and efficiency, and develop strategies for improving or leveraging associated systems.
7. Cultivate and disseminate knowledge of GIS best practices.
8. Draft request-for-board actions (RBAs) and other documentation necessary for the organization's planned GIS projects.
9. Participate in the Information Technology department budget planning process and be responsible for GIS budgeting requirements.
10. Contribute to the Information Technology department's goals and objectives measurements.
11. Develop and maintain strategic collaborative relationships with Dakota County cities, Metro counties, the Metropolitan Council, MnGeo, and other related agencies.

1. Prepare RFPs, bid proposals, contracts, scope of work reports, purchase order requests, and other documentation for GIS projects and associated efforts.
2. Manage the development and deployment of new GIS applications, systems software, and/or enhancements to existing GIS software throughout the enterprise.
3. Research and make recommendations on software products and services in support of enterprise GIS efforts.
4. Coordinate feasibility studies for enterprise GIS software and GIS components of other system products under consideration for purchase, and give advice based on findings.
5. Ensure that any new software integration into County systems that include GIS integration or potential for GIS integration, meet functional requirements, system compliance, and interface specifications of the enterprise GIS.
6. Champion collaboration between GIS staff and IT analysts, designers, and system owners to integrate GIS into new software programs and applications.
7. Ensure that GIS applications are deployed in accordance with the Information Technology department's methodologies, standards, guidelines, and security controls.
8. Ensure appropriate training initiatives for new and existing staff.
9. Manage vendor/consultant relationships and contracts for all products and services within area of responsibility.

1. Manage and provide direction for the GIS team to ensure a high degree of teamwork and professionalism among staff.
2. Develop and manage corresponding formal collaborative agreements with outside agencies.
3. Manage acquisition of various GIS data and related services including aerial photography, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and any other data required to support the needs of GIS customers.
4. Manage the resolution of any software, database, and application issues related to GIS.
5. Provide technical leadership to the GIS team.
6. Manage the GIS team to provide enterprise GIS technical and analytical services to County staff.
7. Liaise with other IT Managers, network administrators and software engineers to assist with meeting GIS software and database requirements.
8. Cultivate, disseminate, and enforce functional policies, procedures, and quality assurance best practices.
9. Prepare, establish, and monitor GIS budget.
10. Meet the measurements for the Information Technology department's goals and objectives.
11. Recruit, select, develop, mentor, train, recognize, and evaluate the performance of staff.
12. Other duties as assigned.

• 8 years direct experience in GIS mapping and analysis, specifically related to Esri software, including ArcGIS, ArcGIS Server, ArcSDE, as it relates to a variety of GIS data structures including vector, raster, aerial photography, and topography. Experience must also include programming in multiple related environments including Python and Javascript.
• Proven experience in overseeing the direction, development, and implementation of GIS solutions.
• Hands-on experience with automated software and project management tools.
• Strong knowledge of GIS quality assurance best practices and methodologies.
• Experience with core applications of GIS in county government, including Survey, Transportation, Property and Assessing, Code Enforcement, Public Safety, Public Health, and Social Services.
• Knowledge of web programming languages and techniques as they apply to developing GIS applications.
• Excellent project management skills and/or substantial exposure to project-based work structures, project lifecycle models, etc.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience of GIS data modeling, spatial database design and data management techniques.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience applying the principles of cartography and spatial analysis.
• Excellent understanding of the organization's goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws.

• Strong customer-service orientation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate ideas in both technical and user-friendly language.
• Ability to conduct research into GIS issues and products.
• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks