GIS Specialist

SUMMARY. Maintains the Geographic Information System (GIS) and uses the associated software packages and operating systems (including ESRI, NISC CIS, NISC ABS, NISC OMS, NISC Vault, NISC Service, NISC Financials, NISC Mapping and Staking and AutoCAD) to insure that the electrical system drawings, engineering model, associated databases, connectivity and geographical backgrounds are accurate and current.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintains an intimate knowledge of GIS and associated software packages and operating systems to insure that all updates and corrections are done in a timely manner to provide electrical facility, geographical, and land base information for all departments that is accurate and current.
• Insures that all diagrams, drawings, and reports generated from the GIS and associated software packages are provided to others as needed in a timely manner.
• Performs all work required in the GIS area to insure that information relating to the service order and work order processes is properly entered into the GIS, accounting and information systems.
• Assists in the preparation of system planning and operational studies by providing the consulting engineers with an updated electric distribution system model to be used in performing engineering analyses and incorporating the results into the engineering software.
• Uses the GIS and associated software packages to maintain all pertinent size, type, assembly, configuration, joint use and maintenance data on electrical distribution system poles, lines and equipment and generates related reports as needed.
• Maintains knowledge of RUS specifications for overhead and underground construction as well as various types of electrical distribution equipment. Maintains knowledge of electrical distribution systems in order to determine the direction of feed, open points and phasing.
• Stays abreast of changes that affect the electric system model (such as new construction, line conversions, maintenance programs, switching operations, phase changes, etc.) by reviewing the Long Range Engineering Plan, Construction Work Plan, Annual Work Plan, work order activity, and corresponding with appropriate personnel.
• Stays abreast of changes that affect the geographical and land base information including but not limited to highways, roads, lakes, rivers, creeks, wetlands, city limits, town limits, district lines, tax districts, service territories, easements, board districts, property lines, and developments by corresponding with the appropriate personnel and outside agencies.
• Coordinates the importing and exporting of data to and from the GIS and associated software packages to facilitate the sharing of information with SD One Call, SD Public Utilities Commission, county governments, cities, towns, developers, police departments, fire departments, and other utilities as needed.
• Works in conjunction with the appropriate departments, personnel, and vendors to insure that all computer software and hardware used for mapping is maintained and upgraded as needed.
• Keeps informed regarding trends and developments in area of responsibility. Participates in seminars, training programs, and trade meetings.
• Makes recommendations to the GIS Services Supervisor related to operations and engineering aspects, equipment, and needs. Reports irregularities and abnormalities in the GIS in a timely manner.
• Assists with the training of GIS and associated software packages in order to help define needs and develop additional applications.
• Possesses a good command of the English language.

COMPETENCIES. To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Technical Skills. Pursues training and development opportunities, strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.

Customer Service. Responds to requests for service and assistance, meets commitments. 

Interpersonal Skills. Maintains confidentiality, remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

Oral Communication. Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, responds well to questions.

Written Communication. Writes clearly and informatively, presents numerical data effectively, able to read, and interpret written information.

Teamwork. Contributes to building a positive team spirit.

Quality Management. Looks for ways to improve and promote quality, demonstrates accuracy, and thoroughness.

Cost Consciousness. Conserves organizational resources.

Ethics. Treats people with respect, keeps commitments, inspires the trust of others, works with integrity and ethically, upholds organizational values.

Organizational Support. Follows policies and procedures, completes administrative tasks correctly and on time.

Motivation. Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles.

Planning/Organizing. Prioritizes and plans work activities and uses time efficiently. 

Professionalism. Accepts responsibility for own actions and follows through on commitments. 

Quality. Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, looks for ways to improve and promote quality, monitors own work to ensure quality.

Quantity. Completes work in timely manner.

Safety and Security. Observes safety and security procedures, uses equipment and materials properly.

Adaptability. Manages competing demands.

Attendance/Punctuality. Is consistently at work and on time, ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.

Detail/Oriented. Pays close attention to details.

Dependability. Keeps commitments and commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.

Initiative. Volunteers readily, undertakes self-development activities, seeks increased responsibilities, asks for and offers help when needed.

QUALIFICATIONS. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience. A degree in Geographical Information Systems, Cartography, Mapping or related field; or four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional education or training related to computer-aided design and/or automated mapping and the fundamentals of electricity is desirable.

Language Skills. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Reasoning Ability. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills. Knowledge of the applicable GIS and associated software packages, Microsoft suite of software packages and any other software packages specific to the duties and responsibilities of this position, such as the Cooperative’s accounting and customer service software packages.

Other Skills and Abilities. Knowledge of RUS specifications for overhead and underground construction, the National Electrical Safety Code, OSHA regulations and local and state codes. Knowledge of distribution system and service area along with the various types of electrical distribution equipment in use.

Physical Demands. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

EEO & ADA ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. The Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Cooperative will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

DISCLAIMER. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties.