Job Description: GIS Technician – Local Government

Briefly describe a typical day:
A typical day includes assisting planners, engineers & other staff in their GIS needs like mapping, analysis etc.

How do you use GIS to help your company?
Using GIS helps staff to become more efficient in performing their day to day tasks. We build in-house applications to automate parcel query information, support them in their mapping needs for presentation.

GIS software used:
ArcInfo, ArcView

What skills do you need to be successful in your position?
Proficiency in the use of the GIS software, understanding the basics of GIS. Knowledge of the native scripting language and other advance functionality of the software.

What do you particularly enjoy about your position?
The ability to support different departments in their GIS needs.

What don’t you like about your position?
Nothing.

How did you get started in GIS?:
Was hired by a Japanese firm to do on-the-job training in digitizing using ArcInfo back in 1988. Knowledge of GIS wasn’t actually required.

How did you find out about your current position?:
Answered an add in a local newspaper.

What parting words of advice to you have?:
Experience is your best teacher when it comes to GIS…

Submitted March 19, 2001.