GIS Jobs Clearinghouse: Job Detail

Job Detail

Organization: City of Cottonwood
Title: Utility GIS Technician
Location: Cottonwood, AZ, USA

Posted: 2025-04-01
Application Deadline: 2025-04-23

Position Description:

Under general supervision of the Utility Engineer, responsible for developing, operating
and maintaining the GIS system for water and wastewater utilities. Responsible for GIS program planning,
coordination, GIS mapping, database management and application development. Performs drawings,
location of buried utilities, routine and complex technical related work in the areas of water, wastewater,
distribution and collection system components and utilities facilities in the office and in the field. Actively
supports the City of Cottonwood’s mission, goals, objectives and strategies and promotes them within the
utility. Exhibits personal and professional integrity at all times consistent with the organization’s mission,
vision and values.

CLASSIFICATION: This is a non-exempt, full-time, classified position with full benefits.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may
include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY,
and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this classification.

TASKS:
Develop plans and procedures for the use of GIS to meet the needs of utilities.
Develop, implement, operate and maintain a GIS system using ESRI 10.x or newer products for the water
and wastewater utility.
Perform planning, development and administration of GIS data sets; to include development of databases
and applications for record, database management, manipulation and data entry.
Works with other departments and governmental offices in developing and maintaining GIS databases
and maps.
Acts as administrator of the GIS based asset management software used by the utility department and
acts as liaison with the Asset management consultant
Works in conjunction with outside firms that have completed previous utility GIS mapping to incorporate
into a master database with accurate layering of water and wastewater assets.
Creates, manipulates and edits Cottonwood spatial data as obtained from various sources including CAD
drawings, GPS data, as-built drawings, historical paper maps and hand-written schematics or survey
notes.
Serves as a working project manager for GIS projects and/or works as a high-level GIS and data
specialist for application design, task automation, spatial/tabular data processing, cartographic
production/digital mapping, data management, data collection and data entry.
Works with other department-specific GIS users and City departments to address GIS support, Quality
Assurance and Quality Control.
Works with other City GIS users to determine general scope and objectives, specific requirements, and
strategies for successful completion of projects compatible with a City-wide GIS system.
Generates hard copy specialty maps and GIS data requests as needed.
Provides accurate, prompt, knowledgeable and courteous support with regard to GIS problems or
information requests.
Manages short or long-term projects from inception through implementation and evaluation.
Accurately and promptly completes projects within the prescribed time frame.
Assists in developing and maintaining internal GIS standards and controls in compliance with the city’s
policies and procedures.
Performs quality control reviews; ensures the technical integrity of data, the accurate input/coding of data,
and the spatial accuracy of data; utilizes spatial coordinate geometry to verify the input of GPS survey
data.
Works closely with the Cottonwood IT Department to maintain GIS software licensing and to ensure the
smooth functioning of the GIS from a technical standpoint.
Communicates effectively and professionally through written correspondence and oral communication
and ability to convey GIS/spatial information to non-GIS/technical people clearly.
Interacts effectively with other local cities, towns counties, state and federal agencies.
Prepares technical documentation including data specifications, user requirements, training materials and
protocols and procedures.
Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in the field of GIS.
Actively supports and upholds the City’s stated mission and values, including being open for business and
providing excellent customer service that is externally focused.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:
 Knowledge of geography and various methods and references common to GIS applications, such
as coordinate systems, coordinate geometry (COGO), topology, mapping and cartographic
standards.
 Advanced knowledge of industry standard GIS software and technology and of the development of
web-based software.
 Knowledge of GIS programming languages and application development.
 Knowledge of relational database technologies (SQL Server or Oracle).
 Demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in cartography, spatial analysis, geospatial data
editing and use of ArcGIS Desktop 10.x, ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
 Knowledge of ArcGIS Server and supporting software which includes GIS application development
programming languages (.NET, Visual Basic, Python, JavaScript, HTML, etc.) or other
programming languages, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Excel, and Access.
 Skill in utilizing Microsoft Software Suite.
 Ability to become familiar with pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations.
 Ability to perform responsible and difficult project assignments involving the use of independent
judgment and personal initiative.
 Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with associates, employees of
other departments, representatives of other organizations, County officials, and the public.
 Ability to work in organized team efforts.
 Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both oral and written.
 Ability to effectively read, write, and speak the English language
 Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of mangers, clients,
customers and the general public.
 Ability to use statistical and spatial analysis tools to interpret geographic data.
 Ability to write reports, technical summaries, memorandums, training guides and procedure
manuals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work involved in this classification includes periods of walking, sitting,
keyboarding and telephone use. The employee is frequently required to talk and hear to communicate
effectively on the telephone, in person, or in writing. The employee is often required to have mobility from
one office to another; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands
and arms, climb or balance; and stoop, crouch, and kneel. Specific vision abilities required include
distinguishing color and adjusting focus. Some moderate lifting of 25-30 pounds may be required. Traveling
may be required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university
with major course work in geographic information systems, geography, computer science and computer
mapping. Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the use and operation of GIS or an
equivalent combination of education and experience that sufficiently demonstrates the ability to perform
the duties of the position. Must successfully complete comprehensive background check. Must have or be
able to obtain upon employment a valid AZ driver’s license. Must be able to obtain a Grade 1 Water
Distribution or Wastewater Collections certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
within one year of being employed.

To apply, please visit: https://cottonwoodaz.criterionhcm.com/jobs/409/1/#1132