GIS Administrator

Job Description:

GIS Administrator

Description

Description

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.
Plans, oversees, leads, and participates in the development, design, analysis, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the City’s Enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS) to support citywide information needs. Provides GIS support and professional assistance to City staff in the development and use of GIS technology.
This is an advanced journey-level classification within the Information Technology Department, responsible for managing the City’s GIS operations. Incumbents perform GIS systems administration and oversight. This classification differs from the lower-level GIS Systems Analyst / Programmer classification by its lead responsibilities, more complex duties, and higher scope of work performed.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

• Plans, leads, and participates in the development of GIS systems, infrastructure, and applications to support City operations.
• Designs, develops, installs, and maintains GIS applications, scripts, tools, and utilities.
• Administers, assigns, participates in, monitors, and inspects citywide GIS work.
• Designs, develops, implements, and maintains GIS software applications and integrations.
• Manages and leads GIS projects.
• Trains and serves as lead to professional and technical staff.
• Develops GIS data standards and program policies.
• Maintains data dictionaries, metadata, and data repositories.
• Evaluates GIS operations and recommends process improvements.
• Collaborates with users, consultants, technical staff, and vendors to meet specialized mapping requests, data analysis needs, and GIS application requirements.
• Administers GIS contracts, including software, hardware, and imagery purchases.
• Assists in preparing Requests for Proposals (RFP), evaluates bid submissions, and supports vendor contract administration.
• Monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets.
• Assists in resolving complex GIS hardware and software issues.
• Establishes and maintains GIS databases to support spatial and coded data infrastructures for City initiatives and operations.
• Creates and manages spatial databases, including addresses, street names, zoning designations, annexations, parcel information, and administrative boundaries.
• Updates and maintains GIS data for use across departments.
• Designs and maintains intranet and internet-based maps and applications.
• Performs and manages geospatial data preparation and analysis.
• Develops and delivers technical training for staff and management.
• Prepares and presents reports, presentations, and other communications.
• Responds to end user, developer, and contractor inquiries regarding GIS applications.
• Produces digital and hardcopy cartographic products, including reports, maps, and atlases.
• Stays informed of evolving GIS technologies and evaluates the application for City needs.
• Supports organizational, departmental, and divisional goals and objectives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications may be met via an equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions. Experience and education must provide the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible, professional level experience in planning, designing, developing, installing, and implementing an enterprise GIS.
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in GIS, computer science, information systems, or a closely related field.
Special Requirements:

• Possession and retention of a valid driver’s license, or alternative transportation that meets operational needs.
• Must be willing and able to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed, and in response to emergency calls or system issues.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of:

• GIS database management, analysis, and design methodologies.
• GIS tools, development practices, and analytical techniques.
• Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations relevant to public sector GIS.
• Principles of database design and administration.
• Cartographic standards and methods.
• Operating systems and architectures related to enterprise information systems.
• GIS systems administration, including installation, configuration, analysis, and troubleshooting.
• Principles and practices of public administration.
• Research and methodologies.
• Project and contract management.
• Lead principles and practices.
• Data security and integrity best practices.
• Records management principles.
• Modern office practices and equipment.

Skill in:

• Collecting and converting data for GIS applications.
• Using GIS and related software, including ESRI ArcGIS, Microsoft Office, MS SQL Server, and relevant hardware.
• Problem-solving in technical and administrative contexts.

Ability to:

• Oversee, coordinate, lead, and participate in GIS programs and activities.
• Identify GIS-related challenges and opportunities.
• Draw conclusions and make effective recommendations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex GIS issues.
• Utilize GIS tools to design and produce complex maps and reports.
• Implement and monitor GIS processes and controls.
• Manage GIS resources to align with City goals.
• Prepare technical documentation.
• Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Analyze user requirements and develop tailored solutions.
• Make informed decisions within established rules, policies, and procedures.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Analyze and interpret complex data and files.
• Effectively train and lead others.
• Administer agreements and contracts.
• Maintain accurate records in compliance with retention requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, the public, contractors, vendors, and those contacted in the scope of work.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Received: Receives general direction from the Information Technology Applications Manager and other management staff.
• Exercised: Provides functional and technical lead oversight to professional and technical staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS Environmental Conditions: Work is typically performed in an office setting, with occasional field work and travel to different sites. Incumbents may be exposed to fumes, odors and smells, loud and noisy conditions, indoor and outdoor lighting, dirt and dust, wind and pollen, and variable weather conditions.
Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in office and field settings; operate motor vehicles or use alternative transportation that meets operational needs; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally climb, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, and walk; lift and carry up to twenty (20) pounds unassisted; push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight unassisted; use of hand coordination and dexterity to grasp and manipulate objects; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including the use of a computer keyboard; utilize sight, hearing, speaking, reading, writing, and math ability to exchange information; see with normal vision and visual range, with or without correction; and hear in the normal audio range, with or without correction.

Selection Process

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for Thursday , 01/08/26 ) : (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.

The examination will be based on a review of the application materials submitted and will include an assessment of training, experience and performance with the City of Santa Ana. Applicants must pass this review in order to be placed on the eligible list.

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation

Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

Summary of Benefits

(under SEIU)

NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.

Closing Date/Time: 12/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$94,560.00 - $126,744.00 Annually