City of Springfield, Oregon: GIS Database Administrator

This is a class specification and not an individualized job description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list every duty for a given position in a classification.

Representation: OPEU	FSLA: Exempt
Job Code: 018372	Grade/Range: 126

General Summary of Duties

Under the general supervision of the GIS Program Supervisor develops and maintains the database functionality behind the City’s AM/FM/GIS* applications; provides database administration and programming support to application developers and produces applications for AM/FM/GIS staff as needed. Integrates local and regional database management systems and supports citywide database administration needs that pertain to integration with spatial databases.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The GIS Database Administrator position works with minimal direction to perform advanced, complex GIS and related database design and analysis. The work is performed under the direction of the GIS Program Supervisor, but leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The position makes critical decisions in developing and integrating spatial technologies, designing spatial databases and developing GIS deployment strategies. This position is required to maintain advanced technical knowledge in current applications and theory and maintain skill in the use of developmental tools. The position may be called upon to provide technical support to GIS Technicians.

The GIS Database Administrator is distinguished from the GIS Technician in that incumbents in the Administrator class set up databases while those in the latter class are responsible for inputting the data records .The GIS Database Administrator is further distinguished from the Technician position in that it is a unique technical position that demands extensive technical background in the development and integration of spatial technologies. The GIS Database Administrator position is distinguished from the GIS Program Supervisor in that the latter position is responsible for supervising professional and technical staff with overall responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the City’s geospatial data and the delivery of appropriate products suitable for use by all City departments.

Supervision Received and Exercised: Works under the direction of the GIS Supervisor. No supervisory responsibility.

*Glossary of terms attached

Essential Job Functions: Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks, which may be found in positions of this class.

· Performs system administration functions as required including but, not limited to, software installation and upgrades, user account administration, file security, performance monitoring and trouble shooting;

· Acts as the primary technical lead person for the City’s spatial information systems;

· Prepares test data, conducts detailed program tests, and organizes parallel system tests according to structured application development process and accepted industry Best Management Practices (BMP’s);

· Performs programming for interface design and implementation projects using high level languages such as, but not limited to, Spatial Data Manager SESQL (Spatially Extended SQL), Spatial Data Modeler scripting, GML, C++, Transact SQL, CFML, Visual Basic, as well as other protocols and languages such as but not limited to ODBC, HTML, Javascript, VBscript; and participates in the process of determining which high level languages are to be selected for use.

· Performs conceptual and physical data modeling for AM/FM/GIS applications, Citywide GIS applications, and regional design projects; this includes but is not limited to test of concept and implementation using CASE tools;

· Responsible for daily maintenance of City’s GIS databases including AM/FM/GIS enterprise SQLServer spatial databases and Microsoft Access databases supporting various applications; maintenance activities to include adding new user accounts, managing data sources (pointers to external data sources like RLID), updating lists of valid values, data imports and exports, altering data structures, restoring databases from backup files, etc.

· Designs and builds custom routines to export and import complex data structures between applications to support the City’s data requirements including but not limited to reverse engineering, modifying, normalizing, warehousing data and overall tuning of data structures to optimize performance and increase quality control and quality assurance;

· Responds to requests from AM/FM/GIS and IT staff to write custom scripts to reduce redundant tasks and increase efficiency;

· Designs and develops protocols and routines to standardize engineering/design activities and facilitate data flow between work groups within the department; supports development of standards for receipt of external data;

· Provides software support to include installation and configuration of new AM/FM/GIS software as well as the diagnosis and resolution of complex problems that occur after installation;

· Provides training to department staff to include but not limited to the following areas: system administration, applications development and structured techniques in the deployment of advanced technologies;

· Serves as a member of regional committees that require specialized technical expertise, examples currently include, Transportation Sub-Committee, Technology Sub-Committee, ArcGIS Migration Team, as well as substitutes for Program Supervisor on other regional committees as required.

· Performs research to keep current with industry technology standards for software and hardware requirements;

· Provides technical assistance in the form of concept testing and programming to divisions within Public Works and to other departments in the City as required;

· Implements program changes in response to requests for enhancements and updates by divisions within Public Works and other departments throughout the City; determines user needs and required program changes; programs and tests changes;

· May perform duties of other GIS positions as required

· Performs other related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

· Methods, practices and techniques of spatial modeling, including raster and vector analysis and cartography;

· Infrastructure inventory management of streets, sewers (sanitary and storm drainage), natural resources, land information such as Land Information Systems and tax lot mapping applications;

· Computer programming using a variety of languages and structured programming methods to include Spatial Data Manager SESQL (Spatially Extended SQL), Spatial Data Modeler scripting, GML, C++, Transact SQL, CFML, Visual Basic, as well as other protocols and languages such as but not limited to ODBC, HTML, Javascript, VBscript;

· Methods, practices and techniques of spatial relational database modeling;

· CAD and GIS with an emphasis on public works applications;

Ability to:

· Use advanced spatial technologies in a production environment with an emphasis on facilities management (FM) applications;

· Accommodate engineering grade geometries such as special techniques used to create complex geometries and special data structures needed to store complex geometries, such geometries include, spiral curves, true arcs, bearing and distances, triangulated irregular networks, true 3D lines, etc.;

· Establish priorities and effectively coordinate multiple projects;

· Work effectively within industry standard structured application development process;

· Work independently and maintain productivity with minimal supervision;

· Convey technical material to audiences with varying familiarity with the subject matter;

· Use pragmatic problem solving skills and sound judgment when diagnosing and resolving database and application problems;

· Establish and maintain effective work relationships with co-workers, contractors, vendors, other agencies and the public;

· Communicate both orally and in writing;

· Use a computer and associated software in order to perform the essential functions of the position;

Experience and Training: Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

Training: Completion or equivalent of a job related four year college degree in geography, planning, earth related science, computer science or a related field plus

Experience: related work experience typically four years of professional experience that includes software development using structured methods and programming techniques, to include data and systems analysis, data conversion, corrections and testing; maintenance and design of GIS systems; and familiarity with C++, Visual Basic, AML, Avenue, HTML, CFML, Javascript, VBscript and programming SQL for MS SQL Server sufficient to use the applications to run and improve the current GIS program. An understanding of common spatial data models required to support Public Works as well as municipal experience is desired.

Required Special Qualifications

· None

Working Conditions

The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to the disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.

Classification History:

4/05: New position

GIS Database Administrator Glossary

1	C++	A systems-level coding language, enabling the creation of Windows-based and .NET-connected applications.
2	CFML	Cold Fusion Macro Language that enables web application to use data stored in a DBMS (like RLID)
3	AM/FM/GIS	Generic acronym that encompasses the following:
	3.a	AM	Automated Mapping
	3.b	FM	Facilities Management
	3.c	GIS	Geographic Information System
4	CAD	Computer Aided Drafting and/or Design. CAD is also used by Fire & Life Safety staff as an acronym for Computer Aided Dispatch.
5	CASE tools	Computer Aided Software Engineering tools, used to build applications.
6	DBA	DataBase Administration or DataBase Administrator
7	DBMS	DataBase Management System
8	GIS	Geographic Information System
9	GML	Geography Markup Language used for web based GIS applications development
10	HTML	HyperText Markup Language used for simple web applications development
11	Javascript	Interpreted scripting language used in dynamic (complex) web applications
12	ODBC	Open Database Connectivity used to establish connections between DBMS
13	RDBMS	Relational DataBase Management System
14	RLID	Regional Land Information System (our RLID is maintained by LCOG)
15	SDM	Set of custom tools to assist with modeling, translating and managing spatial data
	15.a	Spatial Data Manager			Software that enables spatial functionality in a standard DBMS
	15.b	Spatial Data Mover			Plug-in that enables custom imports and exports of spatial data
16	SQL	Structured Query Language used in most production DBMS
	16.a	SESQL		Spatially Extended SQL that enables spatial queries (using proximity, topology, etc.)
	16.b	Transact SQL		Used to perform simple and complex queries in Microsoft SQLServer DBMS
17	Spatial Data Sets	Data sets containing simple coordinates, complex geometries and spatial relationships (topologies)
18	VBscript	Allows you to embed common Windows functionality (e.g. mouse over event, open events, etc.) in desktop and web applications
29	Visual Basic (VB)	Allows you to create common Windows functionality (e.g. mouse over event, open events, etc.) in MS desktop applications