HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-03-15 Agenda Packet - Board (11) TDPUD STAFF REPORT
March 7, 2000
To: Board of Directors
From: Stephen Hollabaugh -Power Supply Engineer
Subject: Geographic Information System Coordinator Position
AGENDA # �
The District's strategic plan recognized the need to employ a GIS Coordinator
What is GIS?
In its simplest form, the term "Geographic Information System," or GIS, is the industry
acronym for a technology that offers a radically different way in which we produce and use the
maps required to manage our communities and industries. Using computer programs, the
technology links items displayed on a map with records (called "attribute data") in a database
with the answers displayed on a map. The resulting combination, and the ability to manipulate
the data in response to any number of"what if' scenarios, provides utilities and a long list of
private industries with a powerful and dynamic new tool that has opened doors in management
effectiveness and organizational efficiency. A GIS creates "intelligent" super maps through
which sophisticated planning and analysis can be performed at the touch of a button.
Utilities use GIS to automate vast transmission and distribution networks, and to build and
service pipelines and communication networks. Cities are using GIS for applications as diverse
as routing sanitation and emergency vehicles, replacing water mains and doing a better job of
matching the right equipment to each job. Once considered an end to itself(e.g., a physical
map), GIS today has rapidly evolved as an integral part of the-management process in a broad
range of applications and sectors. For example, GIS is a key element in nearly every
infrastructure development project of the multi-lateral lending agencies.
Here is what a GIS Coordinator will do for us: Coordinate the input of data for the mapping
from GPS data brought in from another person, or will map it themselves. Manipulate the data
and geographic system for use by water, electric and telecommunications departments. Arrange
data, whether it is customers, hydrants, maintenance into a format that can be searched and
help departments use data for the modeling of their system needs. Get the data on the maps to
be current. Troubleshoot problems through CADP or the other appropriate vendor.
Attached is a job description for the Board to review.
The 2000 Budget has money in it to employ a GIS Coordinator. The salary range for this type of
position in other comparable agencies is $48,000 to$58,000 per year.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend that the Board approve the job description and a salary range of$48,000
to $58,000 per year for the position of GIS Coordinator and authorize the general
manager to recruit for the position following normal District policy.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM COORDINATOR
NATURE OF WORK
Under general direction of the Power Supply Engineer, performs a variety of skilled duties
related to creation, maintenance and use of a geographic management information system to
support the district's electric, water and telecommunications departments. Uses macro and
report-writer programs to manipulate electronically stored data to produce complex reports that
are needed by the water, electric, and telecom departments. Will train other employees to use
the data. Position requires the exercise of judgment and requires specialized professional
knowledge of computers and geographic information systems. Will exercise considerable
amount of decision making regarding the manipulation of data, and will guide the District policy
making regarding GIS matters. Have regular contacts with employees from several different
departments and with computer system vendors and with customers requiring tact and
diplomacy.
Spread the information out to as many people as need it and can use it.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Coordinate the input of data for the mapping from GPS data brought in from another person, or
will map it themselves
Manipulate the data and geographic system for use by water, electric and telecom departments.
Will arrange data, whether it is customers, hydrants, maintenance into a format that can be
searched.
Use report writers
Help departments use data for the modeling of their system needs
Make sure the data is available for the outage management system to use correctly
Get the data on the maps to be current.
Troubleshoot problems through CADP or the other appropriate vendor
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Geography, Engineering,
Computer Science, Information Systems, Planning or a closely related field. Considerable
formal training in computers with an emphasis on geographic information mapping systems.
Three years experience in GIS mapping.