GIS Specialist 3
Apply NowCompany: Metropolitan Council
Location: Minneapolis, MN 55407
Description:
Salary : $86,632.00 - $140,608.00 Annually
Location : Various locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00104
Division: Metro Transit
Department: MT Asset Management
Opening Date: 04/21/2025
Closing Date: 5/5/2025 11:59 PM Central
WHO WE ARE
We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.
Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail, and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.
This position resides in the newly formed Asset Management department within Metro Transit. Asset management focuses on the strategic planning for the care of physical assets throughout their lifecycle. The department collaborates across the organization to support technologies, processes and culture that contribute to a strong asset management program.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Metro Transit GIS Specialist 3 leads, manages, operates, and maintains the overall Metro Transit Geographic Information System (GIS) environment to support geospatial asset management functions through industry standards and best practices. These functions include the digital GIS inventory and related database applications, data collection, quality control, business requirements and spatial analysis. Work tasks are varied and provide challenging and rewarding opportunities.
This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
This recruitment may establish a six (6) month eligibility list for current and future vacancies if we have multiple qualified candidates.
What you would do in this job
1. Create, collect, document, and manage asset-related geospatial data to support Metro Transit's GIS and management needs.
2. Review, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, process, manage and publish geospatial data and databases.
3. Serve as a primary contact for Metro Transit GIS asset-related stakeholders.
4. Design, develop, implement, and maintain end-user applications (mobile, web) to support asset-related geospatial needs.
5. Develop, document, and implement geospatial asset-related strategic plans and business cases to support Metro Transit needs.
6. Develop, perform, and provide technical assistance and training related to asset-related geospatial utilization.
What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
Any of the following combinations of experience (full-time, professional related work experience using ESRI software and other geospatial technologies WITH experience designing and creating cartographic products, creating geoprocessing solutions to support customers, and developing geospatial datasets and metadata) AND completed education (degree field of study in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), geography, engineering, planning, or closely related field):
Additional information
Union/Grade: Non-Represented/Grade H
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
Work Environment
Work is performed in a standard office setting. Some positions may require travel between primary work site to other sites.
The responsibilities listed are typical of the positions included in the job classification; however, not all duties are necessarily performed by each specific position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position. Regular attendance is an essential responsibility.
What steps the recruitment process involves:
We review your minimum qualifications. We rate your education and experience. We conduct a structured panel interview. We conduct a selection interview. Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.
If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.
We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:
01
Applicant Instructions: The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume" otherwise your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step.I have read and understand the above instructions regarding supplemental questions.
02
How did you first hear about this job opening?
03
If you selected 'Other', please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected 'Employee Referral' please enter the employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title.Type N/A if not applicable.
04
Please select the option that indicates your education in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), geography, engineering, planning or closely related field AND years of full-time, professional related work experience using ESRI software and other geospatial technologies WITH experience designing and creating cartographic products, creating geoprocessing solutions to support customers, and developing geospatial datasets and metadata.
05
Please describe your GIS experience. Include your years of experience, job duties, and where this experience took place. If this does not apply indicate 'N/A.'
06
Please list any GIS-related software you have utilized. If this does not apply indicate 'N/A.'
07
Please select all that you have experience in.
08
Describe your knowledge and/or experience in all that you selected in the previous question.
09
Please describe a time when you designed or maintained a geodatabase. If this does not apply indicate 'N/A.'
10
Describe your experience working with front-line staff on field data collection, mobile device utilization, and work order management. If this does not apply indicate 'N/A.'
11
The Metropolitan Council values a workplace that is as diverse as the people we serve. Please describe your experience working and collaborating in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environment. If this does not apply indicate 'N/A.'
Required Question
Location : Various locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00104
Division: Metro Transit
Department: MT Asset Management
Opening Date: 04/21/2025
Closing Date: 5/5/2025 11:59 PM Central
WHO WE ARE
We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.
Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail, and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.
This position resides in the newly formed Asset Management department within Metro Transit. Asset management focuses on the strategic planning for the care of physical assets throughout their lifecycle. The department collaborates across the organization to support technologies, processes and culture that contribute to a strong asset management program.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Metro Transit GIS Specialist 3 leads, manages, operates, and maintains the overall Metro Transit Geographic Information System (GIS) environment to support geospatial asset management functions through industry standards and best practices. These functions include the digital GIS inventory and related database applications, data collection, quality control, business requirements and spatial analysis. Work tasks are varied and provide challenging and rewarding opportunities.
This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
This recruitment may establish a six (6) month eligibility list for current and future vacancies if we have multiple qualified candidates.
What you would do in this job
1. Create, collect, document, and manage asset-related geospatial data to support Metro Transit's GIS and management needs.
- Develop, create, and process GIS line, points, polygons, metadata, and attribute data requirements, ensuring the alignment with data collection industry standards.
- Work with contractors, vendors, and internal staff to request, receive, manage, and coordinate geospatial data relating to geo-referenced infrastructure projects.
- Establish and develop documentation for best practices for the data collection, including clear protocols, standards, procedures, and protocol for internal and external collection.
- Identify, develop, create, compare, and manage geospatial asset management hierarches with Enterprise Asset Management System (EAMS).
- Create scripts and macro automation to input data.
2. Review, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, process, manage and publish geospatial data and databases.
- Review, Quality Control (QC), manage, maintain, and update Metro Transit geospatial asset-related data to accurately process and publish.
- Identify, manage, and maintain geodata sources relating to Gopher State One Call requirements, ensuring buffer zones are accurate and to meet MN State requirements.
- Convert historical information from obsolete sources (paper-based project documentation) and geospatial GIS data structures.
3. Serve as a primary contact for Metro Transit GIS asset-related stakeholders.
- Act as a point of contact for assistance regarding GIS products, software, and services.
- Supports users by providing analytical support, workflow automation, scripting services and other types of Python and ArcMap application support.
- Develop data analytic templates for asset management analysis scenarios.
- Build and maintain communication and relationships with groups inside/outside Metro Transit and coordinate and collaborate on projects where visions/missions/objectives align.
4. Design, develop, implement, and maintain end-user applications (mobile, web) to support asset-related geospatial needs.
- Design, develop and implement web applications to aid field crews and other staff to more efficiently complete work tasks.
- Identify and migrate paper forms to electronic forms and automate workflows using Collector, Field maps and Survey123.
- Create internal and external outreach tools using ESRI Story Maps, Experience Builder, and other application platforms.
- Maintain an understanding of latest ESRI application advancements and implement and/or recommend improvements when appropriate.
5. Develop, document, and implement geospatial asset-related strategic plans and business cases to support Metro Transit needs.
- Develop a comprehensive strategy to manage and support Metro Transit's asset-related GIS (Geographic Information System) spatial data through the enhancement of systems, tools, best practices, industry standards and services, ensuring the data remains accurate and relevant over time.
- Plan, develop and implement Metro Transit-wide asset-related geospatial initiatives and projects, datasets, features, and workflows.
- Develop communication forums to share asset-related needs and deliverables for the business partners.
- Identify integration points for EAMS system.
- Identify, manage, and maintain geospatial dataset needs for various systems, e.g. Gopher State One Call requirements.
6. Develop, perform, and provide technical assistance and training related to asset-related geospatial utilization.
- Provide training to end users of GIS applications.
- Troubleshooting issues with applications and other GIS-related systems for office and field staff.
- Research and procure GPS equipment for aid in collecting and fine-tuning GIS basemap.
What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
Any of the following combinations of experience (full-time, professional related work experience using ESRI software and other geospatial technologies WITH experience designing and creating cartographic products, creating geoprocessing solutions to support customers, and developing geospatial datasets and metadata) AND completed education (degree field of study in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), geography, engineering, planning, or closely related field):
- High School diploma/GED AND at least eight (8) years of related experience.
- Associate degree AND at least six (6) years of related experience.
- Bachelor's degree AND at least four (4) years of related experience.
- Master's degree AND at least two (2) years of related experience.
- Knowledge of geospatial concepts, principles and best practices.
- Knowledge of GIS software methods, applications and systems.
- Knowledge of relational database systems.
- Knowledge of data stewardship, standards and metadata.
- Knowledge of web development, testing and implementation methods especially as applied to geospatial, graphical and statistical applications.
- Basic project planning and management principles.
- Skilled use of Esri software (ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Extensions) including tools, databases and resources such as Shapefiles, Geodatabases and Web Services.
- Skilled in documenting GIS data and applications using GIS metadata system design and technical specification methods.
- Skilled use in SQL database query tool and Python.
- Skilled in GIS technology to research and analyze business issues to recommend solutions.
- Ability to provide GIS services and support to internal and external customers in the organization using tact, courtesy and cooperation.
- Ability to initiate, execute and complete work projects within timelines.
- Ability to prioritize work assignments, work on multiple ongoing projects, define project scopes, identify barriers and solutions,
- Ability to embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within Metro Transit.
Additional information
Union/Grade: Non-Represented/Grade H
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
Work Environment
Work is performed in a standard office setting. Some positions may require travel between primary work site to other sites.
The responsibilities listed are typical of the positions included in the job classification; however, not all duties are necessarily performed by each specific position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position. Regular attendance is an essential responsibility.
What steps the recruitment process involves:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.
If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.
We believe our employees are a key to our agency's success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:
- Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
- Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
- Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
- Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance
- Well@Work clinic
- bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
- parking at many job locations
- fitness centers at many job locations
- Employee Assistance Program
- extensive health and wellness programs and resources
01
Applicant Instructions: The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume" otherwise your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step.I have read and understand the above instructions regarding supplemental questions.
- Yes
- No
02
How did you first hear about this job opening?
- CareerForce Center
- Community Event/Organization
- Employee Referral
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Job Fair
- Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
- Website: governmentjobs.com
- Website: metrocouncil.org
- Website: metrotransit.org
- Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
- Other
03
If you selected 'Other', please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected 'Employee Referral' please enter the employee's first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title.Type N/A if not applicable.
04
Please select the option that indicates your education in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), geography, engineering, planning or closely related field AND years of full-time, professional related work experience using ESRI software and other geospatial technologies WITH experience designing and creating cartographic products, creating geoprocessing solutions to support customers, and developing geospatial datasets and metadata.
- High school diploma AND at least 8 years of related experience.
- Associate's degree AND at least 6 years of related experience.
- Bachlor's degree AND at least 4 years of related experience.
- Master's degree AND at least 2 years of related experience.
- None of the above.
05
Please describe your GIS experience. Include your years of experience, job duties, and where this experience took place. If this does not apply indicate 'N/A.'
06
Please list any GIS-related software you have utilized. If this does not apply indicate 'N/A.'
07
Please select all that you have experience in.
- Experience using ArcGIS Online/Enterprise Portal to manage web services and develop web maps and/or applications.
- Ensuring geospatial data is accurate and consistent across GIS datasets.
- Integrating and utilizing GIS with work order management system.
- Experience interpreting infrastructure systems.
- Data collection from AutoCAD/similar electronic drawings, GPS field units, lidar.
- Experience producing accurate high-quality data and maps.
- Working independently with limited supervision.
- None of the above.
08
Describe your knowledge and/or experience in all that you selected in the previous question.
09
Please describe a time when you designed or maintained a geodatabase. If this does not apply indicate 'N/A.'
10
Describe your experience working with front-line staff on field data collection, mobile device utilization, and work order management. If this does not apply indicate 'N/A.'
11
The Metropolitan Council values a workplace that is as diverse as the people we serve. Please describe your experience working and collaborating in a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environment. If this does not apply indicate 'N/A.'
Required Question