Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst

Full Job Description

Salary: $93,096.64 - $112,043.36 Annually

The County of Santa Barbara is seeking a skilled GIS Analyst to join our team.

This position plays a critical role in supporting data-driven decision-making through the development, maintenance, and analysis of geographic information systems.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Online, scripting and automation using Python or similar tools, and the creation of web mapping applications.

If you are passionate about leveraging spatial data to solve complex problems and improve services, we invite you to apply and contribute to innovative projects that make a meaningful impact in our community.

The County has one current full-time GIS Analyst vacancy in the Information Technology Department (ITD).

In addition to the current vacancy, various County departments also have the GIS Analyst role so the employment list for this recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies in other departments.

The current vacancy in ITD is primarily remote and onsite work/meetings are scheduled as needed in Santa Barbara, CA.

While this is a primarily remote role, please note that employees of the County must reside in California and travel/accommodations to Santa Barbara when onsite work is needed is not reimbursable.

In addition to the current vacancy, we are accepting applications to establish an employment list to fill future vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc for full-time and part-time positions.

Please make sure you select on your application which location(s) and department(s) you are willing to accept current and future employment.

The GIS Analyst class is a position that is utilized by the following departments: Clerk-Recorder-Assessor’s Office, Fire Department, Information Technology, Planning and Development Department, Public Works Department, and Sheriff’s Office.

For additional information about our County Departments, please visit this link: http://www.countyofsb.org/deptlist.sbc

The Position

Under close supervision, this role supports the County’s GIS program by transforming data into reliable maps, tools, and insights used across departments.

The GIS Analyst helps maintain and improve GIS systems, applications, and data, while supporting projects that inform planning, operations, and decision-making.

Key responsibilities include creating and maintaining maps and spatial datasets; supporting GIS applications and databases; assisting with data analysis, automation, and system integrations; and helping implement data standards, quality controls, and security practices.

The GIS Analyst also supports GIS projects and initiatives and collaborates with technical staff and end users to ensure GIS tools are accurate, accessible, and effective.

About the Information Technology Department:

This is an excellent opportunity to begin a rewarding and reliable career with the Information Technology Department at the County of Santa Barbara. Come and be a part of a team of talented individuals who are passionate about fostering a culture of teamwork, learning and respect!

In the IT Department our success is powered by people and technology. Our culture is what makes IT a fun and rewarding place to work!

We establish, develop and nurture partnerships and open communication within our communities. We embrace a willingness to learn and accept new ideas, to actively listen and to be receptive to change.

We strive to grow our talents and do our best in the service of others while taking pride in our work. We explore and deliver new and creative ways to pair technology with business needs.

We ensure the resources necessary to succeed and encourage thoughtful participation leading to inclusion and ownership.

Requirements

1. Creates, manages, analyzes, and interprets data to create maps, databases, applications, and other products that support the needs of County departments and constituencies.
   Provides basic support, maintenance, and administration of GIS systems, applications, databases, and data sources.
2. Assists staff, department managers, division leads, and application users in defining and analyzing customer needs and researching potential new or upgraded applications, data sources, and/or system enhancements; provides expertise, knowledge, and clarity for mapping and GIS system concerns or needs.
3. Assists with the development and installation of economical, efficient, and scalable solutions that improve the operation, reliability, and sustainability of GIS systems; assists with designing applications and utilities as needed to process and convert data; helps create automation scripts; performs data migrations; documents, designs, and/or redesigns effective processes, applications, systems, and application interfaces.
4. Collaborates with stakeholders to understand critical business and system requirements and translates them into effective solutions; assists with creating detailed technical specifications to meet stakeholder needs; participates in strategic planning efforts to improve GIS systems and processes.
5. Assists with the coordination of GIS projects with other departments, divisions, consultants, outside agencies, and community members as needed; communicates and coordinates with IT staff when necessary to perform updates, upgrades, or add features/functionality on servers.
6. Participates in a variety of projects simultaneously; maintains schedules; prepares project related files; assists with meeting deadlines.
7. Develops an understanding of the organization’s information systems and architecture, including software and hardware integrations and interfaces, data architecture and systems, data security frameworks, information technology products, related policies and processes, and user needs.
8. Assists other departments, divisions, consultants, outside agencies, and community members in collecting and storing critical information and other data records; creates automation scripts to pull data from a variety of departments, agencies, and data sources.
9. Assists with the development and implementation of GIS systems and solutions; installs, integrates, and configures systems to provide optimum functionality and to meet performance standards; ensures cybersecurity requirements are met.
10. Researches, identifies, and communicates about current and emerging GIS technologies and trends, including products, techniques, data sources, system interfaces, and integration methods; advises on their potential impact on existing system architecture and security protocols; ensures integration into the organization’s IT strategy.
11. Applies GIS-related software products to a variety of operating systems, applications, and databases; installs and maintains updates, patches, and fixes as needed; troubleshoots and resolves system and software problems, and performs necessary repairs using ESRI Support as needed.

Assists with maintaining GIS servers, systems, and data portals; maintains files and folders for; creates, configures, and audits new databases; assists with maintaining SQL server updates, patches, and fixes; sets up backup servers; performs backup restore operations.

configures, audits, and manages all related services

12. Assists with maintaining a secure environment for GIS-related software applications and systems; assists with developing and implementing backup procedures.
13. Assists with maintaining required usernames and passwords for administrative and non-administrative accounts; assigns users to security groups based on established permissions; prioritizes security and compliance with industry security standards and regulations; researches, recommends, and implements security measures to protect sensitive information and systems.
14. Produces reports and visual representations; ensures clarity and accuracy of GIS data.
15. Creates and maintains documentation of GIS systems and applications, including bugs, issues, instructions, “how-to” guides, and other relevant information for GIS and City staff and other end users; provides training for staff/users regarding GIS systems, data layers, portals, servers, and applications.
16. Collaborates in the development and implementation of disaster recovery and contingency plans with service providers, vendors, and other IT staff.
17. Collaborates with other employees, including engineers, data architects, system architects, cybersecurity analysts, and programmers, to determine potential system improvements; implements effective system integrations and interfaces; ensures systems are secure and comply with relevant regulations.
18. Researches, implements, and maintains efficient and cost-effective GIS platforms and system upgrades.
19. Improves system performance by assisting with tests; troubleshoots and integrates new elements and system upgrades; assists with monitoring and evaluating system performance; documents system studies, designs, and decisions.
20. Stays informed on GIS best practices and policies by participating in professional educational opportunities and researching current trends and solutions.
21. Stays informed regarding network security and information technology systems, applications, data management systems, and infrastructure.
22. Ensures compliance with laws, regulations, and ordinances pertaining to County GIS data systems, applications, projects, and security operations and activities.
23. Researches, recommends, and implements technical requirements, including system definitions, documentation, operational guidelines, policies, system processes and procedures, and system protocols and protections.
24. Ensures compliance with laws and ordinances pertaining to operations and activities.
25. Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography, GIS, or closely related field, including instruction in/use of common CAD and GIS software; OR,
• Four years of paraprofessional, automated map generation experience, including experience with CAD and GIS software and some mapping analysis; OR,
• Three years of experience equivalent to Mapping/GIS Technician with Santa Barbara County; OR,
• A combination of training, education, and /or experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Information

Application & Selection Process

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.

Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Applicants who meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored.

Candidates’ final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than [11] qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on an employment list.

An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI.

Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months.

At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

Human Resources will notify you by mail if your name is removed.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans).

To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act.

No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability

To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form; and (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 and, if applicable, VA certification of disability rating, to the Human Resources Department on or before the online assessment examination date; and (3) pass all phases of the examination process.

The preference points will be added to your final test score.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, Live Scan fingerprint check, and satisfactory reference checks

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: The Sheriff's Office conducts a background investigation for vacancies in their department.

Current or excessive use of drugs, sale of drugs, serious criminal history, or deception relating to employment history may bar employment.

Other departments may require an extended background check including credit history; this is at the discretion of each department.

The following process is only used for the Sheriff's Office:

Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ); once candidates are placed on the employment list, the Human Resources Department will email candidates a notice regarding completion of a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).

Candidates must pass a PHQ and be in the top certified group before their applications will be sent to the hiring department for consideration.

Candidates who advance in the selection process will attend a selection interview with the hiring manager(s).

Candidate(s) selected for a position will advance to the background process which includes the following:

• Polygraph Examination: measures the accuracy of information disclosed on the PHQ and during the background investigation.
• Background Investigation: includes an interview and in-depth background investigation of arrest records, personal, military, credit, and employment history; inquiry of persons who know you and evaluate whether you respect the law and rights of others; are dependable and responsible; have demonstrated mature
• Live Scan: Electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:

The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting.

We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

BENEFITS: For more information on County benefits, please click here. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance.

The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates.

The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 5, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. PST, postmarks not accepted. You can view job postings and apply online 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Erin Kuhn, Talent Acquisition Analyst, erkuhn@countyofsb.org