Description
The GIS Technician - Cartographer is responsible for creating, maintaining, and updating cadastral maps, parcel data, and other spatial information critical to property assessment and taxation. This position supports the Assessor’s Office in delivering accurate and timely property information using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with a strong focus on Washington State legal descriptions, property boundaries, and cartographic standards.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB
- Maintain and update digital parcel maps in accordance with recorded documents (e.g., deeds, plats, surveys, boundary line adjustments).
- Interpret legal property descriptions and survey data to ensure accurate parcel delineation.
- Use GIS software (e.g., Esri ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap) to edit and analyze spatial data layers related to parcels, zoning, land use, and taxing districts.
- Collaborate with other departments, surveyors, and the public to resolve parcel discrepancies and provide mapping assistance.
- Assist with integrating and verifying assessment data with spatial features.
- Prepare cartographic products such as custom maps, data visualizations, and map books for internal and external use.
- Ensure that all spatial data complies with Washington State and County standards for accuracy and format.
- Conduct quality control checks and reconcile discrepancies between GIS data and official recorded documents.
- Respond to public and agency inquiries related to mapping, parcel boundaries, and property data.
- Document workflows, maintain metadata, and assist in implementing GIS best practices.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Considerable knowledge of tax mapping principles and practices.
- Possess an understanding of digital tax mapping, with knowledge of ArcGI.
- Knowledge of the MS Windows Office suite.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret property deeds and other pertinent documents.
- Gain understanding of computer and COGO software.
- Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to comprehend legal documents, such as deeds and plats.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work may be performed in the following environmental conditions:
- constantly in an office environment.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate, a typical office environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The person in this position must be able to
- spend the following amount of time in an activity:
- constantly: sit or stand for extended periods of time, and use hands, fingers to handle or feel, or operate equipment or tools, and
- frequently: talk or hear, reach with hands and arms.
- occasionally carry or transport up to 25 pounds.
-
have the following vision abilities:
- depth perception,
- ability to adjust focus,
- have close vision (from one to twenty inches),
- distinguish gradations of color.
Typical Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Associate’s degree in GIS, Geography, Cartography, Surveying, or a related field; OR equivalent work experience in a GIS/land records environment.
- One (1) year of experience working with GIS software (preferably Esri ArcGIS).
- Strong understanding of cartographic principles and cadastral mapping.
- Ability to read and interpret legal property descriptions, plats, and survey drawings.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with database-driven GIS systems.
- Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
- Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Computer mapping experience.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
- Employment at Franklin County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County’s liability insurance carrier. Depending upon the position, background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.
Supplemental Information
OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER
The statements herein describe the principal functions of this job, level of knowledge and skills typically required, scope of responsibility, work requirements and working conditions, but are not all-inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties and Franklin County, Washington reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties, and assign other duties as necessary, including work in other functional areas to cover
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