ITS-SERVERS AND NETWORKS - Student GIS Technician

Job Classification

  

Position summary

Looking for a job that’s a little different? This position supports the operation and maintenance of the AU GIS application.  A GIS (geographic information system) is a computer software system for collecting, organizing, analyzing and displaying data related to positions on Earth’s surface (Google Earth would be a very basic example.)  Andrews University GIS is used for collecting and maintaining data on campus infrastructure (buildings, utilities, roads, sidewalks, grounds, trails, etc.) for use by Plant Service, Campus Safety, Arboretum/Grounds and other AU entities in planning, utilization and maintenance of infrastructure assets. 

We are seeking a person who is enthusiastic to learn this technology, detail-oriented, quick to spot discrepancies in data, and does not require constant supervision (so work hours don’t all have to overlap the supervisor’s hours).   It would be nice if they have an interest in IT and some programming experience.  The employee will be involved in collecting and maintaining campus infrastructure datasets and creating maps for visualization of the data. The employee in this position will collect, edit, and transfer GPS data and data from construction drawings and other sources into GIS. 

Examples of Work

• Use GPS unit to collect or verify data.


• Code and digitize geographic data features.


• Convert existing drawings and source data from various formats for integration into the GIS system.


• Prepare graphics (most commonly maps) or other visual representations of information using GIS tools.

Qualifications summary

• Must be a current full time student eligible for work


• Commit to 10 to 12 hours a week (some work hours in morning because the supervising staff person only works mornings)


• Would prefer availability for at least 1 year (due to training investment)


• Ability to differentiate between colors on computer-generated and paper maps.


• Desire to learn and use the Esri ArcGIS suite and Trimble GPS software


• Computer programming experience a plus but not required

Duties and responsibilities

Under the supervision of the GIS Project Coordinator, the Student GIS Technician will:

• Read and interpret engineering design and construction plans or documents as a source of data for entry into GIS database


• Perform data entry and manipulation, produce documentation, perform minimal spatial analysis and produce reports using GIS technology


• Collect and process GPS data


• Create maps that meet specific needs


• Other assignments as deemed appropriate

Supervisory responsibilities

N/A

Qualifications

Must be a current full time student eligible for work

Commit to 10 to 12 hours a week (some work hours in morning because the supervising staff person only works mornings)

Desire to learn and use the Esri ArcGIS suite and Trimble GPS softwareWould prefer availability for 1+ years

Ability to differentiate between colors on computer generated and paper maps.

Ability to read and interpret maps

Keen attention to detail, organized and orderly

Ability to work without constant supervision.

Quick learner, quick to ask questions

Self-motivated, dependable, and adaptable

Willing to occasionally work outside in heat, cold and snow

Computer programming experience a plus but not required

Technical competencies

Computer savvy.  Being tech savvy helpful

Interpersonal interactions

Must be comfortable interacting with AU staff members

Physical demands

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and color vision.

Sit for extended periods of time while working at a computer.

Comfortable occasionally working in an outdoor environment, including heat, cold, snow.

Field work is physical and may involve walking, hiking, kneeling, prolonged standing, twisting and bending.  Field quipment, up to 10 pounds, may be lifted and carried across campus on a routine basis.

Work environment

At least 80% of the work will be in office at a desk.  While performing the field duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, snow).