GIS Specialist

At Bear Valley Electric, we work hard to provide our customers, with superior customer service, and safe, reliable, and quality power. We do it each and every day, safely and with confidence. Bear Valley Electric Service has served the Big Bear Valley since 1929. Today, we provide electric power to approximately 24,750 customers. We serve a resort community with a mix of full-time and part-time residents. These 23,250 residents represent more than 93 percent of our customers. We also serve approximately 1,500 commercial, industrial and public authority customers, including the Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski resorts. Bear Valley Electric Service has implemented a comprehensive wildfire mitigation program, inserted cutting edge technology into all aspects of its business and operations and is aggressively pursuing a greener energy supply portfolio and a sweeping electrification strategy.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES RESIDENCY IN OUR SERVICE AREA

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Utility Engineer and Wildfire Mitigation Supervisor, the Geospatial Information System (GIS) Specialist is responsible for maintaining geodatabases for BVES, Inc, and the implementation of any geospatial data provided from outside sources. It is the Specialist’s responsibility to keep the geospatial information as accurate and up to date as possible while adhering to all corporate-wide standards, industry best practices, and fulfilling all requirements for data integration into the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS and Milsoft WINDMILMAP software packages. The GIS Specialist will also serve in a support role for training, technical support, and data conversion projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages, presents, and analyzes spatial data using GIS products used by BVES, Inc. ESRI ArcGIS and Milsoft WINDMILMAP
• Incorporates spatial and non-spatial data from a broad range of sources into BVES, Inc. GIS. Sources include but are not limited to: Access databases, Excel spreadsheets, PDFs, and AutoCAD files
• Creates highly detailed, complex maps appropriate for dissemination to management and field operations that effectively communicate spatial information, conveying the results of GIS analyses
• Carefully and efficiently maintains GIS data, GPS data and incorporates field data from the Operations Department for asset and inventory management
• Ensures that GIS data is properly formatted for seamless integration into BVES, Inc. GIS
• Tracks GIS corrections and update requests
• Creates maps, applications, and publishes services using ArcGIS
• Incorporates GIS upgrades to expand the foundations of the BVES, Inc. GIS program
• Maintains ESRI ArcGIS content, and other relevant services
• Develops packaged basemaps to be cached and used in BVES, Inc. GIS applications
• Fulfills internal survey requests using total station equipment or similar GPS based hardware
• Field locates electric utility assets and utilizes GPS technology to integrate field observations with GIS data
• Performs research and analysis to support best practices, geospatial applications and services
• Assists and performs data manipulation and integration tasks in a SQL Server environment
• Responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of geodatabases in accordance with corporate standards defined to ensure compliance and thorough accounting for redetermination efforts
• Creates, defines, models and implements standardized geodatabase schemas to be used at BVES, Inc.
• Maintains, edits, and updates the existing schema to meet company needs.
• Publishes changes and communicates schema updates to applicable BVES, Inc. staff
• Trains staff in GPS data collection using company survey equipment
• Assists the Engineering Group in preparing exhibits and compiling information for capital budgets, system inventories, project status reports and schedules
• Maintains as-built plans of completed projects and updates system maps
• Collaborates with the other GIS roles located in the company to develop and maintain spatial databases, tune spatial content, and ensure the reliability of data content
• Participates in meetings with various staff and third party contractors to fully understand expected project outcomes that include GIS or impact GIS database
• Assists Information Technology with troubleshooting problems associated with existing GIS applications, tools and data
• Provides ongoing support to the Engineering Group and assists with GIS data conversions for AutoCAD utilization
• Provides ongoing training, support, and troubleshooting services for GIS programs, functions, and related hardware/software
• Represents BVES, Inc. by creating reports, giving presentations, or producing similar content to share within the GIS community and utilities industry via conferences, local user groups, and other professional functions
• Prepares GIS data inquiries from internal management requests and external agency requests such as the California Public Utilities Commission
• Is available to assist BVES, Inc. efforts during storms and other similar critical situations
• Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS & MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a Geography, GIS, or IT related field or four years of progressive experience in the design and development of geospatial information systems including using ESRI technology in Utility industry
• Demonstrable experience and knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS
• Experience installing, managing, and developing web mapping applications using ESRI ArcGIS Server
• Exposure to database design, visualization technologies, and modeling and simulation
• Knowledge of data collection principles and practices, and experience deploying or operating mobile GIS solutions
• Strong written and oral communication skills and a solid understanding of cartographic principle
• The ability to read engineering plans and interpret aerial imagery

BENEFITS

Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow. Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents. We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year. To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan. Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job related factors.

The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.