Position Announcement: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Developer
Application Deadline: Sunday, April 27, 2008

Major Duties
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Developer is responsible for supporting large scale projects or managing small scale projects involving the collection, analysis, and dissemination of geospatial data within the Great Lakes – Saint Lawrence River watershed. The incumbent’s work uses enterprise-level hardware and software systems for storage and delivery of geospatial data. The incumbent works extensively on database design and maintenance and product development, in compliance with organizational standards.

Specific Duties

• Develops integrated relational databases involving geospatial data including schema design, population, query functions and user interfaces;
• Designs, tests and implements data delivery tools using evolving web services;
• Adheres to industry standards for quality assurance/quality control involving geospatial data management and metadata documentation;
• Summarizes and conveys relevant information to regional GIS users;
• Supports Commission staff and collaborators by providing training on geospatial data management, GIS application methods and other end user uses;
• Assists with the creation of GIS products and reports as needed;
• Maintains current knowledge of enterprise GIS and web service technologies through relevant training, literature and conference opportunities; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Scope and Effect
The GIS Developer is responsible for geospatial data compilation, management and distribution for some large scale projects that cover the entire Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River system including all its water bodies and watersheds. Work conducted by the incumbent influences a wide array of users within the watershed and could influence resource managers and policy development outside of the basin.

Complexity
The GIS Developer is engaged with highly complex problems involving state-ofthe- art computer hardware, software (including operating systems, relational database and application software and web services), and product design and delivery. Product design including database operations have to consider highly variable spatial and temporal detail and diversity of uses.

Coordination Responsibilities
The incumbent works closely with collaborators across the Great Lakes region including U.S. and Canadian federal employers and state/provincial staffers to develop interoperable geospatial capabilities. The incumbent works in close coordination with other Commission staff including project managers, program specialists, IT system administrators, programmers and web developers. The incumbent can represent the Commission in interagency discussions, requiring a high level of decorum and professionalism.

Supervisory Review
The GIS Developer reports to the Program Manager for Data and Information Management, with some workload directed by senior staff. The incumbent exercises initiative and judgment in executing assigned responsibilities, keeps supervisor or other senior staff informed of plans, progress and problems, and consults supervisor on matters regarding major project modifications. Performance reviews are conducted on an annual basis initiated by the Program Manager and approved by the Executive Director.

Leadership Role
The GIS Developer can provide oversight to other Commission staff including program specialists, web developers, interns and work study students on their work assignments. This authority does not include formal performance assessments and administrative support that is maintained by the Program Manager.

Educational and Experience Requirements
The incumbent shall possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in an information management/technology program, in the physical science field, and/or resource economics field and a minimum of 2 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
The GIS Developer needs to have:

• Strong knowledge and experience in ArcGIS application software packages;
• Practical knowledge in relational database design, creation, and maintenance;
• Skill in developing and managing ArcSDE, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL and/or PostGIS database applications;
• Skill in publishing geospatial data and digital documents via mapping and web services;
• Ability to adapt or modify processes in response to changing circumstances;
• Ability to interpret guidelines and analyze available information for the purpose of coordinating efforts, planning, and implementing projects;
• Ability to translate business requirements into system requirements, and vice versa;
• Ability to work independently in a team environment; and
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.

Work Environment / Physical Demands
The majority of work is performed in a general office setting with no unusual environmental factors. The incumbent needs to be able to work in a fastpaced, time-sensitive, sometimes stressful situation, requiring significant time management skills to complete assignments against deadlines. Travel via standard means (auto, train, plane) can be required on an infrequent basis.

How to Apply for this Position
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, salary history and expected salary range. Please note that all of these items must be provided if applicants are to receive further consideration. Please no calls.

Application Deadline: Sunday, April 27, 2008
Email Application Materials to: gauthier@glc.org (Roger Gauthier, Director, Information Systems, Great Lakes Commission)

The Great Lakes Commission, chaired by Lt. Gov. John Cherry (Mich.), is an interstate compact agency established under state and U.S. federal law and dedicated to promoting a strong economy, healthy environment and high quality of life for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region and its residents. The Commission consists of governors' appointees, state legislators, and agency officials from its eight member states. Associate membership for Ontario and Québec was established through the signing of a "Declaration of Partnership." The Commission maintains a formal Observer program involving U.S. and Canadian federal agencies, tribal authorities, binational agencies and other regional interests. The Commission offices are located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.