GIS Specialist / CAD Operator

The Town of Fountain Hills (fountainhillsaz.gov) has an excellent full-time job opportunity available as the GIS Specialist / CAD Operator , in the Development Services Department.

The GIS Specialist / CAD Operator serves as the Towns primary subject matter expert on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), providing high-level technical expertise and strategic insight in the application of geospatial technologies across municipal operations. This is a standalone position and the Towns sole role dedicated to GIS / CAD operations.

This position is responsible for developing, maintaining, analyzing, and distributing spatial data and geospatial products. The role supports planning, infrastructure, engineering, asset management, and public service operations across departments. Working independently with minimal supervision, the GIS Specialist / CAD Operator provides professional-level expertise to all Town departments, particularly Development Services, Community Services, and Public Works, including Engineering. This position reports directly to the Development Services Director and is based on-site. Remote work is not available for this role.

Position will remain open until filled with a weekly review of applications anticipated.

Design, create, and maintain GIS datasets and maps using commonly adopted municipal platforms such as ArcGIS and AutoCAD or similar. Perform complex spatial analysis, data conversion, and cartographic design to support Town initiatives, planning efforts, and decision-making. Maintain metadata and conduct rigorous quality control audits to ensure accuracy and consistency in geospatial data.

Oversee the end-to-end development, deployment, and ongoing optimization of web-based maps, dashboards, and mobile GIS tools, ensuring intuitive design and optimal performance for diverse user groups. Provide timely GIS support to Town staff and respond to data/map requests from internal departments, public agencies, developers, and residents. Convert field sketches, as-built drawings, and historical maps into digital formats using CAD and GIS tools. Assist with field data collection using GNSS receivers or drone-based imagery when applicable.

Prepare Signing and Striping plans to support Town-initiated roadway projects under the direction of the Town Engineer. Provides new address assignments for new subdivisions, commercial and utility structures, and coordinates with related agencies. Assists in the preparation of survey maps, property descriptions, plans, details and exhibits related to the Town projects and Capital Improvement Program.

Lead or significantly contribute to the successful completion of complex and multi-departmental GIS projects, from initial requirements gathering through final implementation and user adoption. Proactively identify opportunities for GIS application to improve Town operations, efficiency, and public service delivery, then develop and champion solutions. Develop and deliver targeted training and guidance to Town staff on GIS best practices, data integrity, and effective use of geospatial tools to enhance departmental capabilities.

Quarterly mapping updates of town maps. Prepare and check routine survey legal descriptions. Prepare Exhibits and legal descriptions for various Easement, Right-of-Way and Real Property Acquisitions and Abandonments.

Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for GIS standards, workflows, metadata, and procedures. Operate GIS-related hardware such as large-format plotters, scanners, GPS units, and field tablets. Support asset and infrastructure mapping, including utilities, facilities, parks, signage, and public amenities.

Perform slope analysis checks. Obtains surveying and engineering field data. Performs routine surveying and engineering calculations. Performs occasional site development and public works inspections. Prepares schedules and cost estimates.

Coordinate regularly with staff in Public Works and Community Services to fulfill mapping, planning, and data integration needs. Assist in preparing legal descriptions, exhibits, and property-related maps for easements, rights-of-way, and acquisitions. Maintain engineering and planning files, including as-builts and digital drawing archives.

Maintains engineering, planning and facility drawing files, as-builts and GIS. Scanning coordination of archives. Develops written and graphic standards.

Collaborates with the Mayor, Town Council, and Town Manager on a variety of high-priority initiatives. Coordinates with public agencies, regional partners, and emergency services as needed to support strategic goals and community priorities.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Associates degree in GIS, Geography, Engineering Technology, Urban Planning, or related field; bachelors degree preferred.

Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in GIS and CAD applications in a municipal or similar setting.

Preferred qualifications include GISP (Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional) designation and relevant ESRI Technical Certifications (e.g., Enterprise Geodatabase Management, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online). Exceptional ability to operate independently with minimal supervision, effectively manage multiple simultaneous projects, prioritize competing demands, and deliver high-quality results in a dynamic environment. Familiarity with scripting tools (e.g., Python, SQL) for workflow automation or analysis. Knowledge of field data collection tools and methodologies, including GNSS equipment and mobile mapping apps. Familiarity with general plan mapping, land use planning principles, and infrastructure design.

Equivalent combinations of experience and training that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.

Work requires the ability to read civil engineering design guidelines, construction specifications and details, property legal descriptions, engineering plan review submittal forms and plans.

Work requires the ability to perform routine surveying and engineering calculations, general math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Work requires the ability to write reports, property legal descriptions and general correspondence.

Work is governed by specific instructions, objectives and policies. Work requires the exercise of considerable initiative and independent analytical and evaluative judgment.

This position requires contact with others within the organization such as the Street Division, Community Services Department, Administration and Planning & Zoning, and Fire Department. In addition contact may be required with individuals outside the Town who may belong to professional or peer organizations. Working with various state and federal agencies may also be required of the employee. Vendors and suppliers may also be called upon for information on purchases, supplies or products. Meetings and discussions may be conducted with citizens, realtors, developers, etc.