GIS Field Technician

Job Description

Position Summary:

The GIS Field Technician is part of the Facilities Business Operations Center and is responsible for maintaining the Geographic Information System (GIS) for the University. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a hardware/software computer-based method for collecting, managing, analyzing, modeling, and presenting geographic or spatial data. GIS software allows one to overlay maps and datasets and query them in terms of their spatial relationships to each other. Reporting directly to the GIS Manager, the GIS Field Technician collaborates with University's Facilities Team.

The GIS Field Technician is a member of the Facilities' Systems team, assisting the GIS Manager in completing field work. The GIS Field Technician will fly an unmanned aircraft on campus for various situations including inspections, events, and emergencies. The GIS Field Technician will inventory and update data in the field and in the office. The GIS Field Technician will be responsible for updates to utility maps. The ideal candidate would have at least six months of GIS and utility identification experience and be a licensed Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle pilot. This position will be hybrid but the candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the Nashville metro area for in person and on campus work related tasks.

About the Work Unit:

Facilities provides support for construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University space; housekeeping services for approximately 8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center.

Facilities annual budget exceeds $100 million in operating expenses and includes over 500 employees. Facilities also manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$125 million annually and facility renewal, replacement, and large maintenance project expenditures totaling ~$20 million annually. The Facilities Business Operations Center provides support to the entire department, specifically regarding the areas of Finance, Employee Relations, Systems, Communications and General Administration.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Accurately identify and interpret utility infrastructure in the field, including steam, chilled water, electrical, telecommunications, sewer, and irrigation systems, along with their components and attributes.
• Operate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in compliance with FAA regulations and safety standards.
• Collaborate with utility locators and maintain up-to-date utility mapping records.
• Traverse various campus environments on foot, including outdoor areas (lawns, sidewalks, streets, and landscaped zones) and confined indoor spaces (such as basements, crawl spaces, and utility access points).
• Use a tablet to collect and input field data, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Convert field-collected data into digital formats using GIS software.
• Create maps and visual representations of data for internal and external users.
• Organize, catalog, and retrieve archival documents in both digital and physical format.
• Use Computerized Maintenance Management System (AiM) to create and complete work orders.
• Gain proficiency in navigating and retrieving utility-related documentation within the Project Management Information System (eBuilder).

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the GIS Manager.

Education and Certifications:

A bachelor's degree is required from an accredited university. No specific degree is necessary, although a GIS or related degree is preferable.

Experience and Skills:

• Willingness to learn GIS processes and have at least six months of GIS experience.
• Must have or be able to obtain the FAA Part 107 UAV License within 90 days of employment.
• Must be able to recognize and identify utilities in the field and maintain utility maps in ArcGIS.
• Must be able to interpret technical documents and translate to GIS.

About Us

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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