Title:  Geographic Information Systems Technician Entry

Department:  Distribution Planning & Operations
Location: 

Sacramento, CA, US, 95827-3824

Category:  Engineering/Technical

Minimum Pay Rate: $36.65 

Maximum Pay Rate: $44.68 

Apply by Date: 04/14/2026 

Posting Type: Open 

 

This posting intends to fill one (1) regular full-time position and establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill permanent or limited-term vacancies for the next 24 months. We are posting this position at both the Entry and Journey levels. To be considered for the Journey level, please apply to requisition #2821. 

Purpose

Under direct supervision, maintains the GIS databases used by Grid Strategy and Operations. Work involves the review and entry of design and as-built data, to ensure that circuit continuity, equipment identifiers and attributes and spatial information is correct and updated in GIS.

Nature and Scope

This classification is comprised of three levels: Level E is the entry-level where incumbents are provided formal training and/or certification for progression to the journey-level of the classification. The incumbent is promoted/progressed to the journey level J upon successful completion of all training and/or certification requirements for the classification. Incumbents hired at the entry-level are required to successfully progress to the journey-level within 18 to 60 months, depending on the length of the training and/or certification program. If an employee is unsuccessful with progressing to the journey-level they will return to last class held or separate from SMUD.Promotion to the senior level is not through a job progression and will happen through SMUD's standard civil service hiring process.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Learns to verify and update GIS databases and maps with design and as-built information.
  • Assists in creating maps and graphs, using GIS software and related equipment.
  • Gathers, analyzes, and integrates spatial data from staff.
  • Learns to utilize geographic data from a variety of sources including census data, field observations, aerial photographs and existing maps.
  • Participates in basic quality assurance processes to insure that GIS is correct.
  • Moves, copies, deletes and adds files, drawings, and maps to create reports in hard copy or digital format.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

Required Education

  • High School diploma or equivalent

Required Experience Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience to sufficiently provide the necessary knowledge and skills.

Required Licenses/Certificates

Must possess and maintain a valid California Drivers License and a satisfactory driving record not more than two moving violations in the last two years.

Knowledge Of

Indexing and tracking systems for drawings, labor, software and equipment manuals, and documents; layouts and positional relationships for representing electrical distribution and transmission systems; terminology and expressions used in drafting and mapping of transmission and distribution facilities; standardized drafting/engineering drawing techniques, principles, symbols, and abbreviations; mapping electric utility distribution system facilities; rules and policies governing or impacting office or systems work assignments; plotters, scanners; relational database systems; and, proper English usage, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and spelling.

Skills To

Map electric utility distribution system facilities; maintain neat and accurate field notes, sketches and records; interpret and apply policies, procedures, standards and requirements related to area of responsibility; use relevant work management, word processing, spreadsheet , drawing, and related software and data bases; use scanning devices/digital cameras to create and modify GIS data; communicate effectively in writing, including writing reports in a clear and concise manner; establish and maintain effective office procedures and record keeping and filing systems; plan, organize, coordinate and prioritize assigned tasks to successfully meet deadlines; work cooperatively with diverse personalities in a team-oriented environment; read and comprehend technical information; document technical information in writing; communicate effectively with the public and with SMUD employees; provide effective customer service; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with SMUD employees and the public; complete assignments in a timely manner; use a variety of business office equipment; read diagrams and blueprints; communicate effectively and clearly in English in person and by telephone with other SMUD staff; and, perform routine technical and administrative work.

Desirable Qualifications

•    Knowledge of electric utility distribution systems in mapping, GIS, or design.
•    Certificate in GIS from an accredited college or university 
•    Ability and willingness to work at a consistently high level of quality.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are

 

As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers. Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations.

 

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

 

SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together. 

 

An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform “substantially similar work,” when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification.  As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance.

 

SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests.

 

Why Sacramento, California?

 

The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few.

 

Hybrid Work

 

This position may be eligible for SMUD's hybrid (office/home) work employee benefit, the schedule of which will bedetermined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramentoregion community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with ourcolleagues. Our approach to hybrid work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s businessneeds change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.

 

CalPERS

 

SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit www.calpers.ca.gov.

SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

Req ID:  2823