Title: Geographic Information Systems Technician Journey
Sacramento, CA, US, 95827-3824
Minimum Pay Rate: $43.32
Maximum Pay Rate: $52.76
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 Entry level, please apply to requisition #2823.
We are seeking a Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Technician to support the GIS team within the Energy Delivery & Operations division at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). This position offers a valuable opportunity to gain professional experience in a highly technical environment while contributing to projects that are essential to the operational services for the various business units at SMUD.
The GIS Technician – Journey Level will work under the direction of experienced GIS professionals and will assist with a variety of tasks, including data creation, data editing, map creation, peer reviewing other team member’s work, coordinating work requests, and collaborating with colleagues throughout SMUD.
Purpose
Under general supervision, maintains SMUD’s GIS databases. 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. Assists in training and coaching of entry-level staff. Provides first-level and basic guidance to users of the enterprise GIS system and its processes.
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
- Verifies and updates GIS databases and maps with design and as-built information.
- Creates maps and graphs, using GIS software and related equipment.
- Reviews, coordinates, and assigns incoming work according to established business processes.
- With subject matter expert guidance conducts limited research to locate and obtain existing databases.
- With subject matter expert guidance gathers, analyzes, and integrates spatial data from staff and creates maps.
- Utilizes geographic data from a variety of sources including census data, field observations, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- With subject matter expert guidance analyzes geographic relationships among varying types of data.
- Provides basic level of quality control review of work of entry level GIS Data technicians to insure adherence to departmental processes and standards.
- 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
- Typically two (2+) or more years of work experience designing, implementing and maintaining GIS databases and applications, which includes the operational use of multiple computer application platforms, such as AutoCAD, Excel, Access, and GIS.
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 and 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
• Previous experience with electric utility distribution systems in mapping, GIS, or design.
• Bachelor of Science degree in information systems, computer science or geography, including course work in GIS.
• Highly adaptable to rapidly changing circumstances.
• Ability and willingness to work at a consistently high level of quality.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD.
• Proficiency in Octave NetworksCore or Esri ArcGIS Pro.
Physical Requirements
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 will be required to work onsite one or more days a week on a regular basis; sometimes more or less, depending on the work and, at any of our SMUD locations. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to remote work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs 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.