STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Geographic Information Officer

State Program Manager

Recruitment #210817-4799MP-001

Introduction


Are you an innovative leader who is capable of solving sophisticated problems by connecting geographic data, people, tools and needs? If so, we have a fantastic opportunity for you!

We are seeking a dynamic and collaborative professional to join the State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management (OPM) as the Geographic Information Officer (State Program Manager).

About Us

OPM reports directly to the Governor and provides a variety of information and analysis that is used to formulate public policy for the state. We also assist state agencies and municipalities in implementing the law and public policy on behalf of the people of Connecticut. We prepare the Governor’s budget proposals and implement and coordinate the execution of the enacted budget.

The Role

The Connecticut General Assembly passed Public Act 21-2 during the 2021 June Special Session establishing a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Office and requiring the designation of a Geographic Information Officer (GIO) position in OPM. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the creation of Connecticut’s State GIS Office to ultimately support informed, data-driven decisions by stakeholders across the state. Working as part of the Data and Policy Analytics unit at OPM, alongside the state’s Chief Data Officer, you will be directly involved in leveraging the power of data, analytics and collaboration to help solve some of the state’s most challenging problems.

The GIO will be the leader for development of high-quality GIS data. This includes both data acquisition and creation as well as aggregation from existing sources.  The GIO will work towards developing, implementing, and coordinating all of the administrative and financial functions, operations and programs of the GIS Office. The ideal candidate for this position will be organized, enthusiastic, a problem-solver with a strong work ethic and leadership abilities, able to work with a diverse set of stakeholders, including a GIS Advisory Council, to move forward the goals of the state GIS Office.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are mapping technology that combines geographic data, software and human skill to explore, measure, analyze, and share outputs via maps, dashboards and applications. GIS is used to make decisions and answer questions throughout government. It is used to route 911 calls and direct first responders, to plan roads and identify dangerous intersections, prevent and respond to disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic and Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy; and to manage property assets. It is the basis for all land and real estate development that drives our economy. The existence of high quality GIS information at the state level has broad-ranging benefits beyond state governments. A wide-range of disciplines benefit from easy-to-access, high quality and updated maps and data from managing water, land and habitats to utilities, recreation and research, economic prosperity, marketing and business.

We offer a competitive benefits package; excellent health care; generous leave policies; a retirement plan; a deferred compensation program; and more.

Interested in becoming a state employee?  Watch the video below to learn more:


Selection Plan

All applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.

Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Carolyn Kozak at opm.recruitment@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for planning, organizing and directing an agency program and/or project or directing the development and administration of programs within a division.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives general direction from an administrative official of higher grade.  

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Directs staff as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Oversee the operations of the GIS Office;
  • Manage the staff of such office and any vendors or contracts required for implementation of the following duties: 

      • Coordinate the collection, compilation and dissemination of geographic data across the state, including from and to state agencies, councils of government, municipalities and other constituencies;
      • Manage a geospatial data clearinghouse for public access to such information through the online repository, described in section 4-67p of the general statutes;
      • Support economic development efforts in the state through provision of such information;
      • Provide training and outreach on the use of such information;
      • Administer the creation and acquisition of GIS data, including aerial imagery, elevation and parcel information;
      • Through stakeholder participation, create and adopt geospatial data standards, guidelines and procedures to ensure consistency and quality of such data;
      • Perform technical data processing to aggregate and organize existing data sets and create new data sets; and
      • Perform other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable knowledge of relevant State and Federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of project management; considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of business and public administration with emphasis on effective organization, administration and management considerable ability to analyze organizational problems and determine effective solutions; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Nine (9) years of professional experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must been in a consultative capacity with programmatic and administrative or project management responsibilities in the specific area of assignment. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

2. A Master's degree in business administration, public administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

3. Department of Labor: Two (2) years of experience as an Apprenticeship and Training Program Manager may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.    

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • College training or a master's degree in a discipline related to geographic information systems;
  • Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, terminology and trends in geographic information systems, spatial data, analysis and related technology;
  • Experience in administration, project management, policy development, coordination of services and planning, particularly in development of new efforts and projects;
  • Experience coordinating the collection, compilation and dissemination of geographic data across multiple constituencies;
  • Experience managing public access to geospatial data;
  • Experience working with state, regional and municipal government, universities and economic development professionals, including developing consensus and a shared vision across constituencies;
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated ability to explain complex, technical subject matter to a diverse set of stakeholders;
  • Experience using tools, including programs such as ArcGIS, for geospatial data collection and analysis;
  • Understanding of enterprise GIS and databases, open data and other ways to manage datasets coming from different sources.
  • Experience with the development of graphics, reports or dashboards to present key findings and information;
  • Experience with policies and procedures for safe, ethical and secure use of data;
  • Experience with data governance and the development and implementation of data standards, guidelines and procedures; and
  • Experience managing, cleaning and analyzing geospatial data.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.