GIS Application Developer

Description

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a skilled GIS Application Developer to support the design, development, integration, and administration of GIS applications and platforms that are critical to our regional planning efforts. This role offers a dynamic opportunity to build, maintain, and optimize complex GIS applications, systems, and administrators while working closely with internal stakeholders in a highly collaborative environment. The initial focus of the role will be supporting the maintenance and development of the Regional Data Platform suite of GIS applications such as Housing Element Parcel Tool ( HELPR ) and Local Data Exchange . The successful candidate brings a strong blend of technical expertise in both GIS application development and enterprise system administration for ESRI suite of software's, along with excellent communication and collaboration skills to effectively partner with cross-functional teams.

This position is eligible to work remotely from a location based within the SCAG region and is expected to be in the office at least 1 day per quarter for IT division meetings, and on occasional and/or ad-hoc days, at the discretion of management and business needs.

The Application Development and Support department is responsible for many of SCAG's core technology systems and involved in multiple SCAG initiatives. The team develops, manages, tests, supports, maintains, and consults on applications including region shaping metropolitan planning systems, operationally focused finance and support systems, and public facing information sharing systems. Some of the current applications and technologies used include Microsoft Great Plains (GP), WorkPlace, OnBase, Microsoft CRM, custom Inter-Government Review (IGR), custom Finance Management Systems (FMS), Azure DevOps, Microsoft Dynamics 365, ESRI ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, ServiceNow, Microsoft SQL Server, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), and Crystal Reports. This role will primarily focus on the GIS applications in this portfolio.

WHO WE ARE

As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

MISSION
To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION
Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG CORE VALUES

• Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
• Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
• Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
• Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.
• Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

In this role you can expect to

GIS Administration (50%):

• Manage and maintain all core components of the ArcGIS Enterprise environment, including Portal, Server, Data Store, and Web Adaptor in a High Available environment.
• Monitor system performance, apply updates and patches, and troubleshoot technical issues to ensure a secure, scalable, and reliable GIS environment.
• Automate administrative workflows and support operational efficiency using tools such as Python, PowerShell, and ArcPy.
• Providing guidance and support to GIS users, answering questions, and troubleshooting issues. They also develop and deliver training programs to enhance user skills and knowledge of ArcGIS software.
• Identifying opportunities to improve GIS workflows, designing and implementing sustainable GIS processes, and ensuring the efficient use of ArcGIS across the organization.
• Monitor GIS system health and provide detailed reports on its usage and bottleneck if any to leadership; diagnose and resolve system-level and service-related issues.

GIS Application Development (35%):

• Design, develop, and maintain custom GIS applications, tools, and widgets using Esri ArcGIS technologies such as Experience Builder, ArcGIS Web AppBuilder, and ArcGIS APIs.
• Translate business needs into functional GIS applications by collaborating with stakeholders to analyze requirements and identify appropriate technical solutions.
• Integrate GIS functionality with enterprise systems and workflows to support internal planning tools and data products.
• Support and guide power users in the design and configuration of GIS applications, ensuring alignment with system architecture and performance standards.

Other (15%):

• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance for GIS users across the agency, including resolving software, access, and integration issues.
• Actively participate in GIS governance, data stewardship, and knowledge-sharing activities to promote consistency and standards across the agency.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, user guides, and internal knowledge base content to support ongoing operations and knowledge transfer.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 5 years of experience in GIS development and architecture and a bachelor’s degree in a GIS, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or relevant field.

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

We’ll be a great match if you also have:

• Experience in GIS system administration, configuration, and maintenance of GIS servers, Portals, ArcGIS Online and its services.
• Experience supporting COTS and custom development, including the use of Experience Builder custom widgets, and web development with ReactJS, and ArcGIS web libraries.
• Experience with Python scripting for GIS tasks, including the use of ArcGIS Python libraries for automation and data processing.
• Hands-on experience using Esri ArcGIS software, Geodatabases (GeoDBs), and exposure to third-party GIS tools such as GeoJobe, AGOL assistant and Geocortex.
• General understanding of GIS Data Warehousing andGIS Data Architecture.
• Knowledge of ITIL and experience with ServiceNow for IT service management and tracking of GIS-related issues.
• Ability to prepare and document technical analysis, design, and architecture for GIS data and system implementations to meet business and technical requirements.
• Experience applying project management principles, including work in Microsoft Azure DevOps, and contributing to cross-functional GIS initiatives.
• The ability to develop clear, concise communications, technical documentation, and reports.
• The ability to communicate effectively and build positive working relationships with staff, management, and external stakeholders.
• The ability to conduct user needs analysis, translate requirements into user stories, and break them into actionable tasks.

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until August 7, 2025, with the first application review taking place on July 24, 2025. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.

Insurance Coverage
Employees may choose from nine HMO and two PPO health plans administered through CalPERS. SCAG contributes the following amounts towards the monthly health premium: $850 for employee only coverage; $1500 for employee plus one dependent; $1800 for employee plus family. Employees may waive SCAG-sponsored health plans by providing evidence of other health coverage each plan year. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, employee is eligible to receive opt out amount of $200 per month, paid as taxable earnings. Premiums for dental and vision are covered 100% by SCAG. Life insurance in the amount of $50,000 is provided by SCAG. Supplemental life insurance is available at a minimal cost to the employee. Short-term and long-term disability insurance plans are provided by SCAG.

Retirement
Employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Effective January 1, 2013, for new members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the retirement formula is calculated at 2% @ 62 with a Three Year Average Formula. In accordance with the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the new member will have a mandatory contribution of 7% of reportable compensation. Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAG or in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula.

Empower deferred compensation plan is available and all non-management positions receive a 50% match, up to $1,500. Employees do not pay Social Security.

Paid Parental Leave
12 weeks of paid parental leave to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after 12 months of employment at SCAG.

Holidays
Employees receive 10 designated holidays and 44 hours of Personal Floating Holidays (PFH) per fiscal year, 11 hours for each full quarter worked.

Vacation Accrual
Ten to twenty days per year depending on length of service with SCAG.

0-3 years: 80 hours
4-10 years: 120 hours
11-16 years: 140 hours
17+ years: 160 hours

Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Tax-exempt savings plans are offered to pay for eligible expenses associated with healthcare, dependent care, and parking.

Transit Reimbursement Program
SCAG reimburses up to $230 per month for commute to the office via public transit via bus, rail, or train. Employees must commute a minimum of 8 days per month in order to receive reimbursement for monthly passes.

Flexible Time/Modified Work Week/Telework
Employees may work a modified 9-80 work schedule, with every other Friday off. SCAG offers a flexible work schedule to allow employees some flexibility on daily work hours. SCAG has developed a hybrid workforce program called Work@SCAG to provide two work model options (office and hybrid) to choose from, based on their position, within the SCAG Region.

Technology Allowance
Employees in hybrid and remote work models will receive a one-time stipend of $300 to be used for remote office setup. In addition, all employees receive a $140 monthly technology allowance to cover phone usage for business use and to offset utilities costs while working remotely.

Other Benefits
Educational assistance up to $5,250 per year is offered for qualified courses after one year of employment. Professional membership reimbursement up to $300 per year for professional associations.

Probationary Period
All non-management employees are required to successfully complete a probationary period of 2080 hours prior to achieving regular employment status.

Closing Date/Time: 8/7/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• Southern California Association of Governments

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