Introduction
The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) is seeking a talented energetic and motivated professional to join its Geospatial Data & Analysis (GDA) Division serving as its Director and being responsible for coordinating and implementing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) initiatives related to a wide range of demographic socioeconomic land use and infrastructure planning topics. The GDA Director services as theDepartments GIS lead coordinating operations for MDPs various units ensuring consistent and efficient use of GIS applications throughout the Department.
GRADE
22
LOCATION OF POSITION
MD Department of Planning
120 E. Baltimore Street
Baltimore MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Director of the Geospatial Data and Analysis (GDA) Unit provides strategic leadership andoversight of the Maryland Department of Plannings enterprise GIS operations ensuring theeffective integration of geospatial technologies into statewide planning initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant Secretary of Planning Services the Director is responsible for developing andexecuting a comprehensive GIS strategy that aligns with the departments mission andobjectives. This position oversees the implementation operation and continual enhancement ofthe agencys GIS infrastructure ensuring the accuracy integrity and accessibility of spatial data for datadriven decisionmaking.
The Director manages and directs the activities of three specialized subunits: Modeling andAnalysis which focuses on spatial analysis predictive modeling and data visualization;Database and Server Administration which is responsible for the enterprise GIS databaseserver architecture and data integrity; and GIS Web Application and Data which manages GISapplications webbased mapping platforms and geospatial data accessibility. Additionally theDirector provides direct supervision to the GDA Deputy Director Geospatial Web AdministratorGeospatial Web Manager and Geospatial Data Scientist ensuring seamless operations and theadvancement of GIS capabilities across the department.
This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.
POSITION DUTIES
Strategic Planning and Implementation
The Director is responsible for developing and implementing an enterprise GISstrategy and work plan that supports the departments mission. This includesoverseeing the management and monitoring of GIS programs ensuring operationalefficiency and adhering to best practices. The role involves establishing policiesprocedures technical documentation training and longterm goals for GIS the Director evaluates and enhances GIS applications databases andsystem infrastructure to improve performance security and accessibility whileensuring compliance with state and federal GIS data standards security protocolsdata governance and datasharing policies.
Interdepartmental and InterAgency Collaboration
Establishing and maintaining relationships with local state and federal agencies aswell as private sector and academic partners to support joint GIS initiatives. TheDirector collaborates with internal stakeholders to identify GIS needs prioritizeprojects and ensure seamless integration of GIS technologies into departmentwideworkflows. As the agencys GIS representative the Director participates in statewideand regional planning initiatives policy discussions and technical advisorycommittees.
Project Management
Project oversight and data management are key components of the role. The Directormanages and monitors GIS projects department wide ensuring timely completion andadherence to defined goals. This includes overseeing the enterprise GIS databasearchitecture to ensure data accuracy integrity and the Director implements quality assurance and control measures forgeospatial data storage publication and mapping products to maintain high standardsacross all GIS outputs.
Technology Integration and Innovation
Staying current with emerging GIS trends technologies and methodologies isessential and the Director is responsible for recommending and implementinginnovative solutions and to improve GIS capabilities. This includes leading the adoptionof new GIS tools software database architectures and automation processes toenhance operational efficiency. The Director also coordinates with IT and GIS teams tomanage system security cloud infrastructure and data governance ensuring that thedepartments GIS framework remains robust and adaptable to evolving technologicaladvancements.
Budget and Resource Management
The Director oversees the units annual budget ensuring fiscal responsibility andeffective resource allocation. This includes managing GISrelated contracts vendorrelationships and procurement processes to support the departments geospatialinitiatives. Additionally the Director supervises and provides professional developmentopportunities for GIS staff fostering a culture of innovation collaboration andcontinuous skill advancement to maintain a highly capable geospatial workforce.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university including 30 credit hours in Planning Geography Geographic Information Systems Economics Environmental Science Environmental Studies Mathematics Computer Science Statistics or Information Technology.
Experience: Five years of experience including two years of management responsibilities in the operation of geographic information systems and in geospatial analysis.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university accompanied by a Geographic Information Systems Professional Certificate (GISP) from The GIS Certification Institute for the required education.
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Masters degree from an accredited college or university in the specified educational fields for one year of the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute the possession of an additional Masters degree from an accredited college or university in the specified educational fields for one additional year of the required experience.
4. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in the specified educational fields for two years of the required experience.
5. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Logistics Architect Geospatial Intelligence Analyst or Cryptologic classifications or Logistics Architect specialty codes in the Architect field of work on a yearforyear basis for the required experience and education.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Four years of experience in one or more of the following:
Demonstrated proficiency in writing SQL scripts and experience performing complex spatial queries and analysis. in support of land use and planning needs using Python SQL and JavaScript.
Experience with GIS analysis and/or land use model applications that require customized spatial queries and programming.
Indepth knowledge of spatial analysis cartography and geospatial data management.
Certification in GISrelated domains such as Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP).
Experience with databases and database technologies such as SQLServer Spatial Database Engine (SDE) and ArcSDE.
Experience using ArcGIS software and Jupyter Notebook.
Experience using ArcGIS online in developing applications and dashboards.
Experience using MS PowerBI and Project.
Experience as a GIS Manager.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing will not consider information submitted after this candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified Better Qualified or Qualified and placed on theeligible (employment) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The evaluation may consist of a rating of your education training and experience related to the requirements of the is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your report all experience and education that is related to this position.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications are highly recommended. However if you are unable to apply onlinethe paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to:Department of Budget and Management Recruitment andExamination Division 301 W. Preston St. Baltimore MD application materials must be received in our officeby theclosing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.
For questions regarding this recruitment please contact theDBM Recruitment andExamination Division at orMD TTY Relay Service.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruitment retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the States diversity.