GIS Analyst

Job Summary

The GIS Analyst reports directly to the Manager of Maps & Tax Extensions, Director and Deputy of RE&TS. The GIS Analyst is responsible for completing GIS mapping tasks and work orders related to updating tax divisions and boundaries to fulfill the annual tax cycle requirements. This role also will also perform a variety of services related to the processing, indexing, recording, and maintenance of plats. The GIS Analyst creates complex legal descriptions and PINS and electronically sketches maps of new property using Geographic Information System (“GIS”) software. GIS Analyst also assists office employees and customers with issues related to plats.  The GIS Analyst is responsible for utilizing industry-standard GIS software programs to complete Cook County tax parcel and taxing district boundary changes, respond to customer inquiries regarding GIS & tax map-related matters, create accurate tax maps, verify and/or rewrite Cook County Legal Descriptions, troubleshoot and resolve map/GIS issues. The GIS Analyst is responsible for providing customer service support in all forms of communication for Map Department functions.  The GIS Analyst must interact with the public, all levels of CCCO staff, other county agencies, municipal officials and stakeholders, in addition to a wide array of others.

Job Duties

• Perform tax parcel division updates, including utilizing ArcMap and related software editing tools and coordinate geometry (COGO) to make map data and tabular updates.
• Perform GIS tax code and taxing district boundary updates, including map data and tabular updates, utilizing GIS and other software.
• Assist with the quality control of tax parcel division updates, tax code changes, and taxing district boundary updates and provide feedback as needed.
• Troubleshoot and research issues related to the Map Department, the various GIS applications and programs, and various other systems related to the property tax process.
• Assist with the preparation of the annual GIS tax year closeout, including the preparation and potential presentation of any data and information related to that closeout.
• Processes plats for indexing into CCCO database and verifies that plats contain all required information for recording.
• Sketches new property on map layer using GIS software.
• Creates special instruction folders for condominiums and townhomes.
• Files plat documents in physical filing system.
• Creates underlying PIN links for underlying PIN maintenance table.
• Conducts ongoing maintenance of property database records by updating and correcting deficiencies or errors in records and maps after plats have been indexed.
• Utilizes Sidwell books, the Assessor’s website and other resources to research, check, verify, correct and create complex legal descriptions and PINS.
• Update and maintain office worksheets, files, and documents using MS Office and related software.
• Verify status of plats, subdivisions, declarations, and other map related items for customers upon submission of the applicable documentation from the Recording Division.
• Perform tax code and taxing district jurisdiction searches and assist with the preparation of reports of taxing district boundary changes to various County and State agencies.
• Utilize the county mainframe, PINMAP, county tax maps, PIN lineage log-books, and other current and historic information to research and resolve questions and/or map issues.
• Review and update the PIN lineage log-book throughout the division cycle for accuracy.
• Retrieve, scan, and organize supporting documents related to GIS tax parcel divisions and tax code changes for records management retrieval purposes.
• Interpret, review and prepare tax parcel legal descriptions upon request.
• Proof, print, assemble, update and maintain tax maps and map books for internal and external ugage.
• Assist internal and external customers with PIN research related to address legal description, map location and PIN lineage.
• Contribute to, attend, and participate in job-related conferences, trainings, and meetings.
• Monitor Map Department customer service counter including assisting internal and external customers, responding to phone and email requests for PIN searches, PIN legal descriptions, and tax maps.
• Contribute to and participate in special projects and community outreaches as assigned by the  Manager, Director, or Deputy Clerk to enhance public knowledge of our office services.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university or college courses with an emphasis in GIS, Urban Planning, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Cartography, Geology, Data Analysis, Topography, Drafting or closely related field of study.
• One (1) year of full-time paid work experience with GIS software such as, but not limited to, ArcGIS, ArcMap, Parcel Fabric data model, ESRI, or other industry-standard GIS programs and applications.
• One (1) year full-time paid work experience with the following real estate documents such as, but not limited to mortgages, warranty deeds, real estate surveys, plats, legal descriptions or related documents in fields such as real estate development, real estate surveying, cartography or topography.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university, with an emphasis in GIS, Urban Planning, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Cartography, Geology, Data Analysis, Topography, Drafting or closely related field of study.
• Certified Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Professional (GISP).
• Five (5) years full-time paid work experience with the following real estate documents such as, but not limited to mortgages, warranty deeds, real estate surveys, plats, legal descriptions or related documents in fields such as real estate development, real estate surveying, cartography or topography.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 

• Familiarity with the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) and tax parcel legal descriptions, taxing districts and tax maps.
• Well-versed with GIS software in general and data analysis.
• Knowledge of GIS, including but not limited to, researching, processing and preparing tax maps, legal descriptions, and taxing district boundary requests.
• Must be self-directed, innovative and possess a positive attitude.
• Demonstrate keen attention to detail, accuracy and precision.
• Analytical and capable of solving issues as they arise.
• Skilled researcher, capable of analyzing large sets of data related to a single or multiple issue simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently or as a member of a team.