GIS Data Analyst

Summary Statement

Turn GIS and data into better decisions, smarter workflows, and stronger emergency response.

The Boise Fire Department is seeking a GIS Data Analyst to help transform operational and dispatch data into actionable insights that improve how the department works and serves the community. This mid-level role will leverage the Esri platform, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Field Maps, and ArcGIS Survey123 Connect, to develop, maintain, analyze, and improve GIS-based data and workflows across the department.

Working closely with personnel throughout the organization and supporting command staff, this position will analyze dispatch and operational data, identify trends and opportunities, improve business processes, and develop innovative GIS and data solutions. The GIS Data Analyst will look for ways to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, improve data quality and accessibility, and build sustainable solutions that increase efficiency over time.

This is an opportunity for a GIS professional who wants to go beyond mapping—to solve operational problems, connect people and data, automate processes, and help leadership make informed, strategic decisions. The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on Esri experience, analytical thinking, curiosity, and a proactive approach to finding ways technology and data can make the Boise Fire Department more effective.

To ensure internal equity and alignment with the approved budget for this position, offers are made within the posted hiring range. Although the hiring range is fixed, employees receive an exceptional benefits and total rewards package that enhances the overall value of employment with the City of Boise.

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, economics, mathematics, business administration or a related field
• Three years of experience performing highly complex business analysis, data science or analytics
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Boise Police Department Criminal Justice Information System Background Check (BPD CJIS)
• Hybrid Work Eligible

Why the City of Boise? 

The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley: 

• Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family (an estimated $10,000 - 20,000 value) 
• PERSI retirement (11.96% Employer Contribution) plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b 
• 10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month 
• 10 weeks paid parental leave 
• $500 annual wellbeing incentive 
• Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass 
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost 

Disclaimer: This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be provided prior to closing. Applications received for this recruitment may be used to fill similar vacancies within the City of Boise as they occur.

Essential Functions

Develops digital maps through a geographic information system (GIS). Integrates base maps, data layers, tabular data and other GIS analysis with records management and other software systems. Builds mapping applications and dashboards. Mines, extracts and analyzes data to support strategic projects. Reviews and evaluates current workflow processes. Acquires and maintains new datasets and corresponding metadata, including usage of the city data warehouse. 

Initiates and develops business analyses, data sets and dashboards for review. Researches and analyzes trends, practices, laws and statistics to develop options and recommendations. Identifies and measures business operations updates to evaluate performance. Identifies, develops and/or recommends outcome-based measures, forecasts, scenarios and efficiencies. Creates maps, reports, dashboards and presentations to communicate data and analysis. 

Utilizes various databases to integrate statistical data for fiscal research, resources/staffing or asset impact, performance measures and indicators and other analyses. Monitors data sets for quality control and coordinates consistency within and across data sets. Troubleshoots and resolves data matters. Defines data standards in coordination with internal and external agency partners. Participates and collaborates in data communities. 

Develops strong partnerships and learns all aspects of the business for a positive impact. Designs, plans and maintains the service deployment model. Performs resource deployment analysis. Refines data into risk categories and develops risk demand zones. Identifies and analyzes data sets to model risk and prepares deliverables. Supports emergency planning, emergency management and major disaster response events as well as the Incident Management Team (IMT). 

Prepares, analyzes and interprets data for critical department and city reports. Analyzes historical call volume data to look for trends and project future department needs. Creates custom and auto-generated reports, including data from area-specific system technology, for data analysis and commonly used and/or new metrics within the department through engaging data visualization and presentation. Delivers applicable training to department personnel and assists with team coordination. 

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Requirements

Additional Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Knowledge of:

• Maps, graphs, satellite and aerial images interpretation.
• Government policy and practice.
• Spatial analysis and data query tools.
• Area-specific system technology.
• Data visualization tools and best practices.
• Computer usage including related software.

Ability to:

• Incorporate cultural perspective and nuance in the interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain confidentiality with sensitive documents or information.
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
• Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Master’s degree in business or public administration, business analytics, urban planning, geography, geographic information systems or a related field and five years of experience identifying and performing highly complex business analysis and developing formal recommendations for senior leadership, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Direct experience with department software systems: fire service specific dashboard and predictive modeling software.

Knowledge of: 

• Fire service and public safety, including standards, organization, staffing and culture
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 Code and Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) standards
• National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS)
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Management Teams
• Spatial Database Engine (SDE)
• ArcGIS Online (AGOL), ArcGIS Pro, AGOL Applications (Field Maps, Survey 123 (Web and Connect), ArcGIS Dashboards, Hub Sites), MS Power Automate, MS SQL, Python, Arcade, MS Visual Studio, MS PowerBI and others
• GIS and cartography principles and practices
• Coordinate systems, feature classes and datasets, scales and graphics
• Geocoding techniques and address validation
• Spatial analysis and advanced modeling techniques
• Relational database principles and concepts associated with the storage of spatial data.
  
  

Working Conditions

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is rarely lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds. Also, the employee is frequently pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds and rarely pushing/pulling up to 35 pounds. The noise level is rarely moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision. Employees will sit, stand and walk. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter.