Job opening: GIS Specialist, Arizona

GIS Specialist

As a member of the Friends of the Verde River Habitat Restoration team, the GIS Specialist will support our habitat restoration program, including building and maintaining databases, analyzing data, and developing mapping applications and tools.  Reporting directly to the Habitat Restoration Managerthe GIS Specialist must demonstrate a clear understanding of Geographic Information Systems and associated software to produce, display, and analyze geospatial data.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter and creative thinker who is comfortable learning and applying evolving GIS technology to projects related to natural resource management.

Job Overview

The GIS Specialist provides GIS support to the Habitat Restoration Program specifically and the organization as a whole to ensure that we meet goals and deliver projects on time. Duties include: acting as a technical lead within the Habitat Restoration team; providing GIS and data collection solutions, managing data, producing maps, and providing technical GIS support.

The GIS Specialist manages mobile data applications for collecting ecological data remotely in the field; manages and formats data for reporting, sharing, and analysis; produces maps and other cartographic products as needed; and provides support for GIS software and hardware.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Data: Design, maintain, and manage geodatabases to ensure data quality and ease of data collection. Perform data QA/QC.  Format and merge datasets to meet differing data requirements.  Package, document, and distribute GIS data to partner agencies. Perform statistical summaries or spatial analyses as needed.

ArcGIS Online: Use ArcGIS Online to manage web apps and field-collected data, serve data into Web Applications, Web Maps, and Operations Dashboards.

Design, Edit, and/or Develop mobile data collection applications using the ESRI Software suite (Collector for ArcGIS, Survey 123).

Mapping: Create maps and cartographic products in both ArcGIS desktop (ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro) and ArcGIS Online for viewing and exporting data. Develop and maintain interactive web maps, tools, & Story Maps. Create maps for field use, reports, presentations, grant applications, and storytelling via the web.

Support: Provide field crew training in data collection methods. Maintain records and document methodology. Provide support for remote data collection using mobile devices and Collector for ArcGIS. Maintain desktop GIS software licenses, install and provide support for GIS software and apps.

Work with staff to determine and meet their GIS needs for data collection, reporting, sharing, and presentation.

Other: Multi-task and manage multiple priorities, assist with grant applications, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Geography, Biology, or a related field plus three years of experience working with geospatial data; an Associate’s degree plus five years of work experience can substitute for the Bachelor’s degree
  • Experience with Esri Software suite (including ArcGIS online)
  • Experience using, editing, and/or designing mobile apps in Collector for ArcGIS
  • Experience creating and managing spatial databases
  • Experience producing maps using cartographic standards
  • Local and regional travel will be required; reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and personal auto insurance are required
  • Ability to demonstrate the right to work in the U.S., subject to E-Verify Employment Verification

Additional Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience managing an organizational ArcGIS Online account
  • Experience designing mobile applications using Collector for ArcGIS
  • Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro, Operations Dashboard, and Web App Builder
  • Familiarity with applying GIS to ecological or conservation-based projects.
  • Experience in natural resource management, invasive plant species management, endangered species surveys, or riparian restoration is helpful