GIS Specialist I

Department: Field Biology

Location: Remote (Southern and Central California)

Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time

Salary: $43,680 ($21.00) – $62,400 ($30.00)

Job Description:

This position works as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide GIS mapping and technology support on a wide range of projects and contracts. This position must prioritize and perform various assignments in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines. Responsibilities include organizing and managing project data collected by field staff; author and edit geospatial data using the latest ArcGIS software; generating custom maps, calculations, and analysis for various projects and clients; successfully integrating disparate data formats outside of Esri geospatial formats, including KML and CAD; and effectively communicating and sharing information or transferring data across clients or contractors. This role also develops and deploys the necessary field GPS and data collection systems to support fieldwork, including Esri’s mobile applications (e.g., Survey123, Collector, Field Maps). Candidate will be responsible for exploring the latest technologies and software to improve existing processes, tools, and workflows; and serve as the technical expert for assisting Forde staff troubleshoot problems with GIS software or applications. This position occasionally requires working in the field. The individual must be physically capable of performing fieldwork for data collection and mapping on an as-needed basis. Overnight travel may be required for projects in remote locations.

The candidate will be located in Southern or Central California. Candidate will mobilize from personal residence and drive to and from job sites.

This position is on-call, meaning work is not guaranteed and is scheduled as work requests are received from clients. Candidate is expected to provide availability in a timely manner. Full-time positions require someone who is available 4-5 days a week/30+ hours a week. Part-time positions require someone who is available up to 3 days a week/less than 30 hours week.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

  • Provide GIS mapping and technology support for various projects and contracts.

  • Prioritize and perform assignments in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines.

  • Organize and manage project data collected by field staff.

  • Author and edit geospatial data using ArcGIS software.

  • Generate custom maps, calculations, and analyses for projects and clients.

  • Integrate disparate data formats (e.g., KML, CAD) into Esri geospatial formats.

  • Communicate and share information or transfer data across clients or contractors.

  • Develop and deploy field GPS and data collection systems using Esri’s mobile applications (Survey123, Collector, Field Maps).

  • Explore and implement new technologies and software to enhance processes, tools, and workflows.

  • Serve as a technical expert, assisting staff with troubleshooting GIS software or applications.

  • Perform fieldwork for data collection and mapping as needed.

  • Be physically capable of fieldwork and occasional overnight travel for remote projects.

Required Qualifications:

  • B.S. degree

  • 1-5 years of experience in using ESRI’s ArcGIS suite of software (advanced degree or certifications may substitute 2 years of experience)

  • Advanced experience with data management, geospatial and tabular data, and custom tools

  • Experience building and deploying Esri mobile applications (e.g., Survey123, Collector, Field Maps)

  • Experience with AutoCAD or other CAD software

  • Experience using ArcGIS programs including Survey123, Collector, and Field Maps

  • Proven track record of delivering quality projects on time and within budget

  • Ensure environmental compliance

  • Strong attention to detail

  • Organization and efficiency skills

  • Tech savvy

  • Microsoft Office Suite experience

  • Independent worker

  • Excellent communication skills via phone and email

  • Must be comfortable working independently and with construction crews

  • Must be comfortable working outdoors and regularly hiking 1-3 miles in rugged terrain

  • Must be willing to travel, which may include overnight stays

  • Must own a personal vehicle and be willing to drive it to job sites

Desired Qualifications:

  • Environmental consulting experience