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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Geospatial Technician

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

TechnologyEngineeringData & AnalyticsEnvironmental Science

🎯 Role Definition

A Geospatial Technician is a foundational technical expert who works with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies. This role is responsible for the hands-on tasks of data creation, editing, maintenance, and analysis. As the backbone of any geospatial team, the technician ensures the accuracy, integrity, and accessibility of spatial data. They create the maps, manage the databases, and perform the initial analyses that allow GIS Analysts, Planners, and Engineers to derive strategic insights. The Geospatial Technician is the crucial link, bridging the gap between raw field data and finished intelligence products.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • GIS Intern / Co-op
  • Survey Technician or Field Technician
  • CAD Drafter / Technician
  • Data Entry Clerk with relevant coursework

Advancement To:

  • GIS Analyst
  • Senior Geospatial Technician / GIS Specialist
  • GIS Developer
  • GIS Coordinator or Administrator

Lateral Moves:

  • Data Analyst
  • Cartographer
  • Urban Planning Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Create, edit, and maintain geospatial vector and raster data layers with a high degree of accuracy, utilizing heads-up digitizing, COGO (Coordinate Geometry), and other data creation techniques.
  • Perform complex data conversion and transformation tasks, migrating spatial and non-spatial data between different formats (e.g., CAD to GIS, Shapefile to Geodatabase, KML to feature class).
  • Design and produce high-quality, aesthetically pleasing cartographic products, including thematic maps, map series, and interactive web maps for technical reports and public presentations.
  • Conduct rigorous quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks on geospatial datasets to ensure logical consistency, attribute accuracy, and spatial integrity according to project specifications.
  • Manage and maintain enterprise-level and file-based geodatabases, including schema design, domain and subtype creation, and the implementation of topology rules to enforce data integrity.
  • Process, clean, and integrate data collected from various field sources, including high-accuracy GPS units, drone/UAV imagery, and traditional survey equipment.
  • Perform fundamental spatial analysis tasks such as buffering, spatial joins, overlays, proximity analysis, and network tracing to answer specific geographic questions.
  • Georeference and rectify raster imagery and scanned historical maps, aligning them with accurate, real-world coordinate systems for use in analysis and visualization.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive metadata for all geospatial datasets, adhering to FGDC or ISO standards to ensure data longevity, discoverability, and institutional knowledge retention.
  • Prepare and organize large volumes of geospatial data for use in mobile field applications (like ArcGIS Field Maps), ensuring offline accessibility and proper data synchronization protocols.
  • Interpret engineering plans, as-built drawings, survey notes, and legal descriptions to accurately create or update geospatial features representing infrastructure and property boundaries.
  • Utilize scripting languages, primarily Python with libraries like ArcPy, to automate repetitive data processing, geoprocessing workflows, and map production tasks.
  • Publish and manage map services, feature services, and web applications using platforms like ArcGIS Enterprise or ArcGIS Online to share data and maps with a wider audience.
  • Provide direct technical support to internal and external users of GIS data, maps, and applications, effectively troubleshooting issues and offering clear guidance.
    procrastinate.
  • Collaborate closely with GIS Analysts and Project Managers to understand project requirements and translate them into specific technical data tasks and workflows.
  • Process and classify remote sensing data, such as LiDAR point clouds or multispectral imagery, to extract features like building footprints, vegetation cover, or digital elevation models (DEMs).
  • Maintain a comprehensive digital and physical map and data library, managing versions and archiving old datasets according to established data retention policies.
  • Configure and operate GPS/GNSS equipment for field data collection, performing post-processing routines to improve the spatial accuracy of collected points.
  • Support the development and enforcement of GIS data models and cartographic standards to ensure consistency and interoperability across all projects and departments.
  • Generate and format data deliverables for clients and regulatory agencies, ensuring they meet specified formatting, projection, and content requirements.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis from various business units.
  • Contribute to the organization's evolving data strategy and technology roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate their data needs into actionable engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies within the data team.
  • Assist in training junior staff or interns on company-specific GIS workflows and quality standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • High-level proficiency with the Esri ArcGIS software suite, particularly ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise (Portal), and ArcGIS Online.
  • Experience with open-source GIS software, such as QGIS, for data viewing, editing, and analysis.
  • Strong understanding of geodatabase design principles, including domains, subtypes, relationship classes, and topology.
  • Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation) and the ability to integrate CAD data into a GIS environment.
  • Competency in using GPS/GNSS hardware and associated mobile data collection software (e.g., ArcGIS Field Maps, Trimble TerraFlex).
  • Foundational scripting skills using Python (especially the ArcPy library) to automate geoprocessing tasks.
  • Knowledge of database query languages, primarily SQL, for querying and managing data in enterprise geodatabases (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL/PostGIS).
  • Understanding of core cartographic principles for creating clear, effective, and visually appealing maps.
  • Experience with FME (Feature Manipulation Engine) for executing complex data transformation and integration workflows.
  • Basic knowledge of remote sensing principles and experience processing data like aerial photography, satellite imagery, or LiDAR.
  • Thorough understanding of geographic coordinate systems, map projections, and datum transformations.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in handling data to ensure the highest level of accuracy and quality.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot technical issues with data, software, and workflows.
  • Communication: Can clearly explain technical concepts to non-technical team members and document procedures.
  • Time Management: Skilled at prioritizing tasks and managing deadlines across multiple projects.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Works effectively within a team to achieve project goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a technical certificate in GIS, Geomatics, or a closely related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Geographic Information Science (GIS)
  • Geography
  • Geomatics or Surveying Engineering
  • Cartography
  • Environmental Science or Urban Planning (with a strong GIS concentration)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-5 years of direct, hands-on experience working with GIS software and managing spatial data.

Preferred:

  • Experience within a specific industry such as utilities (electric, water, gas), environmental consulting, municipal/county government, or civil engineering is highly desirable.
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