GIS Specialist | Torchora

🎯 Role Definition

As a GIS Specialist, you will be the go-to expert for all things geospatial. You will be responsible for the entire data lifecycle, from acquisition and management to complex spatial analysis and the production of high-quality cartographic products. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving to support a wide range of projects across various departments. You will work collaboratively with engineers, planners, scientists, and business leaders to provide critical spatial intelligence that informs our core strategies and operational effectiveness. Your work will directly impact our ability to understand trends, manage assets, and communicate our mission through the compelling language of maps.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

GIS Technician
Junior GIS Analyst
Data Analyst
CAD Technician

Advancement To:

Senior GIS Analyst
GIS Manager
Geospatial Data Scientist
GIS Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

Data Scientist
Urban Planner
Database Administrator
Environmental Scientist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, develop, and maintain the enterprise geodatabase, ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and appropriate access controls using ArcGIS SDE or PostgreSQL/PostGIS.
Perform complex spatial analyses, including overlay, proximity, network, and 3D analysis, to support planning, environmental assessment, and operational decision-making.
Develop and automate complex geoprocessing workflows and repetitive tasks using Python (ArcPy) scripts and Esri's ModelBuilder to improve efficiency and repeatability.
Produce high-quality, professional cartographic products, including static maps, map series, and interactive web maps for reports, presentations, and public outreach.
Manage, publish, and maintain GIS web services (Map Services, Feature Services) through ArcGIS Enterprise Portal or ArcGIS Online.
Design and configure intuitive web mapping applications and dashboards using ArcGIS Web AppBuilder, Experience Builder, or ArcGIS Dashboards to visualize data for non-technical stakeholders.
Collect, process, and integrate field data from GPS/GNSS devices and mobile data collection applications like ArcGIS Field Maps or Survey123.
Perform extensive data quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks on geospatial and associated attribute data to ensure it meets organizational standards.
Create and maintain comprehensive metadata for all geospatial datasets in accordance with FGDC or other industry-standard formats.
Convert and transform data between various formats, including CAD, shapefiles, KML, and geodatabases, while managing and documenting coordinate system projections.
Provide expert-level technical support and training to internal staff and clients on the use of GIS software, tools, and applications.
Collaborate with IT and database administrators to ensure the optimal performance, security, and integration of GIS systems with other enterprise business systems.
Process and analyze remote sensing data, such as aerial imagery, satellite imagery, and LiDAR, to extract features and derive analytical products.
Conduct needs assessments with various business units to identify opportunities for GIS solutions and translate business requirements into technical specifications.
Manage GIS-related projects from conception to completion, including defining scope, timelines, and deliverables, while coordinating with project teams.
Develop and enforce GIS data standards, procedures, and best practices across the organization to ensure consistency and quality.
Author and maintain detailed technical documentation for GIS datasets, workflows, applications, and system configurations.
Perform geocoding and address validation services for large datasets and integrate results into business intelligence platforms.
Support emergency response and management activities by providing rapid mapping, data analysis, and situational awareness products.
Stay current with emerging GIS technologies, trends, and software updates, and provide recommendations for technology adoption and process improvements.
Interpret and digitize features from engineering drawings, legal descriptions, and as-built plans to create and update spatial data layers.
Administer user accounts, groups, and content within ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise Portal environments.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
Assist in writing grant proposals or project reports that have a significant geospatial component.
Represent the organization at technical conferences, seminars, and user groups.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced proficiency with the Esri ArcGIS suite, particularly ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise (Portal, Server), and ArcGIS Online.
Strong scripting and automation skills using Python, specifically with the ArcPy library.
Solid understanding and practical experience with relational database management systems (RDBMS) like Microsoft SQL Server or PostgreSQL (PostGIS extension is a plus).
Proficiency in writing and executing complex SQL queries for data manipulation and extraction.
Experience with building and configuring web mapping applications and dashboards (e.g., Experience Builder, Web AppBuilder, ArcGIS Dashboards).
Competency with GPS/GNSS technology and mobile data collection applications (ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123).
Deep knowledge of cartographic principles, map design, and data visualization techniques.
Thorough understanding of geographic coordinate systems, map projections, and data transformations.
Experience with open-source GIS software such as QGIS for data processing and analysis.
Familiarity with processing and analyzing raster data, including aerial imagery and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs).
Knowledge of data standards and the creation of FGDC-compliant metadata.
Experience with publishing and managing RESTful GIS web services.

Soft Skills

Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
A proactive and self-motivated learner, keen to stay updated on new technologies.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in a relevant field and/or a GISP (Geographic Information Systems Professional) certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Geography
Geographic Information Science (GIS)
Geomatics
Environmental Science
Urban Planning
Computer Science
Geology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of professional experience in a role primarily focused on geospatial analysis and data management.

Preferred:

Experience in a specific industry relevant to the company (e.g., utilities, municipal government, environmental consulting, real estate, or logistics).
Experience with agile project management methodologies.