GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS SPECIALIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Apr 11, 2025 - The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist demonstrates expertise in GIS-based development projects, leveraging tools like ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth, and Carto while integrating GPS and CADD/SDSFIE datasets to deliver interactive, user-centric mapping solutions. This position applies advanced knowledge of database and front-end programming languages including SQL, Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP alongside MicroStation and ESRI ArcGIS software for effective geospatial data management. This role adheres to strict governmental and military standards by maintaining compliance with Army GIS directives and ensuring secure operations through DoD Common Access Card eligibility and Windows system maintenance proficiency.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Geographic Information Systems Specialist Resume
  • ArcGIS Administration
  • Geodatabase Management
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Data Visualization
  • Web Mapping
  • Remote Sensing
  • GIS Programming
  • Python Scripting
  • Data Management
  • Quality Assurance
  • Project Coordination
  • Communication Facilitation
  • Problem Solving
  • Client Engagement
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Technical Mentoring
  • Report Development
  • Collaboration
  • Application Support
  • GIS Consultation

Summary of Geographic Information Systems Specialist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Geographic Information Systems with 4 years of Experience

  • Demonstrated effective and reliable communication skills.
  • Ability to present technical and public safety GIS concepts to customers.
  • Proficiency using ESRI software.
  • Proven ability to finish project tasks/cases on time, within budget, with high customer satisfaction.
  • Ability to work both independently and with team members to accomplish assigned responsibilities.
  • Ability to perform highly responsible assignments requiring experience, judgment, and discretion for effective completion with appropriate communication
  • Ability to successfully mentor/train individuals.
  • Ability to create and maintain process documentation.
  • Experience working with GIS software, ArcMap and ArcCatalog, as well as graphic software including Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and MS Office expertise
  • Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.

2. BA in Geography with 2 years of Experience

  • Experience with ArcGIS for Server & Portal for ArcGIS minimum version 10.x
  • Experience with ArcMap / ArcCatalog minimum version 10.x & ArcGIS Pro 2.x
  • Extensive experience in Operation Dashboard and Web AppBuilder
  • Experience with ArcSDE on Oracle data maintenance techniques
  • Experience with GeoEvent Processor & SpatioTemporal 
  • Experience with Power BI, Insights, & Ops Dashboard
  • Experience with FME Workbench / FME Server
  • Experience with Python Scripting (PortalPy and ArcPy)
  • Strong understanding of problem-solving techniques
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to both technical and non-technical resources.
  • Experience in ArcGIS Desktop.
  • Proficient in relevant computer applications and able to use productivity software.

3. BS in Environmental Science with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience working with ESRI tools and applications
  • Experience working with FME and/or Python
  • Education and experience may be substituted for one another
  • Extensive experience of directly working with FME and/or Python
  • Extensive experience working with FME and or Python
  • Strong experience with Power BI
  • Strong experience in Pipeline Information Management (PODS)
  • Experience working in the Upstream Oil and Gas industry supporting functions such as Exploration, Projects, Operations, Pipeline and HSE
  • Experience with remote sensing software packages for imagery processing and analysis
  • Experience with Data Science workflows
  • Exceptional verbal communication and presentation skills.
  • Effective corporate communication and information management skills.

4. BS in Geomatics with 3 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of the Energy and utility domain
  • Knowledge and experience with editing scenarios in a multi-user Geodatabase
  • Effective time management and organizational skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Good Vendor Management and customer management
  • Experience in Requirement Gathering, Business coordination and maintaining a traceability matrix
  • Strong functional, industry knowledge of a subject
  • Strong written communication skills.
  • Ability to interact with trainees in a professional manner.
  • Knowledge of the ArcGIS suite (ArcMap, ArcGIS PRO, ArcGIS Online) and extensions
  • Proficient with MS Office Suite (Excel, Access)
  • Knowledge of VBA, Python and FME
  • Strong English language skills.

5. BA in Urban and Regional Planning with 2 years of Experience

  • Strong experience with Esri’s suite of software products
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of GIS principles, theories and practices
  • Advanced knowledge of spatial analysis procedures
  • Advanced knowledge of Hydraulic analysis and modeling
  • Advanced knowledge of Python and Esri Model Builder
  • Strong skills in the development of analysis procedures, complex system integration, software configuration management, and business analysis
  • Experience with integrating and implementing complex technology solutions
  • Strong experience with Esri’s suite of software products
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of GIS principles, theories and practices
  • Advanced knowledge of spatial analysis procedures
  • Advanced knowledge of Hydraulic analysis and modeling
  • Advanced knowledge of Python and Esri Model Builder
  • Strong skills in the development of analysis procedures, complex system integration, software configuration management, and business analysis
  • Experience with integrating and implementing complex technology solutions

6. BS in Geospatial Science with 3 years of Experience

  • Hands-on knowledge of Esri ArcGIS desktop software, including ArcMap and ArcPro.
  • Strong understanding of geodatabases and geodatabase applications.
  • Ability to work with vector and raster datasets.
  • Experience using ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Portal, or another web mapping system.
  • Familiar with GPS data collection and data management, including Collector for ArcGIS.
  • Ability to use and edit shapefiles and geodatabases (personal, file, and enterprise).
  • Experience working with different coordinate systems, map projections, and datum’s.
  • Familiarity with standard cartographic methods, theories and principles.
  • Ability to independently manage multiple assignments, determine and set job task priorities and work with limited direct supervision.
  • Familiarity with consulting engineers and/or surveyors.
  • Experience using AutoCAD and DWG files
  • Experience using Google Earth and KMZ files.
  • Familiar with LiDAR datasets and usage
  • Experience using Python, ModelBuilder or another common GIS scripting language is desirable, as job duties will include creating scripts to streamline frequently performed tasks.

7. BA in Environmental Studies with 2 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of GIS concepts
  • Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of GIS database development, management and maintenance
  • Knowledge of geometry, trigonometry, algebra and coordinate systems
  • Knowledge and working experience with GIS products including, but not limited to, Esri products such as ArcGIS Desktop 10.x and ArcPad
  • Knowledge and experience in collecting field data to be loaded into a GIS
  • Knowledge of principles, practices and standards of geospatial metadata
  • Working knowledge of plotters, scanners, CD burners, and GPS equipment
  • Ability to interpret field survey and inspection notes and to incorporate them into GIS layers
  • Ability to accurately maintain City records and maps
  • Ability to manage multiple projects successfully
  • Ability to research and interpret GIS datasets, aerial imagery and related GIS renderings
  • Ability to read and comprehend technical information

8. BS in Cartography with 3 years of Experience

  • Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally
  • Ability to work independently with a minimum of instructions and supervision
  • Ability to understand and carry out instructions
  • Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely
  • Ability to provide effective customer service
  • Skill in data creation and editing with Esri and ArcGIS products
  • Skill in the operation of personal computers, related peripherals and various software packages
  • Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both verbally and in writing to individuals as well as groups
  • Ability to effectively manage and supervise other employees
  • Ability to withstand the pressure of competing priorities and varied responsibilities and works efficiently and effectively to develop win-win solutions
  • Ability to evaluate the impact of alternative courses of action and evaluate circumstances of an innovative, new or unprecedented nature
  • Ability to work in a team environment and establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with other employees, supervisors, City officials, outside agencies and the general public

9. BA in Anthropology with 2 years of Experience

  • Expertise in GIS foundation principals and methods, Ability to identify or develop solutions to a variety of projects
  • Understanding of data management principals, including database design, data archiving protocols, metadata creation, and overall data organization
  • Ability to establish cartographic designs.
  • Experience in providing project or task level quality control oversight
  • Experience with web-based mapping (html, Java etc)
  • Understanding with GPS receivers and software to collect data
  • Proficiency in database development concepts (Oracle or SQL Server)
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel. 
  • Experience with Access and other Office applications
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Ability to work with others in supplying information and seeking assistance

10. BS in Computer Science with 4 years of Experience

  • Proficiency with ESRI's ArcGIS Desktop v10x (ArcMap, ArcCatalog)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software
  • Strong work ethic, self-motivated and capable of independent work, but demonstrated ability to work on project teams.
  • Strong writing and document skills
  • Strong MS Office skills, particularly related to planning documents
  • Good organizational and communication skills
  • Excellent analytical / problem-solving skills
  • Experience with QA/QC and data analysis
  • Experience developing or reviewing DMA 2000 hazard mitigation plans
  • Knowledge of HAZUS, FEMA Benefit Cost software, EMAP, NFIP and CRS
  • Familiarity with FEMA RiskMAP program
  • Experience with one or more of the following land use planning, recovery planning, climate change adaptation planning, resiliency planning, emergency operations plans, drought mitigation and response plans, Community Wildfire Protection Plans.

11. BS in Remote Sensing with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience working in a professional (not academic) ArcGIS desktop environment
  • Experience ArcGIS Desktop 10.8 or higher
  • Experience working in the ArcGIS desktop environment (ArcGIS Desktop 10.0 or higher).
  • Strong GIS skills, including data analysis abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office suite.
  • Prior GPS and applicable natural science field experience
  • Experience with 3D GIS/point cloud.
  • Effective team player who takes an active role in team responsibilities
  • Ability to work on multiple tasks and to collaborate actively with other teams
  • Strong time management skills.

12. BA in Earth Science with 2 years of Experience

  • Experience or advanced knowledge of ArcGIS Pro and experience with 3D procedural modelling software (CityEngine and/or Rhino)
  • Strong familiarity with using ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online
  • Basic knowledge of reactive frameworks (React, Vue, etc)
  • Experience developing with ArcGIS API for JavaScript versions 3.x – 4.x
  • Understanding of web application UI and UX
  • Strong Python scripting knowledge
  • Experience working with the ArcPy package
  • Strong Organizational And Analytical Skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to provide efficient, timely, reliable and courteous service to customers
  • Ability to work quickly in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills. 

13. BS in Civil Engineering with 3 years of Experience

  • Ability to effectively present information.
  • Knowledge of financial terms and principles. 
  • Ability to calculate intermediate figures such as percentages, discounts, and commissions. 
  • Ability to conduct advanced financial analysis.
  • Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret complex documents. 
  • Ability to solve problems involving several options in situations. 
  • Advanced analytical and quantitative skills.
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, CBRE Earth, proprietary online systems, other GIS-related technologies at advanced skill levels
  • Proficiency in the ArcGIS Suite
  • Knowledge of commercial real estate terms and definitions, real estate analytical methods
  • Experience with Front-end Web Development  (HTML, CSS, & JavaScript)

14. BA in Environmental Planning with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience with development projects using GIS technologies
  • Proficiency with database programming languages such as SQL, R or Python
  • Proficiency with front-end design languages such as PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript and various mapping languages
  • Experience with mapping tools such as ArcGIS/ArcMap, QGIS, Google Earth and Carto
  • Experience with GPS tools.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication.
  • Experience in the management of geospatial data or similar relevant experience.
  • Experience working with software applications such as ESRI ArcGIS.
  • Able to pass the DoD background check for a Common Access Card (CAC).
  • Experience with CADD and SDSFIE datasets
  • Experience using MicroStation or other similar programs.
  • Experience with user interfaces and interactive deliverables.
  • Knowledge of Army GIS and IT directives, guidance, regulations and processes.
  • Experience working in highly structured organizations, such as governmental agencies, the military or corporations, with established lines of authority, procedures, and protocols.
  • Knowledge/experience of hardware and software maintenance for Windows systems.

15. BS in Surveying and Mapping with 2 years of Experience

  • Experience in GIS applications in the field of disaster risk management, climate change, agriculture, water and transportation sectors
  • Experience in the development of GIS-based hazard, exposure, vulnerability and risk mapping, and generation of related information using GIS software/tools
  • Experience in conducting national-level training programs for government agencies and other relevant stakeholders
  • Excellent English proficiency, oral and written communication, including a demonstrated track record in technical report writing and the ability to communicate technical matters effectively to a general audience
  • Strong understanding and knowledge of climate change impacts on transportation, water, and agriculture sectors
  • Experience in data management and the use of advanced geographic information systems
  • Experience working with UN agencies in an international setting (i.e. in countries other than the home country).
  • Experience in providing technical support and advanced training on the use of GIS in developing countries, specifically in countries affected by conflict.
  • Skilled in all aspects of the development and operation of health information systems. 
  • Ability to design, manage, analyse and coordinate complex information system projects, computer-based applications and databases including databases required by geographic information systems and mapping applications/systems. 
  • Good interpersonal communication skills and the ability to interact effectively in a multi-cultural environment. 
  • Experience with Microsoft Access and Excel, the ESRI GIS software stack including ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Server and coding against ArcGIS Server's JavaScript/REST interface and ArcObjects. 
  • Experience with Microsoft SQL Server, Python, Google Earth, the Google Maps API, and image editing software such as Adobe Illustrator.
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