Senior GIS Analyst

Key Responsibilities

Own technical execution for complex GIS deliverables and analysis (schema design, data integration, spatial modeling, and map products).
• Lead GIS workstreams and small-to-mid sized projects: scope tasks, build workplans, estimate hours, coordinate resources, and manage schedules.
• Drive QA/QC standards and review processes to reduce rework and ensure defensible, repeatable deliverables.
• Serve as a client-facing technical lead for GIS: clarify requirements, manage expectations, and communicate progress and risks.
• Mentor and develop junior staff; document SOPs and improve production workflows.

Key Metrics / KPIs (Role-Level)

• On-time and on-budget delivery for assigned projects/workstreams
• QC outcomes (low error/rework rate) and deliverable acceptance rate
• Production efficiency (hours vs. estimate; cycle time)
• Client satisfaction/responsiveness (issue closure time)
• Team enablement (training, SOP adoption, automation impact)

Essential Functions (What You Will Do)

1) Advanced GIS Analysis and Deliverables

• Perform advanced spatial analysis and modeling to support engineering and utility programs (e.g., corridor analysis, constraint mapping, suitability, proximity, and change detection where applicable).
• Design and produce client-ready map series, exhibits, and data packages aligned with program standards and contract requirements.
• Integrate survey, CAD, and field data into GIS products with clear lineage, metadata, and defensible assumptions.

2) Data Architecture and Enterprise GIS

• Design and maintain geodatabase schemas (domains, subtypes, relationships) to support programmatic delivery and reporting.
• Manage and validate coordinate systems, transformations, and control assumptions; ensure consistency with survey deliverables.
• Support enterprise GIS and web GIS workflows (ArcGIS Enterprise/Portal/ArcGIS Online) including publishing, services, permissions, and content organization (as applicable).

3) Automation and Workflow Improvement

• Develop and maintain repeatable workflows for data conversion and validation (CAD-to-GIS, field-to-GIS, schema mapping).
• Build automation scripts/tools (e.g., Python/ArcPy, ModelBuilder, or comparable) to improve throughput and reduce errors.
• Document SOPs, templates, symbology standards, and QC checklists; drive adoption across the team.

4) Project Management and Delivery Ownership

• Develop project/workstream plans: define scope, milestones, deliverables, assumptions, and acceptance criteria.
• Estimate level-of-effort; manage budgets and burn; track schedule and proactively flag variance and risks.
• Coordinate resources across GIS, survey, and engineering teams; manage dependencies and priorities to meet deadlines.
• Lead internal deliverable reviews and package submissions; maintain clear revision control and audit trails.

5) Client and Stakeholder Communication

• Act as GIS technical point-of-contact for assigned projects; translate client requirements into technical execution plans.
• Provide concise status reporting: progress, risks, decisions needed, and next steps.
• Support proposals and planning by contributing technical approaches, schedules, and effort estimates (as requested).

6) Team Leadership, Mentoring, and QA/QC Governance

• Mentor GIS Technicians/Analysts; review work for accuracy, completeness, and consistency with standards.
• Establish and enforce QA/QC gates; ensure corrective actions are documented and improvements are institutionalized.
• Support onboarding and training plans; contribute to skills development and cross-training with survey/engineering.

7) Compliance, Safety, and Administrative

• Follow quality, information security, and client confidentiality requirements.
• Maintain accurate time entry and charge coding; ensure work is aligned to scope and contract terms.
• Adhere to internal document control, file management, and retention requirements.

Decision Rights and Escalation

Owns (Independent Authority)

• Technical execution approach for GIS analysis and deliverables within established project standards.
• Workstream planning (task sequencing, resource coordination, QA/QC approach) for assigned GIS scope.
• Approval of routine GIS deliverables and internal QC sign-off consistent with delegated authority.

Escalates to Geomatics GIS Manager / Project Manager

• Scope changes, contract impacts, and any schedule/budget variance exceeding agreed thresholds.
• Source-of-truth disputes (survey/CAD/client data) and unresolved coordinate system/control assumptions.
• Items affecting legal exhibits, ROW/easement boundaries, certification-adjacent deliverables, or client acceptance criteria.

Minimum Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive GIS experience with direct relevance to survey, engineering, and/or utility industry delivery.
• Demonstrated project management experience leading GIS workstreams or projects (scoping, estimating, scheduling, and budget tracking).
• Expert-level proficiency in Esri ArcGIS Pro; strong spatial analysis, geodatabase design, and cartographic production skills.
• Strong understanding of coordinate systems, transformations, and data quality controls consistent with survey deliverables.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, lead others through deadlines, and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in GIS, Geography, Geomatics, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP, CAPM, or equivalent project management training/certification (preferred).
• GISP certification (preferred).
• Experience with enterprise GIS administration (ArcGIS Enterprise/Portal), publishing services, and governance.
• Automation skills (Python/ArcPy, ModelBuilder, FME or similar ETL tools).
• CAD/GIS integration expertise (Civil 3D/MicroStation workflows, layer mapping, schema harmonization).
• Utility data model or network-adjacent experience (e.g., Utility Network familiarity), ROW/easement mapping support, and program reporting.

Core Competencies

• Delivery ownership: predictable execution against scope, schedule, and budget
• Technical leadership: advanced GIS analysis and data stewardship
• Quality mindset: rigorous QA/QC and defensible deliverables
• Client communication: clear, proactive, and solutions-oriented
• People development: mentoring, coaching, and standards adoption

Tools and Technology (Typical)

ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online/Enterprise (as applicable), Python/ArcPy and/or ModelBuilder, Excel, PDF editors, CAD viewers/editors (as needed), ETL tools (optional), client GIS schemas/templates, and internal QA checklists and standards.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Primary work is computer-based; prolonged sitting and repetitive hand/keyboard use.

• May occasionally need to lift/carry up to approximately 25 lbs (equipment/files) and attend jobsite/client meetings.

• Occasional extended hours may be required to meet critical deadlines or respond to client priorities.

The pay range for this position in California is $40.00 to $50.00 per hour. Base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the candidate. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

All local employment laws apply. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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