Data Specialist Jobs in California
Data Specialist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand concentrated in technology, healthcare, financial services, and e-commerce across experience levels from entry-level analyst through senior data specialist. The largest hiring hubs are San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where employers like Salesforce, Kaiser Permanente, and Wells Fargo maintain deep, ongoing data teams. The most in-demand specialties are data quality management, business intelligence reporting, and healthcare data analytics. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 80+ Data Specialist jobs
About us
LightBox is a leading provider of data and workflow solutions across commercial real estate and location intelligence. Our solutions deliver the depth, speed and accuracy that enable insights to over 50,000 brokers, 1,000 banks and lenders, 1,000 law firms and 5,000 environmental consulting and engineering firms.
With our expertise, we produce the best available data, workflow tools, technology, and analytics to support everyone making a real estate decision. There has never been a better time to make an impact, and we invite you to join us on this journey.
Position Overview
The GIS Data Quality Specialist is responsible for researching, analyzing, and resolving exceptions identified within LightBox’s location intelligence and geospatial data platforms. This role uses GIS tools, SQL, aerial imagery, parcel data, address datasets, building footprints, and other authoritative sources to validate and improve location-related records.
This position is focused on data quality, structured research, exception resolution, documentation, and process consistency. The GIS Data Quality Specialist applies established business rules and procedures to evaluate records, determine appropriate resolutions, and support the accuracy and reliability of LightBox’s geospatial and property data.
The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently within structured and repeatable workflows. Success in this role requires strong GIS knowledge, SQL proficiency, sound research judgment, excellent documentation skills, and a commitment to accuracy and consistency when reviewing high volumes of data.
What you will do and achieve
- Research and resolve exceptions identified through automated data quality, validation, and exception management processes.
- Analyze location-related records using GIS tools, aerial imagery, parcel data, address datasets, building footprints, geocodes, and other authoritative sources.
- Execute SQL queries to investigate data anomalies, compare records across datasets, validate data accuracy, and support exception resolution.
- Apply established business rules, procedures, and quality standards to determine appropriate resolutions for flagged records.
- Document research findings, decisions, and supporting information in accordance with internal quality, audit, and process documentation standards.
- Maintain productivity and quality standards while processing a structured queue of exception-based research tasks.
- Identify trends, recurring exception patterns, root causes, and data quality issues and provide feedback to improve processes, automation, and data integrity.
- Collaborate with data operations, GIS, product, and related teams to support data quality, process improvement, and operational efficiency.
- Assist in the development, refinement, and maintenance of research procedures, quality controls, standard operating procedures, and training documentation.
- Use GIS platforms and related tools to review spatial relationships, validate location accuracy, interpret imagery, and assess property-related records.
- Support continuous improvement efforts that increase the accuracy, consistency, efficiency, and scalability of geospatial data quality processes.
- This is a non-exempt position within the applicable salary range based on a 40-hour work week.
Who you are
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Geography, GIS, Geospatial Science, Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, or a related field required, or equivalent work experience. GIS certification or advanced coursework in geospatial analysis, database management, spatial data science, data analytics, or a related field preferred.
Experience
3+ years of experience in GIS, geospatial analysis, location intelligence, land records research, data quality operations, or a related analytical field. Experience writing SQL queries for data investigation, validation, comparison, and exception resolution. Experience using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS, PostGIS, or similar GIS platforms. Experience working with large datasets and performing structured research using repeatable processes, documented procedures, and quality standards. Experience evaluating addresses, parcels, building footprints, geocodes, property records, or other location-based data strongly preferred. Experience documenting research findings, applying business rules, and maintaining quality standards in a structured production or operations environment preferred.
Key Knowledge & Skills
- Strong SQL proficiency, including the ability to query, compare, validate, and investigate records across datasets.
- Strong GIS analysis skills, including experience using GIS tools to review spatial data, validate records, and interpret location-based information.
- Knowledge of spatial datasets, parcels, addresses, building footprints, geocodes, aerial imagery, and property-related data.
- Ability to interpret aerial imagery, parcel boundaries, address data, geospatial relationships, and authoritative source information.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to data accuracy, consistency, and quality.
- Strong written documentation skills, including the ability to clearly record research findings, decisions, and supporting rationale.
- Ability to work independently, manage a structured workload, and maintain productivity and quality standards.
- Comfort performing repetitive analytical work while maintaining accuracy, focus, and consistency.
- Ability to learn, interpret, and consistently apply detailed business rules, procedures, and quality standards.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify data discrepancies, evaluate possible causes, and determine appropriate resolutions.
Core Competencies
- Analytical Thinking - Evaluates data, identifies patterns, investigates discrepancies, and applies sound judgment to resolve geospatial and location-related exceptions.
- Attention to Detail - Reviews records, source information, imagery, and data relationships carefully to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Data Quality Focus - Demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the accuracy, reliability, completeness, and usability of LightBox’s geospatial data.
- Independent Work Management - Manages a structured queue of work, maintains productivity, and completes tasks accurately with limited day-to-day supervision.
- Process Adherence - Follows established business rules, procedures, documentation standards, and quality controls consistently.
- Consistency and Accuracy - Applies the same standards across high volumes of work while maintaining precision and reliable decision-making.
- Time Management - Prioritizes work effectively, meets deadlines, and maintains productivity in a structured operational environment.
- Continuous Improvement - Identifies recurring issues, shares feedback, and supports improvements to processes, automation, and data quality practices.
Pay
$65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience
- GIS: 3 years (Required)
- SQL: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute
Irvine, CA 92612 (Required)
Work Location
Hybrid remote in Irvine, CA 92612
About us
LightBox is a leading provider of data and workflow solutions across commercial real estate and location intelligence. Our solutions deliver the depth, speed and accuracy that enable insights to over 50,000 brokers, 1,000 banks and lenders, 1,000 law firms and 5,000 environmental consulting and engineering firms.
With our expertise, we produce the best available data, workflow tools, technology, and analytics to support everyone making a real estate decision. There has never been a better time to make an impact, and we invite you to join us on this journey.
Position Overview
The GIS Data Quality Specialist is responsible for researching, analyzing, and resolving exceptions identified within LightBox’s location intelligence and geospatial data platforms. This role uses GIS tools, SQL, aerial imagery, parcel data, address datasets, building footprints, and other authoritative sources to validate and improve location-related records.
This position is focused on data quality, structured research, exception resolution, documentation, and process consistency. The GIS Data Quality Specialist applies established business rules and procedures to evaluate records, determine appropriate resolutions, and support the accuracy and reliability of LightBox’s geospatial and property data.
The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently within structured and repeatable workflows. Success in this role requires strong GIS knowledge, SQL proficiency, sound research judgment, excellent documentation skills, and a commitment to accuracy and consistency when reviewing high volumes of data.
What you will do and achieve
- Research and resolve exceptions identified through automated data quality, validation, and exception management processes.
- Analyze location-related records using GIS tools, aerial imagery, parcel data, address datasets, building footprints, geocodes, and other authoritative sources.
- Execute SQL queries to investigate data anomalies, compare records across datasets, validate data accuracy, and support exception resolution.
- Apply established business rules, procedures, and quality standards to determine appropriate resolutions for flagged records.
- Document research findings, decisions, and supporting information in accordance with internal quality, audit, and process documentation standards.
- Maintain productivity and quality standards while processing a structured queue of exception-based research tasks.
- Identify trends, recurring exception patterns, root causes, and data quality issues and provide feedback to improve processes, automation, and data integrity.
- Collaborate with data operations, GIS, product, and related teams to support data quality, process improvement, and operational efficiency.
- Assist in the development, refinement, and maintenance of research procedures, quality controls, standard operating procedures, and training documentation.
- Use GIS platforms and related tools to review spatial relationships, validate location accuracy, interpret imagery, and assess property-related records.
- Support continuous improvement efforts that increase the accuracy, consistency, efficiency, and scalability of geospatial data quality processes.
- This is a non-exempt position within the applicable salary range based on a 40-hour work week.
Who you are
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Geography, GIS, Geospatial Science, Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, or a related field required, or equivalent work experience. GIS certification or advanced coursework in geospatial analysis, database management, spatial data science, data analytics, or a related field preferred.
Experience
3+ years of experience in GIS, geospatial analysis, location intelligence, land records research, data quality operations, or a related analytical field. Experience writing SQL queries for data investigation, validation, comparison, and exception resolution. Experience using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS, PostGIS, or similar GIS platforms. Experience working with large datasets and performing structured research using repeatable processes, documented procedures, and quality standards. Experience evaluating addresses, parcels, building footprints, geocodes, property records, or other location-based data strongly preferred. Experience documenting research findings, applying business rules, and maintaining quality standards in a structured production or operations environment preferred.
Key Knowledge & Skills
- Strong SQL proficiency, including the ability to query, compare, validate, and investigate records across datasets.
- Strong GIS analysis skills, including experience using GIS tools to review spatial data, validate records, and interpret location-based information.
- Knowledge of spatial datasets, parcels, addresses, building footprints, geocodes, aerial imagery, and property-related data.
- Ability to interpret aerial imagery, parcel boundaries, address data, geospatial relationships, and authoritative source information.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to data accuracy, consistency, and quality.
- Strong written documentation skills, including the ability to clearly record research findings, decisions, and supporting rationale.
- Ability to work independently, manage a structured workload, and maintain productivity and quality standards.
- Comfort performing repetitive analytical work while maintaining accuracy, focus, and consistency.
- Ability to learn, interpret, and consistently apply detailed business rules, procedures, and quality standards.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify data discrepancies, evaluate possible causes, and determine appropriate resolutions.
Core Competencies
- Analytical Thinking - Evaluates data, identifies patterns, investigates discrepancies, and applies sound judgment to resolve geospatial and location-related exceptions.
- Attention to Detail - Reviews records, source information, imagery, and data relationships carefully to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Data Quality Focus - Demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the accuracy, reliability, completeness, and usability of LightBox’s geospatial data.
- Independent Work Management - Manages a structured queue of work, maintains productivity, and completes tasks accurately with limited day-to-day supervision.
- Process Adherence - Follows established business rules, procedures, documentation standards, and quality controls consistently.
- Consistency and Accuracy - Applies the same standards across high volumes of work while maintaining precision and reliable decision-making.
- Time Management - Prioritizes work effectively, meets deadlines, and maintains productivity in a structured operational environment.
- Continuous Improvement - Identifies recurring issues, shares feedback, and supports improvements to processes, automation, and data quality practices.
Pay
$65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience
- GIS: 3 years (Required)
- SQL: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute
Irvine, CA 92612 (Required)
Work Location
Hybrid remote in Irvine, CA 92612
See All 80 Data Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Data Specialist JobsData Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Data Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of California, San Francisco12
- TikTok5
- Pacific Gas and Electric3
- Waymo3
- Apple2
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services20
- Education16
- Technology & Software15
- Consulting & Professional Services7
- Electronics & Hardware6
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in data specialist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, information systems, or a related field
- Proficiency in SQL and at least one analytical tool such as Python, R, or Tableau
- Experience working with large datasets and relational or cloud-based databases
- Familiarity with California Consumer Privacy Act compliance and data governance standards
- Strong communication skills for presenting findings to non-technical business stakeholders
- Experience with business intelligence platforms such as Looker, Power BI, or Tableau
Data Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a data specialist in California?
Most California employers hire data specialists who hold a bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, computer science, or a related field, though some roles accept equivalent work experience. California does not require a state-issued license for data specialists, but earning a recognized certification such as Certified Analytics Professional or a vendor credential in Tableau or Google Data Analytics strengthens candidacy. Familiarity with California Consumer Privacy Act requirements is a practical advantage for roles in regulated industries like healthcare and finance.
Which companies hire data specialists in California?
Employers hiring data specialists in California right now include University of California, San Francisco, TikTok, and Pacific Gas and Electric, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, large healthcare systems, and financial institutions means openings appear across a wide range of industries, not just tech.
Which California cities have the most data specialist jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose have the most data specialist openings in California. San Francisco's density of technology and fintech headquarters drives the largest share of postings, while Los Angeles reflects demand from entertainment, healthcare, and e-commerce companies, and San Diego's biotech and defense sectors sustain a consistent volume of openings.
Are there remote data specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 15% of data specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how well the core work, querying databases, building reports, and analyzing trends, translates to distributed environments. Fully remote roles are most common on business intelligence and analytics teams at technology and e-commerce companies.
How can I get hired as a data specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to data analyst associate or junior data specialist roles at large California employers, including Kaiser Permanente, Anthem Blue Cross, and major California university systems, which run structured new-graduate programs and rotational cohorts. Building a portfolio of SQL queries and Tableau dashboards using public California open-data sets demonstrates practical skill. Lateral moves from adjacent roles like data entry coordinator, reporting analyst, or operations analyst are a common door into the specialty for candidates without a direct data background.
Where can I find and apply to data specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to data specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to each one.
See All 80 Data Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Data Specialist Jobs