Geographic Information Systems Engineer Jobs
Geographic Information Systems Engineer jobs are open across federal agencies, defense contractors, utilities, environmental consulting, and local government, from entry-level analyst to senior and principal engineer, with specializations in spatial data analysis, remote sensing, and geodatabase development. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 12+ Geographic Information Systems Engineer jobs
Description/Duties
There is currently a vacancy in the Water Resources and Development Services Departments; however, this recruitment will also be used to establish a Citywide list to fill possible future vacancies in other departments.
First review of all applications will be on Monday, November 16, 2026, and weekly thereafter as needed.
A GIS (Geographic Information System) Specialist is responsible for developing, creating, and maintaining GIS databases, coverage, layers, and linkages to various databases. A GIS Specialist may be assigned to a department or unit, and coordinates GIS data or information that may have specific department/unit or Citywide implications. Duties may include entering data into the GIS, providing GIS support to an assigned area, creating reports, reviewing GIS data for completeness, accuracy and neatness, applying GIS principles to support requests for spatial analysis of multiple and/or complex datasets, creating map layouts and views of the highest difficulty, conducting geoprocessing operations, digitizing information, georeferencing, documenting procedures, analyzing GIS field data, and interpreting plans, plats, maps and legal descriptions. The GIS Specialist performs programming and analytical project responsibilities to include: planning, developing, analyzing, and performing quality control functions of geographic related systems in support of the City’s GIS; and may provide guidance, instruction, and technical support to other City employees on GIS applications and practices. By assignment, this class may supervise or mentor GIS Technician classes. This class performs related duties as required.
Qualifications & Requirements
Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in GIS, Geography, Planning, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Statistics, or closely related field. Good (1 - 3 years) experience working with GIS or a closely related field, such as experience with spatial analysis, database queries, reporting, data visualization, or integration of spatial and nonspatial data. A minimum of one-year experience in any of the following: current GIS and related technologies such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcUrban, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, web mapping applications, personal and enterprise geodatabases, CAD platforms, collaboration tools, ESRI technologies (ArcGIS Desktop and extensions, ArcGIS Server, ArcObjects), Intergraph, MicroStation, SharePoint, or AutoCAD. Experience in using current Microsoft Windows operating systems.
Special Requirements. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver’s License by hire or promotion date (by assignment). Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of Public Safety assignments involving information systems, successful completion of an extensive background investigation may be required (by assignment).
Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of the assignment, individuals in this classification shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures (Police Department Assignment).
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Experience in using Microsoft Office, Microsoft SQL is highly desirable. Experience in Visual Studio, C#, MapObjects, ArcFM, ArcSDE, ModelBuilder, Spatial Analyst, Network Analyst, 3D Analyst, Python, Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), VertiGIS Studio, or Data Interoperability is desirable. Experience with SQL, ArcGIS Dashboards, Experience Builder, Survey123, Field Maps, data visualization or business-intelligence tools, enterprise permitting or asset-management systems, and workflow automation is desirable (Development Services Assignment).
Description/Duties
There is currently a vacancy in the Water Resources and Development Services Departments; however, this recruitment will also be used to establish a Citywide list to fill possible future vacancies in other departments.
First review of all applications will be on Monday, November 16, 2026, and weekly thereafter as needed.
A GIS (Geographic Information System) Specialist is responsible for developing, creating, and maintaining GIS databases, coverage, layers, and linkages to various databases. A GIS Specialist may be assigned to a department or unit, and coordinates GIS data or information that may have specific department/unit or Citywide implications. Duties may include entering data into the GIS, providing GIS support to an assigned area, creating reports, reviewing GIS data for completeness, accuracy and neatness, applying GIS principles to support requests for spatial analysis of multiple and/or complex datasets, creating map layouts and views of the highest difficulty, conducting geoprocessing operations, digitizing information, georeferencing, documenting procedures, analyzing GIS field data, and interpreting plans, plats, maps and legal descriptions. The GIS Specialist performs programming and analytical project responsibilities to include: planning, developing, analyzing, and performing quality control functions of geographic related systems in support of the City’s GIS; and may provide guidance, instruction, and technical support to other City employees on GIS applications and practices. By assignment, this class may supervise or mentor GIS Technician classes. This class performs related duties as required.
Qualifications & Requirements
Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in GIS, Geography, Planning, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Statistics, or closely related field. Good (1 - 3 years) experience working with GIS or a closely related field, such as experience with spatial analysis, database queries, reporting, data visualization, or integration of spatial and nonspatial data. A minimum of one-year experience in any of the following: current GIS and related technologies such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcUrban, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, web mapping applications, personal and enterprise geodatabases, CAD platforms, collaboration tools, ESRI technologies (ArcGIS Desktop and extensions, ArcGIS Server, ArcObjects), Intergraph, MicroStation, SharePoint, or AutoCAD. Experience in using current Microsoft Windows operating systems.
Special Requirements. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver’s License by hire or promotion date (by assignment). Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of Public Safety assignments involving information systems, successful completion of an extensive background investigation may be required (by assignment).
Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of the assignment, individuals in this classification shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures (Police Department Assignment).
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Experience in using Microsoft Office, Microsoft SQL is highly desirable. Experience in Visual Studio, C#, MapObjects, ArcFM, ArcSDE, ModelBuilder, Spatial Analyst, Network Analyst, 3D Analyst, Python, Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), VertiGIS Studio, or Data Interoperability is desirable. Experience with SQL, ArcGIS Dashboards, Experience Builder, Survey123, Field Maps, data visualization or business-intelligence tools, enterprise permitting or asset-management systems, and workflow automation is desirable (Development Services Assignment).
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Find JobsGeographic Information Systems Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
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What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in geographic information systems engineer jobs.
- Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and the broader Esri software suite
- Experience with spatial databases including PostGIS, Oracle Spatial, or SQL Server with geometry types
- Bachelor's degree in geography, geospatial science, computer science, or a closely related field
- Ability to write automation and geoprocessing scripts in Python using ArcPy or similar libraries
- Familiarity with remote sensing tools and image analysis platforms such as ENVI or ERDAS Imagine
- Gisp certification or demonstrated progress toward GISP preferred for mid-level and senior positions
Tips for Your Geographic Information Systems Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume for GIS stack specifics
List the exact software versions and extensions you've used, ArcGIS Pro versus ArcMap, QGIS, FME, or PostGIS. Hiring managers scan for these names directly, so burying them in a summary paragraph costs you interviews you'd otherwise get.
Highlight your geodatabase design work
Many candidates list GIS tools but skip the data modeling work underneath. Call out schema design, topology rules, and relationship classes you've built. Employers hiring for infrastructure or utility roles weight this experience heavily when comparing finalists.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists geographic information systems engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter openings by domain, not just title
GIS engineer roles in transportation, public health, and defense each require different data types and workflows. Targeting postings by industry narrows your search to teams where your domain experience transfers directly, cutting the time you spend on poor-fit applications.
Prepare a portfolio with live or interactive maps
Screenshots of finished maps rarely demonstrate spatial reasoning well. Bring links to web maps, ArcGIS Online dashboards, or GitHub repositories showing your scripts and workflows. Interviewers for technical GIS roles often ask you to walk through a project in real time.
Negotiate scope alongside compensation
GIS engineers sometimes accept roles where data quality or licensing constraints limit the work they can actually do. During offer conversations, ask which datasets you'll own, what the refresh cycle is, and whether enterprise software licenses are current. Scope gaps surface early when you ask.
Geographic Information Systems Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most geographic information systems engineers?
State of Iowa, City of Mesa, and Platte County are hiring the most geographic information systems engineers right now, with openings concentrated in Iowa, Texas, and Arizona, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Defense contractors, federal agencies, and large utilities tend to post the highest volumes of these roles consistently.
How many geographic information systems engineer jobs are remote?
About 0% of geographic information systems engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though availability varies significantly by employer type. Web GIS development, geodatabase administration, and Python-based automation roles are the most likely to allow fully remote arrangements, while field data collection and hardware-dependent imagery analysis positions typically require on-site presence.
How do you become a geographic information systems engineer?
Most geographic information systems engineers start with a bachelor's degree in geography, geospatial science, environmental science, or computer science, then build hands-on proficiency with Esri software and open-source tools like QGIS. Earning the GISP certification strengthens your profile for government and consulting roles. Building a portfolio of real projects, particularly those involving spatial database design or web mapping, moves you past the screening stage faster than credentials alone.
Can you get a geographic information systems engineer job with little experience?
Entry-level geographic information systems engineer roles do exist, and employers filling them typically look for demonstrated tool proficiency over years of experience. A strong portfolio showing completed GIS projects, familiarity with Python scripting for geoprocessing, and coursework or personal projects involving real datasets can offset a thin resume. Internships with local government, environmental agencies, or utilities are among the most direct paths to a first full-time GIS engineering role.
What does the geographic information systems engineer interview process look like?
Most geographic information systems engineer interviews include a technical screen covering spatial analysis concepts, database querying, and your experience with specific tools in the employer's stack. A take-home or live mapping exercise is common, often asking you to process a dataset, identify spatial patterns, or write a geoprocessing script. Final rounds typically involve a panel with GIS leads and project managers who ask how you've handled data quality problems or tight delivery timelines.
Where can I find and apply to geographic information systems engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to geographic information systems engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, skill set, and preferred location, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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