Geographic Information Systems Manager Jobs
Geographic Information Systems Manager jobs are open across government agencies, defense contractors, utilities, environmental consulting, and urban planning, at every level from GIS analyst lead to senior manager, with specializations in spatial data infrastructure, remote sensing, and enterprise GIS platform administration. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 12+ Geographic Information Systems Manager 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 Manager Job Market
Who's Hiring
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What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in geographic information systems manager jobs.
- Proficiency in Esri ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Pro, and related spatial analysis tools
- Bachelor's or master's degree in GIS, geography, urban planning, or a related field
- Experience managing geodatabases, spatial data infrastructure, and data quality workflows
- Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise GIS analysts, technicians, or cartographers
- Knowledge of remote sensing, satellite imagery interpretation, and spatial modeling techniques
- Familiarity with Python scripting, SQL, and geospatial automation for workflow optimization
Tips for Your Geographic Information Systems Manager Job Search
Tailor your resume to the platform stack
GIS manager postings vary sharply by platform. Some employers run Esri ArcGIS Enterprise environments, others use open-source QGIS or cloud-native tools. Name the specific software versions and geodatabase formats you've administered, so your resume clears automated screening for the right stack.
Highlight data governance and team leadership
Many GIS manager candidates undersell the people-management side. Hiring panels look for evidence you've set metadata standards, led cartographers or analysts, and owned a data quality process. Describe those responsibilities explicitly rather than burying them under technical bullet points.
Pursue a Esri technical or GISP certification
The GIS Professional certification from URISA and Esri's technical credentials signal both field experience and commitment to standards. Government and utility employers in particular screen for these, so earning or renewing them before applying to public-sector roles noticeably strengthens your candidacy.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists geographic information systems manager openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prep a portfolio of spatial analysis projects
Interview panels for GIS manager roles often ask for examples of enterprise geodatabase design, web map deployments, or geospatial workflow automation. Compile two or three documented projects that show your decision-making, not just the final map, so you can walk interviewers through your process.
Negotiate by scoping the GIS infrastructure you will own
GIS managers who inherit a fragmented data environment command different compensation than those stepping into a mature platform. Before your final-round conversation, ask what the current state of the geodatabase and licensing looks like. The scope of technical debt you are absorbing is a legitimate negotiating point.
Geographic Information Systems Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most geographic information systems managers?
The most active employers for geographic information systems managers right now are State of Iowa, City of Mesa, and Platte County, and the most openings are in Iowa, Texas, and Arizona, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Federal agencies, defense contractors, and regional utility companies tend to maintain the most consistent hiring volume for this role.
How many geographic information systems manager jobs are remote?
About 0% of geographic information systems manager openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the role's reliance on enterprise platform access and in-person stakeholder coordination. Sub-specializations in web GIS development and geospatial data analytics tend to offer the most remote-friendly arrangements, while roles tied to field operations or government facility networks typically require on-site presence.
How do you become a geographic information systems manager?
Start by building several years of hands-on GIS analyst or technician experience, working across geodatabase design, spatial analysis, and cartographic production. Deepen your technical credentials with platform certifications such as Esri's technical certifications or the GISP credential. Move into project lead or senior analyst roles that give you direct experience managing junior staff and owning data standards, then apply for manager-level positions where you can demonstrate both technical authority and team oversight.
Can you get a geographic information systems manager job without direct management experience?
Yes, but you'll need to reframe the experience you do have. Roles where you led a GIS implementation project, mentored junior analysts, wrote data governance documentation, or coordinated cross-departmental mapping requests all demonstrate leadership readiness. Smaller organizations and local government agencies often promote strong senior analysts into manager roles when technical depth is paired with clear communication and project ownership.
What does the geographic information systems manager interview process look like?
Most hiring processes include a phone or video screen focused on your GIS platform experience and team background, followed by a technical panel where you may be asked to walk through a past spatial analysis project or describe how you would migrate a legacy geodatabase. Final rounds often include a conversation with department leadership or IT stakeholders and may involve a short written scenario asking how you would prioritize a data quality initiative or vendor contract decision.
Where can I find and apply to geographic information systems manager jobs?
You can find and apply to geographic information systems manager jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and apply directly to each one that fits.
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