Gis Specialist Jobs
Gis Specialist jobs are open across federal agencies, environmental consulting, urban planning, defense, and utilities, from entry-level technician to senior and lead roles, with specializations in remote sensing, spatial analysis, and geodatabase management. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 95+ Gis Specialist jobs







- JR10013388
- Hybrid
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Information Technology
- Closing at: Aug 16 2026 - 11:00pm CDT
Job Category:
Academic StaffEmployment Type:
RegularJob Profile:
GIS SpecialistJob Summary:
The Center for Health Disparities Research (CHDR), led by Director Dr. Amy Kind and Deputy Directors Drs. Nicole Rogus-Pulia and Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi, invites applications from highly motivated individuals to join our dynamic, growing, and multidisciplinary team. As a Geographic information system (GIS) specialist with CHDR, you will have the opportunity to contribute to research projects with far-reaching influence, including the largest study of its kind on social determinants of health in the context of Alzheimer's Disease. Broadly, our work is focused on mechanisms of health disparities - the ways fundamental factors such as race, ethnicity, and identity interact with a complex array of geopolitical, socioeconomic, health care, cultural, social, psychological, physiological, genetic, and cellular factors to produce different population health outcomes.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team and provide technical and analytical expertise for spatial analyses and research. The individual will conduct geospatial data analysis, manage and produce datasets, and create maps and other data visualizations in support of various projects currently being conducted at the Center for Health Disparities Research. The specialist will join a dynamic team that works on multi-unit projects, both internal and external to UW-Madison. These projects range from the production of a robust geospatial research dataset in an Azure cloud platform for distribution among a 24-site consortium, the creation of data visualizations for publications, and working with data analysts and IT professionals in moving forward research in health disparities.
Under the guidance of CHDR's Director of Geospatial Operations, the successful GIS specialist will assist the CHDR scientific team with the expansion of geographically-based metrics and tools for research and the development and validation of geographically-linked metrics of socioeconomic factors related to healthcare disparities and outcomes. The Neighborhood Atlas® https://www.neighborhoodatlas.medicine.wisc.edu demonstrates the impact of geographic information science on furthering research on and interventions in the social determinants of health.
This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
Excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and the flexibility to work both independently and collaboratively.
Excellent interpersonal skills with strong oral and written communication skills.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Collaborates with other IT staff to deliver project deliverables and visuals
- Gathers, verifies, and coordinates data used for spatial analysis, data sciences, field operations, mapping, and data visualizations across programs and other agencies
- Creates maps and performs a wide range of geospatial analyses in support of a variety of projects
- May support geospatial field data collection efforts
- Adheres to established cartographic standards and quality assurance/quality control processes
- May train and consult with GIS users as needed
- Manages a wide variety of project-specific and reference geospatial data in accordance with defined data management standards
Department:
School of Medicine and Public Health, Center for Health Disparities Research, GIS Core
The Center for Health Disparities Research (CHDR) is a dynamic multidisciplinary Center housed within the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH). Broadly, CHDR focuses on mechanisms of health disparities - with a particular focus on the social exposome and its relationship to health. CHDR is the home to the team that refined and curates the Area Deprivation Index and its data democratization portal, the Neighborhood Atlas®. CHDR is also home to the Neighborhoods Study, an NIH funded national initiative to examine the adverse social exposome's impact on neuropathology and brain health biomarkers. CHDR investigators represent all areas of the translational research spectrum, from basic science to community participatory research.
CHDR also has strong relationships with local, state and federal government, non-profit organizations, and industry entities.
Compensation:
The starting salary for the position is $90,097 annually; but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.
Required Qualifications:
Minimum of one year of experience with geographic information science, cartography, geography, or a related field
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with data collection, data management, REDCap, or similar research databases.
Experience in harmonizing varied data sources and manipulating geospatial time series data.
Experience with large scale geocoding processes including custom geocoding solutions.
Education:
Bachelor's Degree Preferred
How to Apply:
For the best experience completing your application, we recommend using Chrome or Firefox as your web browser.
To apply for this position, select either "I am a current employee" or "I am not a current employee" under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.
Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload all required documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area.
Upload required documents:
- Cover letter
- Resume/CV
Your cover letter should address how your training and experience align with the required and preferred qualifications listed above. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected.
University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. [This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.
Contact Information:
Kim McFarlane, kmmcfarlane@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
Gis Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Gis Specialist JobsGis Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Esri21

- Atlas Field Services6

- McMillen5

- Bow Wave3

- Arcadis2

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software25
- Construction & Real Estate3
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Energy1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in gis specialist jobs.
- Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online for spatial data analysis and mapping
- Bachelor's degree in geography, GIS, environmental science, or a related field
- Experience managing and editing enterprise geodatabases using ArcSDE or similar platforms
- Ability to write Python scripts for geoprocessing automation and spatial data workflows
- GISP certification or active pursuit of certification through the GIS Certification Institute
- Familiarity with remote sensing software and interpretation of satellite or aerial imagery
Tips for Your Gis Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to specific GIS software
Hiring managers scan for named tools, so list every platform you've used: ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, FME, ArcGIS Online, and any extensions like Network Analyst or Spatial Analyst. Generic phrases like 'proficient in GIS software' get filtered out before a human ever reads your resume.
Lead with your geodatabase and scripting skills
Many gis specialist postings now require Python or SQL alongside spatial data skills. If you've written scripts for geoprocessing, automated map production, or managed enterprise geodatabases, put that near the top of your resume, not buried in a skills list at the bottom.
Target openings by sector to match your data experience
GIS work differs sharply across sectors. Utilities roles focus on network datasets and asset management, while environmental consulting prioritizes raster analysis and field data integration. Filter openings by industry so your sector-specific project experience matches what the employer actually works on.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists gis specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Build a portfolio of public-facing map projects
Attach a link to an ArcGIS Online story map, a GitHub repository with geoprocessing scripts, or a PDF portfolio showing finished deliverables. Interviewers for gis specialist roles respond to visible work far more than to descriptions of past duties.
Prepare to walk through a technical scenario live
Many gis specialist interviews include a scenario question: given a dataset or a client problem, how would you approach it? Practice talking through your spatial analysis decisions out loud, including your choice of projection, data sources, and any validation steps you'd run before delivering results.
Gis Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most gis specialists?
The companies hiring the most gis specialists right now include Esri, Atlas Field Services, and McMillen, with the largest share of openings in California, Texas, and Colorado, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Federal contractors and environmental consulting firms consistently represent a large portion of active postings.
How many gis specialist jobs are remote?
About 48% of gis specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of August 2026, though the share varies by specialty. Roles focused on geodatabase administration, cartography, and data processing tend to be the most remote-friendly, while positions requiring field data collection or on-site coordination with local government clients are more likely to require in-person work.
How do you become a gis specialist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in geography, environmental science, urban planning, or a closely related field that includes coursework in spatial analysis. Build hands-on proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and at least one scripting language like Python. Complete a capstone project or internship that produces real deliverables you can show employers. Pursuing a GISP certification strengthens your application for roles in government and consulting.
Can you get hired as a gis specialist with little or no experience?
Yes, entry-level gis specialist positions exist, especially with federal agencies, local governments, and environmental nonprofits that value academic training alongside practical skills. Build a visible portfolio using free platforms like ArcGIS Online or QGIS to demonstrate spatial analysis and map production. Volunteer GIS work with community organizations or open-data projects can substitute for formal job experience when you're starting out.
What does the gis specialist interview process look like?
Most gis specialist interviews begin with a recruiter or HR screening call focused on your software background and availability. A technical round follows, often including a scenario question where you walk through how you'd approach a spatial problem, and sometimes a short skills assessment using sample data. Final rounds typically involve the GIS team lead or department manager and focus on project experience and how you communicate findings to non-GIS stakeholders.
Where can I find and apply to gis specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to gis specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, software skills, and preferred sector, then apply directly to each position that fits.
See All 95 Gis Specialist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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