Gis Specialist Jobs in California
Gis Specialist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in environmental consulting, state and local government, transportation planning, and utility management, with openings at every level from entry-level technicians through senior analysts. The largest hiring centers are Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego, where employers such as ESRI, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and Los Angeles County have long-standing GIS operations. The most in-demand specialties are geospatial data analysis, remote sensing, and urban infrastructure mapping. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Take Your Environmental Career to the Next Level
Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!
Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder's Environmental team is looking for you! From environmental planning, permitting, remediation, and site characterization to chemical data management and hydrogeology, Kleinfelder offers a variety of services designed to provide technically appropriate and cost-effective solutions.
ROLE
Kleinfelder's Northern California & Pacific area is currently looking to expand our Information & Spatial Solutions Team (IS2) with the addition of a Senior GIS Analyst / Project Manager. IS2 specializes in delivering comprehensive geospatial (GIS) and technology consulting services across various disciplines and industries. The successful candidate will become an integral part of our team, working alongside dedicated Data Analysts and Application Development experts. Together, we’ll provide advanced, data-driven GIS and technology solutions that are crucial in supporting informed decision-making for our diverse clientele. This position can sit anywhere in the US however preference will be given to those with experience working on California projects. Alignment to any of our Northern California offices is ideal, with the opportunity to work hybrid or remote.
The Senior GIS Analyst / Project Manager is expected to apply their technical expertise in GIS solutioning to multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously. This position will work with project stakeholders to help define business requirements; translate requirements into actionable work efforts that deliver quality results; lead data development and cartographic design initiatives; compose detailed technical documentation and conduct training; apply a detail-oriented approach to quality assurance and control of all work products; derive project schedules, anticipate work efforts and costs, and convey technical or labor resource needs to deliver projects on time and within budget. It is important for this role to build a comprehensive understanding of various business processes across a broad range of disciplines. These disciplines include environmental, construction, transportation, stormwater management, and utility infrastructure.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
* Bachelor's degree in Geography, GIS, Data or Computer Science, Environmental Science, a related field including courses in GIS or equivalent professional experience. Master’s degree preferred, but not required with relevant experience.
* 6 – 10 years of experience fulfilling the job expectations outlined above, in a business environment. Preference given to candidates with previous consulting experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Technical
- Experience overseeing the design, development, and delivery of geospatial solutions including – data and map development; field reconnaissance; analytical models and reporting; interactive web-based geospatial applications.
- Maintain an advanced knowledge of geospatial/cartographic principles, practices, and experience executing and leading GIS assignments.
- Possess expert level command over Esri ArcGIS Pro product suite including desktop, geoprocessing, mobile and web-based application components.
- Experience analyzing existing business processes, systems, and data to solve problems and identify opportunities for efficiency, quality, and capability improvements.
- Work independently, or within a team environment, to complete project assignments on time and in alignment with defined specifications.
- Manage feature/data/product requests, enhancements, and bug fixes in alignment with client priorities, and coordinate activity with project teams from preliminary design through testing and delivery.
- Possess the knowledge to support design and development of spatial and non-spatial enterprise databases.
- Understand how to identify data or map quality issues and prescribe remediation strategies, including programmatic automations.
- Compose project methodologies, scope documents, application requirements, design specifications, and quality/test plans.
- Developing and delivering training, and/or resources, to a variety of stakeholders with diverse skill levels.
- Maintain leading-edge knowledge of relevant technologies and offer use cases for exploration.
- Communicating Effectively
- Advanced technical and descriptive writing skills.
- Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner.
- Delivers information in a manner that is interesting and compelling to the listener.
- Communicates GIS strategies and workflows effectively to relevant stakeholders / other disciplines.
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Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and time-management skills.
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Delivering High Quality Work
- Perform tasks according to detailed protocols.
- Undertakes the responsibility of a data steward to identify any issues that could impact quality.
- Reviews own work product to confirm compliance with requirements and expectations.
- Self-motivated to research and troubleshoot workflows in GIS.
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Is comfortable working independently or with a team to execute deliverables.
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Serving Internal and External Clients
- Maintains awareness of client needs, concerns, and places highest priority on client satisfaction.
- Responds promptly to client questions and requests.
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Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize according to need.
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Problem Solving
- Ability to grasp new technical concepts quickly.
- Breaks down problems into manageable components.
- Acknowledges limitations and knows when to identify the need for additional resources to solve problems.
Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.
BENEFITS
Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Transparency Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary Range: $77,501 - $121,591.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules)
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES
Please note that Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder.
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See All 7 Gis Specialist Jobs in California
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Find Gis Specialist JobsGis Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Gis Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Esri3

- Pacific Gas and Electric2

- Kleinfelder1

- LightBox Employer L L C1

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software4
- Energy2
- Consulting & Professional Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in gis specialist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in geography, GIS, geomatics, or a closely related spatial science field
- Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS suite including ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online
- Experience with spatial data management, geodatabases, and coordinate reference systems
- Familiarity with Python or SQL scripting for geospatial data processing and automation
- Knowledge of California-specific datasets such as CalEnviroScreen, CAL FIRE, and Caltrans layers
- Strong ability to produce clear cartographic outputs and communicate findings to non-GIS stakeholders
Gis Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a gis specialist in California?
Most California employers require a bachelor's degree in geography, GIS, urban planning, or environmental science as the baseline qualification. California does not issue a state license specific to GIS work, but the GIS Certification Institute's GISP credential is widely recognized by California public agencies and consulting firms. Building a portfolio of spatial analysis projects and gaining familiarity with California state datasets strengthens a candidate's profile considerably with both government and private-sector hiring teams.
How much do gis specialists make in California?
Gis specialists in California earn a median of about $134,440 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $58,340 for the lowest 10% to over $222,690 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire gis specialists in California?
Employers hiring gis specialists in California right now include Esri, Pacific Gas and Electric, and Kleinfelder, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's combination of large public agencies, utility companies, and environmental consulting firms means demand holds across both the public and private sectors throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most gis specialist jobs?
Redlands, Irvine, and Oakland have the most gis specialist openings in California. Los Angeles and Sacramento drive the bulk of demand through county government, transportation authorities, and water utilities, while San Diego's concentration of defense contractors, environmental agencies, and regional planning organizations keeps steady openings in that market as well.
Are there remote gis specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many technical fields, since much of the work involves analyzing and processing digital spatial data rather than field collection. About 57% of gis specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how broadly the role can function off-site. Data management, cartography, and scripting tasks are the functions most commonly offered on a fully remote basis.
How can I get hired as a gis specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a GIS technician or geospatial analyst assistant role with a California county or regional planning agency, where positions are regularly posted for candidates with a relevant degree and no professional experience. CalTrans, the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, and large water districts such as the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California run intern and entry-level programs that place new graduates directly into GIS workflows. Building a public portfolio on platforms like GitHub using open California datasets and earning an ESRI technical certification gives applicants a concrete edge over other entry-level candidates.
Where can I find and apply to gis specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to gis specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings for roles that match your experience and specialty area, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
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