Green Card Gis Specialist Jobs
GIS specialist roles qualify for green card sponsorship under EB-2 or EB-3, depending on your degree level and the position's requirements. Employers file a PERM labor certification with the DOL before petitioning USCIS, a process that permanently ties your status to the role rather than a temporary visa period.
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INTRODUCTION
Job Title: GIS Specialists
Working Title: GIS Specialists II
Career Progression Track: P00
Track Level: L2 - Developing
FLSA Code: Computer Employee
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week: 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift: Day
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment: External Posting
Pay Rate Range: $55,000 - $70,000
CLOSE DATE 09/10/2026
JOB SUMMARY
Utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to design, implement, and manage geospatial data. Utilizes Python and other programming languages to automate large geoprocessing tasks and create GIS web applications for university departments. Engages in field work to collect new data and identify/correct discrepancies in existing GIS data; utilizes a variety of hardware and software in the field, including (but not limited to) ArcGIS Field Maps, Trimble receiver, DJI and Wingtra drones, indoor LiDAR scanner, and total station. Draws on understanding of GIS best-practices to recommend appropriate reactionary strategies in response to GIS analysis, and provides relevant maps and datasets to clients to supplement recommendations. Works in conjunction with relevant colleagues across the organization, including (but not limited to) GIS personnel in Auxiliary Services, UIT, and Facilities Management.
This position is not responsible for providing patient care.
Responsibilities
- Designs, implements, and manages geospatial data and databases.
- Obtains, compiles, and analyzes GIS data from a variety of sources, including DWGs, drone imagery, and field collection.
- Pilots drones to capture campus aerial imagery and mosaic together to utilize for data analysis; also to capture additional video and imagery at request of inter-departmental personnel.
- Utilizes mobile LiDAR scanners to create point clouds of building interiors.
- Conducts routine field audits to check accuracy of GIS data and updates databases with any returned discrepancies; utilizes Trimble receivers and Topcon total stations as needed in the field.
- Authors Python programming scripts to aid in the automation of large geoprocessing tasks.
- Assists in the planning, research, development, and preparation of projects, including web applications and geoprocessing scripts.
- Drafts map products and email correspondence to answer inquiries and respond to requests about projects.
- Creates and maintains files, records, and documentation of relevant data.
- Produces data that is sufficiently cross-platform compatible.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
GIS Specialist, II: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
PREFERENCES
- Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and the ESRI ArcGIS suite, particularly ArcGIS Field Maps, Dashboards, Survey123, and Web AppBuilder.
- Proficiency with Python programming.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.
- Proficient understanding of enterprise GIS systems and versioning.
- Familiarity with JavaScript and Arcade programming.
- Familiarity with CAD drawings and related software (AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, etc.).
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Acrobat, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
- Familiarity with drones and related software (DJI Fly, Litchi, WingtraCloud, etc.).
- Certified FAA Part 107 UAS (drone) pilot, or committed to obtain certification within 90 days of hire.
- A valid driver’s license; able to complete the State of Utah Defensive Driver Training Program.
TYPE Benefited Staff
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARY
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Gis Specialist
Document your GIS credentials before applying
Gather degree transcripts, professional certifications like GISP, and project portfolios before employer conversations begin. PERM requires your employer to verify your qualifications meet the job's stated minimum requirements, so gaps discovered late can delay or derail the labor certification filing.
Target employers with federal contract pipelines
Federal contractors and agencies regularly sponsor GIS specialists because geospatial roles are embedded in long-term infrastructure and defense projects. These employers expect multi-year retention timelines, which aligns naturally with the PERM-to-green-card sponsorship window of two to four years.
Search green card sponsors using Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter GIS specialist openings by employers with verified green card sponsorship history. This narrows your search to companies already familiar with PERM filing requirements, so you avoid spending time on employers who decline mid-process.
Check prevailing wage before salary negotiations
Look up your target metro area and SOC code on the OFLC Wage Search before accepting an offer. Your employer's PERM application must certify the offered wage meets the DOL prevailing wage level, so knowing this floor protects you from offers that won't survive the certification stage.
Clarify the EB-2 versus EB-3 track with your employer
If your role requires only a bachelor's degree, your employer may file under EB-3. If the position requires an advanced degree or you hold a master's in geography, remote sensing, or a related field, ask your employer to assess EB-2 eligibility during PERM drafting, not after I-140 submission.
File I-485 concurrently if your priority date is current
Once your employer files the I-140 petition with USCIS and your country's priority date is current in the Visa Bulletin, you can file the I-485 adjustment of status concurrently. This step, often missed by first-time applicants, lets you begin building permanent residency status without waiting years between stages.
Green Card Gis Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a GIS specialist role qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship?
Both categories are possible depending on the specific job requirements. EB-3 applies when the position requires a bachelor's degree in geography, GIS, or a related field. EB-2 applies when the role requires an advanced degree or when you hold a master's or higher and your employer structures the position accordingly. Your employer's PERM attorney determines the category during labor certification drafting.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B sponsorship for a GIS specialist?
Green card sponsorship through PERM leads to permanent residency, not a temporary status with an expiration date. There is no annual lottery for EB-2 or EB-3 petitions, unlike the H-1B visa cap. The timeline is longer, typically two to four years from PERM filing to I-485 approval for most countries, but the outcome is lawful permanent residency rather than repeated visa renewals.
How can I find GIS specialist jobs where employers will sponsor a green card?
Use Migrate Mate to search specifically for GIS specialist openings from employers with verified green card sponsorship history. Many employers list GIS roles without clarifying their willingness to sponsor PERM, so filtering by confirmed sponsorship history saves significant time and avoids late-stage surprises after offer acceptance.
What does the PERM labor certification process involve for a GIS specialist position?
Your employer files an ETA Form 9089 with the DOL, certifying that no qualified U.S. worker was available for the role at the offered wage. Before filing, the employer must conduct a supervised recruitment campaign, including job postings and advertising. The DOL reviews the application and, if approved, the employer proceeds to file an I-140 immigrant petition with USCIS on your behalf.
Will my GIS experience abroad count toward PERM eligibility?
Yes, foreign work experience counts toward the minimum requirements stated in your PERM job description, but only if the job description explicitly includes that experience as a qualifying credential. Your employer's labor certification attorney drafts these requirements carefully. If your foreign experience is substantial, ask whether it supports an EB-2 filing rather than defaulting to EB-3.