H-1B Visa Gis Specialist Jobs
GIS Specialist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations under USCIS guidelines, requiring at least a bachelor's degree in geography, geospatial science, or a closely related field. Federal agencies, engineering firms, utilities, and tech companies regularly sponsor H-1B visa petitions for this occupation, making it a strong target for visa-holding candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting Title
GIS Specialist II
Agency
345 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Supervisory Organization
Deputy Director - Director of Admin Service - IT/GIS - GIS - GIS Management
Job Posting End Date
Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)
Full/Part-Time
Full time
Job Type
Regular
Compensation
$71,000/year
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
- Our benefits go beyond the basics, offering annual benefit allowances, a variety of health, dental, and vision plan options, paid annual and sick leave that rolls over each year, 11 paid holidays, robust retirement savings plans, and an EAP & wellness program to support you every step of the way.
Annual Benefit Allowance:
- The benefits allowance covers up to $20,538.24 for employees and their dependents to enroll in benefits.
Comprehensive Insurance Plans:
- The State offers several different medical, dental, and vision plans to better fit your needs. Including options to enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
Retirement Savings Plans:
- Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan: available to employees who began State employment after November 1st, 2015.
- Employer matches 6% with an employee contribution of 4.5%.
- Employer matches 7% with an employee contribution of 7% or above.
- OPERS Defined Benefit Plan: available to returning employees who were previously enrolled in OPERS.
Annual & Sick Leave (PTO):
- 15 days accrued annually during the first 1–5 years of service.
- 18 days accrued annually for 5–10 years of service.
- 20 days accrued annually for 10–20 years of service.
- 25 days accrued annually for over 20 years of service.
- Sick leave: Accrued at 15 days per year.
Paid Holidays:
- 11 paid holidays per year.
Longevity Pay:
- Longevity payments are paid annually to eligible State employees with a minimum of 2 years of State service.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
- EAP is a cooperative effort between employees and administration to help employees gain access to professional services in resolving personal problems.
Job Description
Position Title: GIS Specialist II
Department: IT/GIS
Reports to: Mapping, Analytics, and Inventory Data Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: 200 NE 21st Street, OKC, OK 73105
Note: Candidates selected for positions at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation may be required to complete a pre-employment background check and drug screening before beginning employment. Some positions may also require applicants to participate in a Physical Abilities Demonstration and be rated as capable of performing the essential functions of this job family.
Basic Purpose
Positions in this family are responsible for managing and analyzing geographical information, and for developing and maintaining the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases. These individuals will be responsible for understanding program needs and responding accordingly.
Typical Functions
- Analyzes spatial and attribute data using GIS software, displays data through the use of maps, reports, charts and tables using plotters and printers.
- Creates, maintains and updates databases using GIS, computer aided drafting, and other software; develops and maintains links between various databases.
- Manages multi-faceted GIS projects both independently and as a member of team(s).
- Customizes application software to provide GIS capabilities to agency personnel through easy to use, Windows-based interfaces to maximize their productivity.
- Conducts mapping research in the field and in the office to resolve conflicting information and ensure the accuracy of the data; verifies map information and makes changes as deemed appropriate according to needs of the project.
- Prepares technical presentations using the GIS interface and using graphics software to view and present images.
- Provides technical support and assists in training others in fundamentals of GIS and related subjects and skills.
- Regularly advise manager on status of projects and progress toward meeting all deadlines.
Level Descriptor
This is the career level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities at the full performance level and perform tasks under general supervision.
Education and Experience
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in geographic information systems (GIS), geography, geology, cartography, archaeology, anthropology, natural resources, computer science, engineering, environmental science or a closely related field and one year of professional level experience in GIS work; or a master's degree in one of the listed areas; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of technical experience in GIS systems work for each year of the required education.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the symbols and terminology used in geographical information; of digitizing and data manipulation procedures for geographic information systems; of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; of GIS software and its capabilities; and of database design.
Ability is required to gather mapping information in the field using current equipment; to read and use zone maps, quarter-section maps, plat maps, land use maps, single line maps, and aerial maps; to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with others; to work independently; to think analytically; and to make independent decisions.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.
If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:
Agency Contact
Job Posting Title
GIS Specialist II
Agency
345 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Supervisory Organization
Deputy Director - Director of Admin Service - IT/GIS - GIS - GIS Management
Job Posting End Date
Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)
Full/Part-Time
Full time
Job Type
Regular
Compensation
$71,000/year
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
- Our benefits go beyond the basics, offering annual benefit allowances, a variety of health, dental, and vision plan options, paid annual and sick leave that rolls over each year, 11 paid holidays, robust retirement savings plans, and an EAP & wellness program to support you every step of the way.
Annual Benefit Allowance:
- The benefits allowance covers up to $20,538.24 for employees and their dependents to enroll in benefits.
Comprehensive Insurance Plans:
- The State offers several different medical, dental, and vision plans to better fit your needs. Including options to enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
Retirement Savings Plans:
- Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan: available to employees who began State employment after November 1st, 2015.
- Employer matches 6% with an employee contribution of 4.5%.
- Employer matches 7% with an employee contribution of 7% or above.
- OPERS Defined Benefit Plan: available to returning employees who were previously enrolled in OPERS.
Annual & Sick Leave (PTO):
- 15 days accrued annually during the first 1–5 years of service.
- 18 days accrued annually for 5–10 years of service.
- 20 days accrued annually for 10–20 years of service.
- 25 days accrued annually for over 20 years of service.
- Sick leave: Accrued at 15 days per year.
Paid Holidays:
- 11 paid holidays per year.
Longevity Pay:
- Longevity payments are paid annually to eligible State employees with a minimum of 2 years of State service.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
- EAP is a cooperative effort between employees and administration to help employees gain access to professional services in resolving personal problems.
Job Description
Position Title: GIS Specialist II
Department: IT/GIS
Reports to: Mapping, Analytics, and Inventory Data Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: 200 NE 21st Street, OKC, OK 73105
Note: Candidates selected for positions at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation may be required to complete a pre-employment background check and drug screening before beginning employment. Some positions may also require applicants to participate in a Physical Abilities Demonstration and be rated as capable of performing the essential functions of this job family.
Basic Purpose
Positions in this family are responsible for managing and analyzing geographical information, and for developing and maintaining the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases. These individuals will be responsible for understanding program needs and responding accordingly.
Typical Functions
- Analyzes spatial and attribute data using GIS software, displays data through the use of maps, reports, charts and tables using plotters and printers.
- Creates, maintains and updates databases using GIS, computer aided drafting, and other software; develops and maintains links between various databases.
- Manages multi-faceted GIS projects both independently and as a member of team(s).
- Customizes application software to provide GIS capabilities to agency personnel through easy to use, Windows-based interfaces to maximize their productivity.
- Conducts mapping research in the field and in the office to resolve conflicting information and ensure the accuracy of the data; verifies map information and makes changes as deemed appropriate according to needs of the project.
- Prepares technical presentations using the GIS interface and using graphics software to view and present images.
- Provides technical support and assists in training others in fundamentals of GIS and related subjects and skills.
- Regularly advise manager on status of projects and progress toward meeting all deadlines.
Level Descriptor
This is the career level of this job family where employees are assigned responsibilities at the full performance level and perform tasks under general supervision.
Education and Experience
Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in geographic information systems (GIS), geography, geology, cartography, archaeology, anthropology, natural resources, computer science, engineering, environmental science or a closely related field and one year of professional level experience in GIS work; or a master's degree in one of the listed areas; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of technical experience in GIS systems work for each year of the required education.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the symbols and terminology used in geographical information; of digitizing and data manipulation procedures for geographic information systems; of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; of GIS software and its capabilities; and of database design.
Ability is required to gather mapping information in the field using current equipment; to read and use zone maps, quarter-section maps, plat maps, land use maps, single line maps, and aerial maps; to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with others; to work independently; to think analytically; and to make independent decisions.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.
If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:
Agency Contact
See all 86+ H-1B Visa Gis Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Gis Specialist
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation
USCIS scrutinizes GIS roles because the required degree field isn't always obvious. Document that your bachelor's degree is in geography, geoscience, computer science, or urban planning, not just a general STEM field, before applying.
Target employers with LCA filing history
Search DOL's OFLC Wage Search to confirm prospective employers have filed Labor Condition Applications for GIS-related SOC codes. Employers with a filing record understand the H-1B process and are far less likely to withdraw sponsorship mid-hire.
Use Migrate Mate to filter H-1B-sponsoring employers
Search GIS Specialist roles on Migrate Mate to see which employers have verified H-1B filing history for this occupation, so you're only applying where sponsorship is already established practice.
Build your GIS certification portfolio now
Esri's ArcGIS Professional certification and GISP credentials strengthen your specialty occupation case by demonstrating field-specific expertise. USCIS adjudicators have issued RFEs on GIS petitions when the degree-to-role connection isn't clear.
Negotiate the H-1B timeline before accepting an offer
Standard H-1B processing runs several months, and premium processing adds a fee your employer may or may not cover. Confirm your start date accounts for USCIS adjudication time before you resign your current position.
Understand prevailing wage levels for your GIS role
DOL assigns GIS Specialist wages across four levels tied to experience and supervision. Your employer's LCA must certify your offered wage meets or exceeds the applicable level, check the OFLC Wage Search to verify before your offer is finalized.
H-1B Visa Gis Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a GIS Specialist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, provided the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as geography, geospatial science, cartography, computer science, or urban planning. USCIS has issued RFEs on GIS petitions where job duties were general or the degree field was only loosely connected, so your employer's job description needs to clearly tie specialized GIS skills to the degree requirement.
Which industries most commonly sponsor H-1B visas for GIS Specialists?
Federal contractors, state and local government agencies, utilities, environmental consulting firms, defense contractors, and technology companies with geospatial products are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for GIS roles. You can find employers with verified H-1B filing history for this occupation on Migrate Mate, which surfaces DOL Labor Condition Application data by role and employer.
What happens to my H-1B status if my GIS contract ends early?
You have a 60-day grace period after your H-1B employment ends to find a new sponsoring employer, file for a change of status, or prepare to depart. If a new employer files an H-1B transfer petition before your grace period expires, you can begin working for them once USCIS receives the petition, not just after approval.
Can my employer file an H-1B for a fully remote GIS Specialist position?
Yes, but your employer must file a separate Labor Condition Application for each location where you'll work, including your home address if you work remotely. DOL requires the LCA to reflect the actual worksite where you'll perform duties. If your remote location is in a different metropolitan area than the employer's office, the prevailing wage for your home location applies.
How do I confirm an employer's offered wage meets H-1B prevailing wage requirements for a GIS role?
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for GIS Specialists under SOC code 15-1299 or 17-1021 in the employer's metropolitan area. Your employer's LCA must certify they'll pay at least the DOL wage level corresponding to your experience tier. Accepting an offer below the certified wage is an H-1B violation that can affect your status.