OPT Gis Analyst Jobs
GIS Analyst roles are a strong fit for OPT students with degrees in geography, geospatial science, environmental science, or urban planning. Most positions qualify as STEM-designated occupations, giving you access to the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers across government agencies, consulting firms, and tech companies actively hire for this role.
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We are the Environment & Planning Division. We are passionate about doing what’s right for our clients, our people, the communities where we live and work, and the environment. We are planners, scientists, program managers, communicators, economists, technologists, and strategists.
We are collaborative, curious, and committed to excellence—these are qualities we value that make us who we are and inspire us to grow. If you perform well in a fast-paced, engaging and collaborative environment, and would like to work with a diverse team of industry professionals, we encourage you to learn more about ICF and consider applying to join our team.
ICF is currently seeking an on-call Geographical Information Systems Analyst and will be based in California and fully remote.
What You Will Do
As a GIS Analyst you will be responsible for providing GIS technical services for a wide variety of client projects in the areas of natural resource conservation, utilities, water resources, transportation planning, and environmental impact assessments.
What You Must Have
- Bachelors degree in Geography, GIS, environmental sciences, or a related field
- 1+ years of relevant work experience
- Hands-on operational experience of ESRI GIS software, including, ArcGIS Pro 3.x, Spatial Analyst and Model Builder
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Esri ArcGIS Online
- Experience with Experience Builder and Dashboards
- Experience with Field Maps & Survey123
- Experience with Microsoft Power Automate
Professional skills you will use:
- Demonstrated capability to adhere to project budgets, schedules, and deliverables
- Problem-solving ability, creativity, analytical skills
- Orientation toward fulfilling client objectives
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work effectively in collaborative multi-disciplinary teams
- Ability to correctly generate and provide calculations on geospatial and tabular data
- Detail oriented with the ability to produce quality maps while maintaining efficiency
- Experience georeferencing and digitizing data and converting CAD data to GIS
- Proficiency in MS Office Applications (Excel, Word, Teams, Planner)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$60,967.00 - $103,643.00
LOCATION
California Remote Office (CA99)
DESCRIPTION
We are the Environment & Planning Division. We are passionate about doing what’s right for our clients, our people, the communities where we live and work, and the environment. We are planners, scientists, program managers, communicators, economists, technologists, and strategists.
We are collaborative, curious, and committed to excellence—these are qualities we value that make us who we are and inspire us to grow. If you perform well in a fast-paced, engaging and collaborative environment, and would like to work with a diverse team of industry professionals, we encourage you to learn more about ICF and consider applying to join our team.
ICF is currently seeking an on-call Geographical Information Systems Analyst and will be based in California and fully remote.
What You Will Do
As a GIS Analyst you will be responsible for providing GIS technical services for a wide variety of client projects in the areas of natural resource conservation, utilities, water resources, transportation planning, and environmental impact assessments.
What You Must Have
- Bachelors degree in Geography, GIS, environmental sciences, or a related field
- 1+ years of relevant work experience
- Hands-on operational experience of ESRI GIS software, including, ArcGIS Pro 3.x, Spatial Analyst and Model Builder
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Esri ArcGIS Online
- Experience with Experience Builder and Dashboards
- Experience with Field Maps & Survey123
- Experience with Microsoft Power Automate
Professional skills you will use:
- Demonstrated capability to adhere to project budgets, schedules, and deliverables
- Problem-solving ability, creativity, analytical skills
- Orientation toward fulfilling client objectives
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work effectively in collaborative multi-disciplinary teams
- Ability to correctly generate and provide calculations on geospatial and tabular data
- Detail oriented with the ability to produce quality maps while maintaining efficiency
- Experience georeferencing and digitizing data and converting CAD data to GIS
- Proficiency in MS Office Applications (Excel, Word, Teams, Planner)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$60,967.00 - $103,643.00
LOCATION
California Remote Office (CA99)
See all 32+ OPT Gis Analyst Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Gis Analyst
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
GIS Analyst roles often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, but your degree program must be on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Geography, geospatial science, and environmental science degrees typically qualify. Verify with your DSO before applying.
Highlight your technical GIS software skills upfront
Employers screening OPT candidates want to see ArcGIS, QGIS, Python, or SQL experience immediately. List specific tools and projects in your resume summary. Concrete technical skills reduce hesitation around sponsorship for candidates with limited U.S. work history.
Target employers with established government contracts
Federal agencies and contractors like consulting firms working on infrastructure, environmental, or defense projects frequently hire GIS Analysts and have structured processes for work authorization. These employers are more experienced navigating OPT employment requirements than smaller firms.
Address OPT timing transparently with hiring managers
Be upfront about your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility early in the process. Employers appreciate clarity. If you have 12 to 24 months of work authorization remaining, frame that as sufficient runway for project contributions and future sponsorship consideration.
Build a portfolio of spatial analysis projects
A portfolio demonstrating real-world GIS projects, such as land use analysis, route optimization, or environmental mapping, differentiates OPT candidates. Publish work on GitHub or a personal site. Concrete project evidence addresses employer uncertainty about hiring someone on a time-limited authorization.
Look for roles tied to government-funded programs
GIS Analysts supporting EPA, FEMA, urban planning, or transportation projects work for organizations accustomed to OPT and H-1B visa processes. These roles tend to offer stronger long-term sponsorship pathways compared to roles at companies with no prior international hiring experience.
Gis Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do GIS Analyst jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
GIS Analyst positions can qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your underlying degree is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in geography, geospatial science, environmental science, computer science, and related fields commonly qualify. Your DSO confirms eligibility based on your specific CIP code, not just your job title.
Which industries hire GIS Analysts on OPT most frequently?
Federal and state government agencies, environmental consulting firms, urban planning departments, defense contractors, and utilities are among the most consistent employers of GIS Analysts on OPT. These sectors have structured HR processes for work authorization and regularly file H-1B petitions, making them more likely to extend sponsorship after OPT. You can browse verified OPT-friendly employers on Migrate Mate.
Does a GIS Analyst role meet the specialty occupation standard for H-1B?
GIS Analyst positions generally qualify as specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field such as geography, geospatial science, or computer science. The role must involve applying that specialized knowledge directly. Job descriptions that list a degree as merely preferred rather than required can complicate an H-1B petition, so review postings carefully.
Can I work as a GIS Analyst for a government agency on OPT?
Yes, federal and state agencies can hire OPT students in GIS Analyst roles, but some positions with national security classifications may have citizenship restrictions. Most civilian GIS roles at agencies like the USGS, EPA, or state transportation departments are open to OPT workers. Verify any security clearance requirements in the job posting before applying.
What should I do if my GIS Analyst job is a contract or project-based role?
Contract and project-based GIS roles are permissible on OPT as long as you maintain a valid employer-employee relationship and your work stays within your authorized field of study. Notify your DSO of any employer changes promptly. Short-term contracts can count toward OPT work experience, but gaps between contracts that exceed 90 cumulative days may affect your status.