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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you’ll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In the role of GIS Analyst, we'll count on you to:
- Support GIS tasks for multidisciplinary projects
- Mentor other GIS professionals
- Participate in project marketing, budget development and resource scheduling
- Design and produce cartographic products for various purposes
- Independently conduct advanced spatial analyses using ArcGIS and other tools
- Support field data collection using ArcGIS Online apps and associated data management
- Develop vector and raster spatial analysis models
- Support CAD-GIS workflows
- Develop geodatabase schemas and analysis methods needed to support project goals
- Perform other duties as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Geography, Planning, Engineering, Natural Sciences, or closely related field
- A minimum of 3 years of practical GIS experience; an advanced degree in relevant field may offset the required years of experience
- Proficient in use of ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS extensions e.g., 3D Analyst, Spatial Analyst
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft 365 Apps
- Working knowledge of interoperability tools
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Esri Certification
- GISP, AICP, PE or other professional certification
- Experience with Esri ArcGIS Utility Network
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.)
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-Minnesota-Saint Louis Park
Other Locations: United States-Minnesota-Minneapolis, United States-Wisconsin-Madison, United States-Wisconsin-Milwaukee
INDUSTRY
Environment/Sciences
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
BUSINESS CLASS
Geospatial (GIS)
JOB POSTING
Nov 6, 2026
INTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you’ll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In the role of GIS Analyst, we'll count on you to:
- Support GIS tasks for multidisciplinary projects
- Mentor other GIS professionals
- Participate in project marketing, budget development and resource scheduling
- Design and produce cartographic products for various purposes
- Independently conduct advanced spatial analyses using ArcGIS and other tools
- Support field data collection using ArcGIS Online apps and associated data management
- Develop vector and raster spatial analysis models
- Support CAD-GIS workflows
- Develop geodatabase schemas and analysis methods needed to support project goals
- Perform other duties as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Geography, Planning, Engineering, Natural Sciences, or closely related field
- A minimum of 3 years of practical GIS experience; an advanced degree in relevant field may offset the required years of experience
- Proficient in use of ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS extensions e.g., 3D Analyst, Spatial Analyst
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft 365 Apps
- Working knowledge of interoperability tools
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Esri Certification
- GISP, AICP, PE or other professional certification
- Experience with Esri ArcGIS Utility Network
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.)
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-Minnesota-Saint Louis Park
Other Locations: United States-Minnesota-Minneapolis, United States-Wisconsin-Madison, United States-Wisconsin-Milwaukee
INDUSTRY
Environment/Sciences
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
BUSINESS CLASS
Geospatial (GIS)
JOB POSTING
Nov 6, 2026
See all 38+ 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.