STEM OPT Gis Specialist Jobs
GIS Specialist roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in geography, computer science, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting End Date
09-23-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The Geographical Information System Specialist for Nuclear Siting supports advanced nuclear development by providing geospatial analysis and mapping expertise to identify and evaluate potential sites for nuclear facilities. This role involves managing spatial data, performing suitability analyses, and producing high-quality maps and visualizations to inform siting decisions. The GIS Specialist collaborates with engineering, environmental, and regulatory teams to integrate geospatial insights into feasibility studies and project planning.
Job Description
What You'll Do:
Data Management & Analysis
- Collect, organize, and maintain geospatial datasets including land use, environmental constraints, infrastructure, and regulatory boundaries.
- Perform spatial analyses to evaluate site suitability based on technical, environmental, and socio-economic criteria.
- Develop models for proximity analysis (e.g., transmission lines, water sources, transportation access).
Mapping & Visualization
- Create detailed maps, dashboards, and visualizations for internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Prepare GIS layers for integration into feasibility reports and presentations.
Collaboration & Support
- Work closely with siting engineers, environmental specialists, and permitting teams to provide geospatial insights.
- Support interconnection studies by mapping grid infrastructure and analyzing transmission corridors.
Compliance & Standards
- Ensure GIS data and outputs meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain data security and version control for sensitive project information.
What We are Looking For:
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree Geography, GIS, Environmental Science, or related field of study dependent upon business unit requirements with three (3) years qualified experience, or a two-year associate’s degree in the same required disciplines with five (5) years of qualified experience.
- Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial analysis tools.
- Strong analytical and visualization skills; ability to communicate technical findings clearly.
Preferred Skills
- Familiarity with nuclear siting considerations, environmental constraints, and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with Python or other scripting for GIS automation.
- Knowledge of NRC siting guidelines and NEPA environmental review.
- Understanding of transmission planning and interconnection processes.
What You'll Get: - $88k - $116k
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (on-site)
$88k - $116k Year
AEPCareers
LI-ONSITE
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-007
Compensation Range:
$87,633.00 - $109,543.00
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
Job Posting End Date
09-23-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The Geographical Information System Specialist for Nuclear Siting supports advanced nuclear development by providing geospatial analysis and mapping expertise to identify and evaluate potential sites for nuclear facilities. This role involves managing spatial data, performing suitability analyses, and producing high-quality maps and visualizations to inform siting decisions. The GIS Specialist collaborates with engineering, environmental, and regulatory teams to integrate geospatial insights into feasibility studies and project planning.
Job Description
What You'll Do:
Data Management & Analysis
- Collect, organize, and maintain geospatial datasets including land use, environmental constraints, infrastructure, and regulatory boundaries.
- Perform spatial analyses to evaluate site suitability based on technical, environmental, and socio-economic criteria.
- Develop models for proximity analysis (e.g., transmission lines, water sources, transportation access).
Mapping & Visualization
- Create detailed maps, dashboards, and visualizations for internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Prepare GIS layers for integration into feasibility reports and presentations.
Collaboration & Support
- Work closely with siting engineers, environmental specialists, and permitting teams to provide geospatial insights.
- Support interconnection studies by mapping grid infrastructure and analyzing transmission corridors.
Compliance & Standards
- Ensure GIS data and outputs meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain data security and version control for sensitive project information.
What We are Looking For:
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree Geography, GIS, Environmental Science, or related field of study dependent upon business unit requirements with three (3) years qualified experience, or a two-year associate’s degree in the same required disciplines with five (5) years of qualified experience.
- Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial analysis tools.
- Strong analytical and visualization skills; ability to communicate technical findings clearly.
Preferred Skills
- Familiarity with nuclear siting considerations, environmental constraints, and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience with Python or other scripting for GIS automation.
- Knowledge of NRC siting guidelines and NEPA environmental review.
- Understanding of transmission planning and interconnection processes.
What You'll Get: - $88k - $116k
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (on-site)
$88k - $116k Year
AEPCareers
LI-ONSITE
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-007
Compensation Range:
$87,633.00 - $109,543.00
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
See all STEM OPT Gis Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Gis Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Gis Specialist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code is on the USCIS STEM OPT designated degree list. Geography, geospatial science, and computer science degrees commonly qualify, but your DSO confirms your specific code before filing.
Search for E-Verify enrolled employers
Before accepting an offer, confirm the employer is actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Ask HR for their E-Verify company ID and cross-check it through the E-Verify employer search tool.
Target GIS roles at government contractors
Federal contractors are legally required to use E-Verify, making them reliable STEM OPT employers. Defense, infrastructure, and environmental contractors routinely hire GIS Specialists and already have compliant I-983 onboarding processes in place.
Build a portfolio around geospatial data workflows
Employers evaluating STEM OPT candidates want evidence of hands-on GIS output. Showcase projects using ArcGIS, QGIS, or Python-based spatial analysis that map directly to the technical scope described in O*NET for this occupation.
Use Migrate Mate to filter GIS jobs by sponsorship history
Searching broad job boards wastes time on employers who won't sponsor. Migrate Mate filters GIS Specialist listings by verified DOL filing history, so you see employers who have actually supported work authorization for this role.
Draft your I-983 training plan before your offer closes
STEM OPT requires a detailed I-983 outlining your learning objectives and supervisor responsibilities. Having a draft ready lets your employer review and sign quickly, reducing the gap between offer acceptance and your extension start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a geography or geospatial science degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension for GIS Specialist roles?
Geography, geospatial science, and computer science degrees typically appear on the USCIS STEM OPT designated degree list, but eligibility depends on the specific CIP code assigned to your degree by your school, not the degree title alone. Your DSO can confirm whether your CIP code qualifies before you file Form I-765 for the extension.
What E-Verify requirement applies to employers hiring me as a GIS Specialist on STEM OPT?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension begins. Enrollment alone isn't enough if the specific hiring site or business unit isn't covered. Verify the employer's active E-Verify status before accepting an offer, because USCIS requires this as a condition of approving your extension.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a GIS Specialist position?
Your I-983 must describe specific learning objectives tied to your GIS role, such as spatial data analysis, cartographic production, or database management. It must name a qualifying supervisor, outline how the work relates to your STEM degree, and include evaluation checkpoints. Your employer signs it, and your DSO countersigns before you submit.
How does cap-gap protection work if my H-1B is selected while I'm on STEM OPT as a GIS Specialist?
If your H-1B visa petition is filed and your employer requests a change of status for October 1, cap-gap protection automatically extends your STEM OPT work authorization through September 30. You can keep working in your GIS role without interruption. USCIS confirms cap-gap eligibility through the I-797 receipt notice from your employer's petition.
Where can I find GIS Specialist jobs where the employer is already set up to hire STEM OPT students?
Use Migrate Mate to search GIS Specialist roles filtered by employers with verified DOL labor condition application filing history. This approach surfaces employers who have actively supported work authorization for similar technical roles, saving you time that would otherwise go toward screening employers who aren't set up for the STEM OPT process.