(Full Time) GIS Analyst

The GIS Analyst serves as the lead and only geospatial subject matter expert, overseeing GIS administration, operations, data governance, and program standards across the Metroparks. This includes managing, analyzing, and mapping spatial and tabular data using the ESRI platform, producing annual GIS report outputs, which include cartographic products, analytics, and SQL queries to support organizational reporting and decision-making, and leading mobile GIS and geospatial analysis efforts across the local network, SQL Server, and cloud environments. The GIS Analyst serves the ArcGIS Online administrator and develops tools to streamline workflows and maintain data inventories. The position also leads the effort to modernize and strengthen the organization’s geospatial program by promoting transparency, consistency, and cross-program coordination.

This position reports jointly to the Chief of Planning and Development and the Chief of IT, and works closely with the Natural Resources and Engineering departments along with other departments., * GIS Program Leadership and Governance: Serve as the lead geospatial subject matter expert, providing strategic leadership for GIS operations, data governance, program standards, and modernization efforts across the organization. Represent the Metroparks in meetings with vendors, other governmental agencies and business and professional organizations.

• Geospatial Data Management and Analysis: Manage, analyze, and maintain spatial and tabular datasets across local network, SQL Server, and cloud environments, ensuring data quality, consistency, and usability for organizational needs. This includes managing HCMA authoritative data sources, drone imagery, LiDAR and other raster derivatives, and acquiring authoritative external data sources to make them available for users, supporting comprehensive GIS analysis and mapping. This position would be expected to share the data management strategy with other departments as necessary to help enforce data consistency and standardization.

• GIS Platform Administration and Support: Administer ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro platforms, managing AGOL licensing and supporting web GIS, user access, content management, and overall system functionality.

• Reporting, Cartography, and Decision Support: Produce annual GIS reports, cartographic products, analytics, and SQL queries that support regulatory reporting, program evaluation, and informed decision-making. Current annual reports include visitation reports, district reports, and reports for programs and special events.

• Data Collection and Mobile GIS Operations: Develop workflows and tools to support accurate, efficient field data capture and integration with organizational datasets for data collection initiatives across the organization. May need to assist with data collection in the field.

• GIS Workplan and Technical Support: Work collaboratively with Planning, Engineering, Natural Resources and other Metroparks departments to develop a prioritized work plan for each department’s GIS needs. Provide technical support for escalated helpdesk tickets, focusing on GIS issues. May be required to provide support outside of normal business hours, during special events, evenings, weekends and holidays.

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Geography, information technology or a related technical field. Applicants with 8 or more years of related service will be given credit toward meeting the minimum educational requirements and will be considered for the position.

• Four or more years of work experience in GIS, preferably with ESRI ArcGIS, and geospatial data analytics.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of ESRI GIS software and applications, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Survey123 and other ESRI tools, outside of a school setting.

• Basic knowledge of data structures and databases.

• Working knowledge of programming in Python and SQL.

• Familiarity with ArcGIS Drone2Map or similar.

• Familiarity with business analytics software, preferably Microsoft Power BI for geospatial data analytics.

• Ability to troubleshoot and make recommendations on functionality of GIS applications for planning, engineering, natural resources, marketing and public safety use cases.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks while applying creative problem solving

• Ability to learn IT environment and applications for integration with GIS applications.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, non-technical users, and outside agencies.

• Ability to express complex technical concepts effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to communicate with and understand the needs of non-technical users.

• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.

• May be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.

• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

• Ability to perform essential duties.

Tools, Equipment and Hardware Requirements

• Knowledge of ESRI GIS software, applications and tools.

• Working knowledge of Windows 11.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.