Gis Architect - Hybrid

Job Description
GIS Architect
Location: Hybrid role: Ideal candidate will live in AZ and be onsite as needed. (Typically Wednesdays as leadership is in on Wednesday)
10-15% travel between the three locations in Arizona/New Mexico/Chile)
Duration: 6 Months "Contract to Hire"
Top 3 skills

1. Proficiency in GIS software and technologies, including ESRI ArcGIS, spatial data modeling and have a successful track record of leading large scale GIS projects, including planning, resource allocation, and project tracking
2. Proven experience in designing and implementing GIS architectures, considering scalability, performance, and security requirements
3. Development experience w/Python, SQL & ESRI software; must be proficient

Role Overview: The GIS Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the architecture and infrastructure of the Geographic Information System (GIS). The architect will collaborate with stakeholders to understand their requirements, develop GIS solutions, and ensure the system meets the organization's spatial data needs. Additionally, the architect will provide technical expertise and guidance to the GIS development team, ensuring efficient workflows and optimal performance of the GIS infrastructure.
Roles and Responsibilities:

1. GIS System Design and Architecture:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand their GIS requirements and translate them into system design and architecture.
• Design and develop scalable and efficient GIS architectures, considering factors such as data storage, data access, security, and performance optimization.
• Define data structures, metadata standards, and workflows to ensure effective data integration, analysis, and visualization within the GIS system.
• Ensure the GIS architecture aligns with industry best practices, emerging technologies, and organizational goals.

1. GIS Infrastructure Implementation and Maintenance:

• Oversee the implementation and configuration of GIS infrastructure, including hardware, software, databases, and network components.
• Coordinate with system administrators and database administrators to ensure seamless integration and performance optimization of GIS components.
• Conduct system monitoring, performance tuning, and troubleshooting to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Implement backup and disaster recovery mechanisms to ensure data integrity and system availability.

1. GIS Development and Integration:

• Provide technical expertise and guidance to the GIS development team during application design and implementation.
• Collaborate with software developers to integrate GIS functionalities into enterprise systems, web applications, and mobile platforms.
• Ensure seamless data integration between GIS and other systems, such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Implement and maintain interfaces and APIs for data exchange with external systems.

1. Data Management and Quality Assurance:

• Develop data management strategies, including data acquisition, data cleansing, data transformation, and data storage.
• Establish data quality standards, metadata documentation, and data governance policies.
• Implement data validation and verification procedures to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency of spatial data.
• Collaborate with data analysts and domain experts to develop spatial analysis models and geoprocessing workflows.

1. Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication:

• Engage with stakeholders to understand their GIS requirements, provide technical guidance, and present GIS solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT, project managers, and end-users, to ensure effective GIS integration and deployment.
• Communicate complex GIS concepts and technical information to non-technical stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in GIS architecture and design.Required Skillset:

1. Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in GIS software and technologies, such as Esri ArcGIS, QGIS, or OpenLayers.
• Strong knowledge of GIS data formats, spatial databases (e.g., Oracle Spatial, PostgreSQL/PostGIS), and geospatial web services (e.g., WMS, WFS, RESTful APIs).
• Experience with GIS programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, or C#.
• Familiarity with GIS analytics, spatial analysis techniques, and geoprocessing tools.

1. Architecture and Integration Skills:

• Proven experience in designing and implementing GIS architectures, considering scalability, performance, and security requirements.
• Knowledge of enterprise system integration methodologies, including data synchronization, ETL processes, and data migration strategies.
• Familiarity with cloud-based GIS platforms, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure.

1. Data Management and Quality Assurance Skills:

• Strong understanding of data management principles, including data modeling, data warehousing, and data governance.
• Experience in developing and implementing data quality assurance procedures, including data validation, cleansing, and transformation.
• Knowledge of metadata standards and best practices for spatial data documentation.
• Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools, such as ArcGIS Pro, Tableau, or Power BI.

1. Communication and Collaboration Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with stakeholders and convey technical information.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork abilities to work effectively with cross-functional teams and end-users.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions and vice versa.

1. Problem-solving and Analytical Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve GIS-related issues.
• Ability to analyze complex spatial data and develop innovative solutions to address business challenges.
• Attention to detail and ability to ensure data accuracy and integrity within the GIS system.

1. Project Management and Leadership Skills:

• Experience in leading GIS projects, including planning, resource allocation, and project tracking.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to GIS development teams.

Education and Experience:
Required

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geography, GIS, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in Information Services, Process Technology field including four (4) years of Project Management experience on medium to large system implementations

Preferred

• Professional certifications in GIS, such as Esri's ArcGIS Desktop Professional or Esri Certified Enterprise System Design Associate, are preferred.
• Proven experience as a GIS Architect or in a similar role, with a track record of successful GIS implementation projects.