GIS Administrator (Manager II)

Position Overview

Location	Bismarck, ND
Salary	$6,590/mo. - $8,787/mo. hiring range
Closing Date	Open until filled*
Status	Full-time
Type of Recruitment	Internal/External
Notes	*Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed upon receipt. The position may be filled at any time following the successful completion of the application, interview, and selection process.

Summary of Work

The GIS Administrator provides strategic, technical, and administrative leadership for the organization's Geographic Information Systems program. This position is responsible for developing and implementing GIS strategies, policies, standards, and technologies that support organizational goals and operational excellence. The position oversees enterprise geospatial data management, advanced spatial analysis, application development, system integration, and business intelligence initiatives while ensuring data quality, security, and regulatory compliance.

The role serves as the primary GIS advisor to leadership, collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, manages GIS projects and resources, and supervises administrative technical staff. Through innovation, strategic planning, and continuous improvement, the GIS Lead enhances decision-making, operational efficiency, and the effective use of geospatial information across the organization.

Key responsibilities include:

Lead and manage the organization's enterprise GIS program, strategy, and geospatial initiatives.
Develop and maintain GIS policies, standards, data governance practices, and quality assurance programs.
Oversee geospatial databases, spatial data infrastructure, and enterprise GIS applications.
Direct advanced spatial analysis, modeling, mapping, and reporting to support business and operational decisions.
Manage GIS expenditures, contracts, software licensing, technology procurement, and vendor relationships.
Coordinate GIS projects, stakeholder engagement, data-sharing partnerships, and cross-functional initiatives.
Ensure the accuracy, integrity, security, and compliance of GIS and business intelligence data systems.
Implement innovative GIS technologies, workflow automation, and system integrations to improve efficiency.
Provide technical leadership, supervision, training, and professional development for GIS and administrative staff.
Advise executive leadership through strategic planning, performance reporting, and data-driven recommendations.

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team as a GIS Administrator. The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, work independently with minimal supervision, and effectively manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines. This position requires strong technical skills, analytical skills, commitment to accuracy, and the ability to identify opportunities for process improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Geospatial Science, Computer Science, Earth Science, or a closely related field. OR
Associate’s degree in Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Geospatial Science, Computer Science, Earth Science, or a closely related field with 2- years of professional experience working with GIS software, geospatial databases, or spatial data analysis. Additional college coursework or GIS certifications may substitute for the required experience.
Proficiency with GIS applications such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS, or similar GIS platforms.
Experience collecting, maintaining, analyzing, and visualizing spatial and tabular data.
Knowledge of geospatial data standards, coordinate systems, projections, and data quality control procedures.
Experience using relational databases and data management techniques.
Ability to create maps, reports, dashboards, and other geospatial products to support business or organizational needs.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate will possess a positive and professional attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to supporting the agency’s mission. Success in this role requires the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, partner agencies, and external organizations while maintaining a solution-focused approach. Active participation in hunting, fishing, and/or boating is highly desirable.

Experience with Python, SQL, ModelBuilder, or other GIS automation tools.
Experience with enterprise GIS environments and geospatial web applications.
GIS Professional certification or progress toward certification.
Experience with remote sensing, GPS data collection, or spatial statistics.
The ability to successfully complete any required background investigation and meet eligibility requirements for government employment.

Application Procedures

To be considered, applicants must submit the following through the online application system:

Completed online application.
Cover letter describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the Summary of Work.
Current resume demonstrating that you meet the minimum qualifications.
A list of at least three professional references.

Applicants are encouraged to save their work frequently. The online application system will automatically time out after 40 minutes of inactivity, and unsaved information will be lost.

All required documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the posted closing date. Incomplete applications or application materials that do not sufficiently demonstrate qualifications may not receive further consideration.

Current State employees may apply through the PeopleSoft Portal. External applicants may apply through the ND Career Openings website.

For questions about the position or to request accommodation during the application or interview process, contact Melissa Long, HR Services Manager, at 701-328-6318. For technical assistance with the online application system, contact recruiter@nd.gov.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants requesting accommodation should notify the department of their needs. ND Relay: 1-800-366-6888.

The State of North Dakota and its political subdivisions prohibit smoking in all workplaces in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services, and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.