Environmental GIS Specialist

position

The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) is seeking a detail-oriented and highly motivated GIS Specialist to join a collaborative team that supports a large-scale ArcGIS Hub Premium site. This site integrates hundreds of GIS applications, geospatial datasets, and documentation to support a large-scale Air Force survey, infrastructure development, and deployment program.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience using the full Esri ArcGIS ecosystem, and the ability to translate complex project needs into practical, high-performing GIS tools and workflows.  The candidate should be prepared to support both technical development and end-user implementation, ensuring spatial data integrity, workflow optimization, and scalable Application design that meet the rigorous standards of federal infrastructure and environmental compliance programs.

This position offers the opportunity to work within a dynamic team environment while delivering impactful solutions for a nationally critical infrastructure program.

ORGANIZATION

CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU). CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations. To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Environmental GIS Specialist will be expected to:

• Design and manage ArcGIS Online feature services and mobile tools (Field Maps, Smart Forms, Survey123) for complex field data collection workflows.
• Build high-performing ArcGIS Dashboards and Experience Builder applications that enable data review, stakeholder engagement, and real-time project monitoring.
• Maintain optimal product integrity and discoverability by ensuring organized content structure and comprehensive and complete metadata
• Post-process field data to ensure data integrity, interoperability and compliance with Department of Defense data and federal metadata standards.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to define GIS requirements and translate them into actionable solutions.
• Troubleshoot GIS tool performance issues promptly to maintain system reliability.
• The Environmental GIS Specialist may also be expected to:
• Create automated workflows using Microsoft Power Automate or AGOL Notebook/python
• Author and review Standard Operating Procedures.
• Implement AGOL organization maintenance best practices to manage members, content, and groups.
• Develop automated data processing tools to enhance project workflows.
• Support field work surveys by providing on-site technical support and troubleshooting.

Both independent and collaborative group work will be required. Ideal employees are motivated self-starters with a strong work ethic who are dedicated to producing exceptional GIS products. Knowledge of natural and cultural resource regulatory policy and experience with Department of Defense GIS data models and standards (e.g. Air Force Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment [SDSFIE]; Federal Geographic Data Committee’s [FGDC] Content Standard for Digital Spatial Metadata [CSDGM]) are desired. Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively under pressure are essential for success in this role. The program operates in a fast‑paced, high‑visibility environment with shifting priorities, and team members must be able to collaborate constructively and remain focused on shared goals. Applicants should understand that this position requires professionalism, clear communication, and the ability to navigate challenges without interpersonal conflict.

SALARY

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Annual salary range is $61,000-$77,000.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position is full-time (40 hours/week) located at Colorado State University’s main campus in Fort Collins, Colorado.  CEMML operates on a hybrid schedule that requires at least three days in the office per week. Work will be primarily office-based; but some fieldwork and overnight travel will be required.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and traverse uneven, steep terrain.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) and public trust clearance
• Candidates are required at a minimum to complete a NACI/SF85 and successfully pass a federal background check to remain eligible for employment by CSU.
• No Foreign nationals shall be employed without prior approval of the Government
• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for all new hires).

Minimum Qualifications:

• S./B.A. in Geography, GIS, Ecology/Biology,  History/Archaeology, Natural Resources Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of post-graduate relevant GIS experience administering natural and/or cultural resources data.
• Professional experience using ArcGIS Pro 3.x and ArcGIS Online for managing and distributing spatial data.
• Professional experience configuring web and/or mobile ArcGIS applications including Field Maps Smart Forms, Survey123, Dashboards, and/or Experience Builder.
• Demonstrated ability to design and manage end-to-end geospatial data workflows including data design, collection, review, and delivery.
• Experience working with coordinate systems, map projections, and spatial data transformations to ensure accurate geospatial analysis and data integration.
• Experience deploying mobile GIS data collection tools to collect natural and/or cultural resource field data, or similar.
• Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills to explain geospatial concepts to interdisciplinary audiences.
• Proven experience working in a high-stress, highly dynamic environment with continually evolving priorities and deadlines

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Geography, GIS, Ecology/Biology, History/Archaeology, Natural Resources Management, or a related field.
• Greater than three (3) years of relevant professional GIS experience.
• Experience working with Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force
• Experience administering ArcGIS Hub Premium sites.
• Experience implementing best practices for AGOL organization maintenance.
• Experience with workflow management software such as ArcGIS Workflow Manger, or Microsoft Power Automate.
• Experience with or knowledge of user interface design principles and best practices including web design.
• Experience overseeing content management systems (i.e., Box, SharePoint).
• Experience with Department of Defense GIS data models and standards (e.g. Air Force Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment [SDSFIE]; Federal Geographic Data Committee’s [FGDC] Content Standard for Digital Spatial Metadata [CSDGM]).
• Proficiency in Arcade, Python, or similar programming languages.
• Working knowledge of cultural and/or natural resource-related regulatory policy