GIS Analyst

Overview Summary

Ecostudies Institute (ESI) is hiring a Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst to manage, develop, and maintain the organization’s GIS infrastructure and resources. The primary responsibilities will involve providing centralized GIS support across all ESI programs, managing core spatial datasets and field applications, conducting spatial analyses and producing maps, automating routine GIS workflows, and delivering training and documentation to ESI staff. This role will involve a combination of data management, user training, and implementation of spatial technologies to best support the organization across all programs and projects, including habitat restoration planning and treatments, prescribed fire, species monitoring and research, spatial analyses, and integration and communication with partners.

Successful applicants will have an established background and practical experience in GIS, as well as a keen interest in conservation, ecology, and/or natural resource management. A collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset, strong attention to detail, willingness and ability to balance multiple project priorities, and enthusiasm about improving organization-wide GIS workflows are all desired.

Responsibilities

• Steward ESI spatial data; design and maintain a centralized GIS data management system; support management of geodatabases, authoritative layers, versioning, domains, topology, and backups.
• Assist in data exchange with partners; oversee and manage the forthcoming South Sound Prairies Database.
• Conduct (and assist with) spatial analyses around monitoring, restoration planning, remote sensing (imagery/DEM/LiDAR), and other research activities.
• Produce high-quality, report-ready maps, templates, and visual assets for internal use, partner deliverables, and outreach (e.g., PDFs, web maps, StoryMaps, dashboards).
• Develop and maintain automated workflows and scripts (ArcPy/Python) for routine tasks, including map exports, geoprocessing, QA/QC, and metrics generation.
• Design, deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot mobile mapping and forms (ArcGIS Field Maps, Survery123, Avenza).
• Package and publish mobile map areas and symbology; ensure device compatibility and efficient field workflows.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for organization-wide GIS help requests; triage and resolve issues or escalate as needed.
• Provide assistance, mentorship, and training to staff using GIS, including workshops, written tutorials, onboarding guides, and a self-service resource library.
• Advise on data sensitivity, security, and partner compliance requirements; implement protocols for sensitive layers.
• Support the development of new projects including project scoping, grant writing, budgeting, communications, and partner development.
• Maintain respectful, reciprocal relationships with government, tribal, and other partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography, GIS, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resources, or related field [OR] equivalent combination of education and 3+ years of practical GIS experience.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online (web maps, hosted feature services, portal administration basics).
• Experience designing and maintaining geodatabases, as well as managing domains, relationships, and metadata.
• Proven experience building and maintaining Field Maps and Survey123 forms and troubleshooting mobile GIS workflows.
• Competency in scripting/automation (e.g., R, ArcPy/Python); ability to create reproducible workflows.
• Strong map design and cartography skills; experience producing print and digital map outputs.
• Excellent communication and written documentation skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical staff.
• Willingness and ability to work in the field occasionally; comfort with remote/rural access conditions.
• Demonstrated cultural competence with people of diverse races, ages, genders, abilities, and economic backgrounds and/or interest in advancing knowledge or contributing to this work.
• Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
• Ability to pass a federal background check to qualify for a military base pass as a contractor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ArcGIS Dashboards, StoryMaps, and lightweight web-app builders.
• Familiarity with remote sensing workflows (imagery, DEM/LiDAR processing).
• Experience integrating non-spatial datasets (Microsoft Access, spreadsheets, etc.) into geodatabases.
• Prior work in conservation, restoration, or natural resource fields; knowledge of general monitoring and field protocols.
• Experience with version control and cloud-hosted GIS setups.
• Experience with R for spatial analyses or data visualization.
• GISP or PREGISP certification.

Working Conditions

• This position is based in Olympia, WA; remote work may be an option but will require the ability to meet with staff in Olympia on an as-needed basis.
• Majority of work will be performed in an office setting.
• Occasional travel to field sites and partner offices (valid driver’s license required).
• Ability to lift field gear (up to ~25 lbs) and walk on uneven terrain as needed.

About Ecostudies

Ecostudies Institute is a 501(c)(3) scientific non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of native species and their ecosystems. We achieve our mission through effective partnerships, sound scientific research, strategic land management, and ecological restoration. At the core of our mission is a cooperative conservation model that strives to realize improved conservation outcomes by developing shared goals and vision through partnerships. These partnerships, in turn, encourage information transfer, advances in cutting edge restoration techniques, and the development of integrated range-wide conservation approaches. The organization is headquartered in Olympia, Washington with field offices in the San Juan Islands, Boardman (OR), and Eugene (OR). Ecostudies currently employs over 40 permanent and seasonal staff.

Hiring Equity and Justice

ESI values and seeks diversity and equity within the organization, and we encourage applications from all groups of people. We recognize that the strength of the organization is in our people, and we believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Ecostudies does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices, and our commitment to equal employment opportunity applies to every aspect of the employment relationship.

It is well-documented that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), queer and transgender folks, women, and other marginalized groups often do not apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification listed in the job description. We are most interested in finding the right candidate for the job and our organization. We encourage all passionate and interested candidates to apply and think broadly about their background and qualifications that could be transferable for the position. We are committed to working against the structural biases that continue to keep marginalized people excluded from the conservation, restoration, and wildland fire/prescribed fire fields, and to making sure our hiring practices are not reproducing those biases.