GIS Specialist

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Government•Manistee, MI

About The Position

The GIS Specialist is a broad, multidisciplinary role in the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ Department of Commerce, combining analytical and technical work in data management, advanced spatial analysis, and specialized projects that support planning and resource management. The position is responsible for securely managing, maintaining, and updating the Band’s geospatial data in ArcGIS Pro and Enterprise Server while ensuring its accuracy and integrity. The role supports tribal decision-making, resource management, land-use planning, and cultural preservation, and calls for GIS expertise, cultural sensitivity, and an understanding of tribal communities. The position reports to the Director of Commerce.

Requirements

Valid driver’s license and ability to be insured by the Tribe’s insurance policy.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
At least five years of work experience in GIS, cartography, or geospatial engineering.
Demonstrated knowledge of GIS technology and database administration for collecting, storing, retrieving, manipulating, and presenting an organization’s geospatial data.
GIS Professional certification from an industry-recognized or accredited organization, or ability to meet certification requirements within 180 days of hire.
Familiarity with Esri products, including ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro 3.0 or above.
Knowledge of processes for acquiring, processing, and integrating geospatial data from diverse sources.
Knowledge of GIS database data modeling, including geo-relational, TIN, and object-oriented models.
Knowledge of scripting, programming, and/or database development, including JavaScript, Python, and SQL for GIS and web-mapping applications.
Knowledge of security protocols for restricting access to sensitive location-based data and protecting it from misuse.
Ability to implement geospatial architecture that meets user needs across desktop, server, and mobile applications, both within the network and open to the public.
Ability to handle stressful situations while remaining focused and professional, and to deal with difficult people without losing perspective.
Ability to meet the stated employment conditions, including passing pre-employment drug testing and a background investigation, maintaining a valid driver’s license and insurability, and successfully completing the 90-day introductory period.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage the Band’s GIS in an SQL database environment, including comprehensive geodatabases, and ensure data accuracy, integrity, and security.
Establish and enforce data, metadata documentation, and data-sharing standards, along with system-wide data security protocols.
Collect, organize, and maintain geospatial data relating to LRBOI communities, land ownership, natural resources, culturally protected sites, infrastructure, and other spatial data in accordance with internal policies and procedures.
Assist with creating and maintaining maps, other products, and online dashboards for Band leadership, program departments, and community members.
Analyze spatial and tabular data and produce requested reports, maps, graphs, and charts.
Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies on GIS-related needs and data requests.
Participate in planning conversations and communicate geospatial data and analysis to support tribal decision-making.
Support the integration of geospatial data into Band processes by providing limited training on GIS principles and ArcGIS software to internal departments.
Use and maintain GIS-related office and field equipment.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures.
Perform other position- or department-related duties assigned by the supervisor.