Environmental GIS Specialist-1

Colorado State University

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Fort Collins, CO Until 10/6/2026 3+ years exp First posted August 7, 2026 Last posted August 7, 2026
Job description

Job Description

Position Summary:

CEMML is seeking a detail-oriented and highly motivated Environmental GIS Specialist to join a collaborative team that integrates hundreds of GIS applications, geospatial datasets, and documentation. 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.


The GIS/SCOPE Specialist will be expected to:

  • Assist in the administration of a large-scale ArcGIS Hub Premium site.
  • 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 GIS/SCOPE 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. At least three years of professional experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, Field Maps, and geodatabase management is required. 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.


Essential Job Duties:

  • 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.

Supervision:

  • None

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:

  • B.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 Qualifications:

  • Masters Degree in Geography, GIS, Ecology/Biology, History/Archaeology, Natural Resources Management, or a related field.
  • Five (5) or more 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).
  • Proficiency in Arcade, Python, or similar programming languages.
  • Working knowledge of cultural and/or natural resource-related regulatory policy.

Salary Range

$61,000 - $77,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

About this role

Summary

Manage GIS applications, workflows, and data for environmental and infrastructure projects.

Job title

Environmental GIS Specialist-1

Experience level

3+ years

Minimum experience

3+ years exp

Industry

government

Location requirements

Fort Collins, CO; hybrid schedule with some fieldwork

Salary

$61k–$77k

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

arcgis proarcgis onlinesurvey123field mapsgeodatabase management

Preferred skills

arcgis hubworkflow managementpower automateweb designpython

Specializations

arcgis proarcgis onlinesurvey123field mapsgeodatabase management
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Fort Collins, CO, USA

Hybrid City