Department:Academic Affairs
Salary:$65,866 - $79,040
Description:
JOB SUMMARY
The Data and Geospatial Analyst serves as the Center for Crime, Urban Research & Education's (C-CURE) lead in police and criminal justice data analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial analysis, and crime mapping. The position analyzes complex law enforcement, criminal justice, community, and geographic data to support research, program evaluation, strategic planning, and evidence-based decision-making. Through collaboration with researchers, law enforcement agencies, government partners, and university stakeholders, the position transforms complex administrative and spatial data into actionable intelligence, research findings, and geographic insights.
DUTIES
- Leads GIS and geospatial analytics activities, including spatial data management, crime mapping, hotspot and density analysis, geocoding, spatial statistics, network analysis, dashboard development, and the creation of maps and location-based decision-support tools using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise, and related technologies.
- Monitors data quality and conducts validation procedures to ensure the accuracy, consistency, completeness, and integrity of data across multiple systems and sources.
- Develops reports, dashboards, data dictionaries, metadata standards, and technical documentation that support data accessibility, transparency, and informed decision-making.
- Collaborates with law enforcement agencies, courts, corrections organizations, governmental entities, researchers, and university personnel to facilitate secure data acquisition, exchange, integration, and GIS project implementation.
- Assists with grant-funded projects, research studies, and special initiatives by providing secure data management, reporting, and analytical support.
MARGINAL DUTIES
- Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) principles, cartography, spatial statistics, and geospatial data management.
- Knowledge of ArcGIS platform architecture and enterprise GIS administration.
- Advanced knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial analysis, and geospatial data management, including the principles and techniques used to collect, integrate, analyze, and interpret spatial data.
- Knowledge of crime mapping and spatial analytical methods used to identify geographic patterns, concentrations, trends, and relationships relevant to crime, public safety, policing, and urban research.
- Knowledge of geospatial data visualization and cartographic principles, including the development of clear, accurate, and accessible maps, dashboards, and other visual products for research, operational, and public-facing audiences.
- Knowledge of quantitative research methods and the integration of spatial and non-spatial data, including the use of administrative, demographic, socioeconomic, and criminal justice datasets to support research, program evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making.
- Knowledge of extracting, interpreting, and preparing data from police and criminal justice records and information systems, including incident and offense reports, calls-for-service data, arrest records, and other administrative records, for use in geospatial and research analysis.
Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Dashboards, and spatial analysis tools.
- Skill in the development of interactive web maps, story maps, dashboards, and geospatial visualizations.
- Skill in spatial data integration, geocoding, and cartographic design.
Abilities:
- Ability to translate complex spatial analyses into actionable information for criminal justice practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
- Ability to design and maintain GIS solutions that support public safety operations, research initiatives, and strategic planning.
- Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and external partners.
WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Primary Work Location:
- Office and out in community settings.
Physical Demands:
- Work is performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements.
- Individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks.
- Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Geospatial Science, Criminal Justice, Urban Planning, Data Science, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
Experience:
- Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in GIS, spatial analysis, crime analysis, criminal justice data analysis, or a closely related area, including experience working with complex administrative, law enforcement, public safety, or research datasets.
- Demonstrated experience using GIS and geospatial analysis in an applied, professional, or research environment. Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and related ArcGIS applications, including spatial analysis, geoprocessing, geocoding, map production, and data visualization.
- Ability to develop high-quality maps, dashboards, visualizations, and other geospatial products for technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to interpret complex spatial data and translate findings into actionable geographic insights that support research, program evaluation, strategic planning, and evidence-based decision-making.
- Experience collaborating with law enforcement agencies, government entities, community organizations, or academic researchers.
License/Certification:
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in GIS, Geography, Geospatial Science, Criminal Justice/Criminology, Urban Planning, Data Science, or a related field.
- Advanced experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise, Survey123, Experience Builder, and ArcGIS Dashboards.
- Experience conducting crime analysis, hotspot analysis, spatial statistics, geocoding, demographic analysis, network analysis, and predictive spatial modeling.
- GIS Professional (GISP), Esri Technical Certification, or other related geospatial certification preferred.
- Proficiency with complementary analytical or programming tools such as Python, R, SQL, or Stata.
- Experience working with large and complex administrative datasets, including data originating from multiple agencies or information systems.
- Experience supporting public safety, criminal justice, community development, or urban research initiatives through geospatial analysis.
All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.
The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.