GIS Administrator Manager II

North Dakota Game and Fish Department; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 73,544 - 98,062; Full time

Job summary

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is seeking a GIS Administrator to lead the enterprise GIS program, set strategy and standards, oversee data governance, and ensure data quality, security, and regulatory compliance across the agency.

The role provides technical leadership for geospatial applications, advanced spatial analysis, system integration, and BI initiatives while supervising GIS and administrative staff, advising executive leadership with data-driven recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in GIS or related field required.
• Associate degree with 2+ years GIS experience acceptable.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro/ArcGIS Online/QGIS.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise GIS program, strategy, and initiatives.
• Develop GIS policies, data governance, and QA programs.
• Oversee geospatial databases and enterprise GIS applications.
• Direct advanced spatial analysis, modeling, mapping, and reporting.
• Manage GIS expenditures, licenses, and vendor relations.
• Coordinate GIS projects and data-sharing partnerships.
• Ensure data quality, security, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide leadership and training for GIS staff and admins.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Bachelor's degree in GIS or related field

Associate's degree with 2+ years GIS experience

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Online

QGIS

Job description

Location: Bismarck, ND

Salary Range: $6,590/mo. - $8,787/mo. hiring range;

Closing Date: Open until filled*

Status: Full-time

Recruitment: Internal/External

Summary Of Work

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team as a GIS Administrator. The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, work independently with minimal supervision, and effectively manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines. This position requires strong technical skills, analytical skills, commitment to accuracy, and the ability to identify opportunities for process improvement.

The GIS Administrator provides strategic, technical, and administrative leadership for the organization's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program. This position is responsible for developing and implementing GIS strategies, policies, standards, and technologies that support organizational goals and operational excellence. The position oversees enterprise geospatial data management, advanced spatial analysis, application development, system integration, and business intelligence initiatives while ensuring data quality, security, and regulatory compliance.

The role serves as the primary GIS advisor to leadership, collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, manages GIS projects and resources, and supervises administrative technical staff. Through innovation, strategic planning, and continuous improvement, the GIS Lead enhances decision-making, operational efficiency, and the effective use of geospatial information across the organization.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Lead and manage the organization's enterprise GIS program, strategy, and geospatial initiatives.
• Develop and maintain GIS policies, standards, data governance practices, and quality assurance programs.
• Oversee geospatial databases, spatial data infrastructure, and enterprise GIS applications.
• Direct advanced spatial analysis, modeling, mapping, and reporting to support business and operational decisions.
• Manage GIS expenditures, contracts, software licensing, technology procurement, and vendor relationships.
• Coordinate GIS projects, stakeholder engagement, data-sharing partnerships, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, security, and compliance of GIS and business intelligence data systems.
• Implement innovative GIS technologies, workflow automation, and system integrations to improve efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership, supervision, training, and professional development for GIS and administrative staff.
• Advise executive leadership through strategic planning, performance reporting, and data-driven recommendations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Geospatial Science, Computer Science, Earth Science, or a closely related field. OR
• Associate's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Geospatial Science, Computer Science, Earth Science, or a closely related field with 2- years of professional experience working with GIS software, geospatial databases, or spatial data analysis. Additional college coursework or GIS certifications may substitute for the required experience.
• Proficiency with GIS applications such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS, or similar GIS platforms.
• Experience collecting, maintaining, analyzing, and visualizing spatial and tabular data.
• Knowledge of geospatial data standards, coordinate systems, projections, and data quality control procedures.
• Experience using relational databases and data management techniques.
• Ability to create maps, reports, dashboards, and other geospatial products to support business or organizational needs.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate will possess a positive and professional attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to supporting the agency's mission. Success in this role requires the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, partner agencies, and external organizations while maintaining a solution-focused approach. Active participation in hunting, fishing, and/or boating is highly desirable.

• Experience with Python, SQL, ModelBuilder, or other GIS automation tools.
• Experience with enterprise GIS environments and geospatial web applications.
• GIS Professional (GISP) certification or progress toward certification.
• Experience with remote sensing, GPS data collection, or spatial statistics.
• The ability to successfully complete any required background investigation and meet eligibility requirements for government employment.

About Team ND

Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards

The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. ND Relay: 1-800-366-6888.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.