GIS Analyst - Research Analysis Spec Sr

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Hibbing (MN); On-site; USD 69,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in Hibbing seeks a GIS Analyst to join the Lands and Minerals team. You will develop and maintain a GIS database to track mineral ownership that has gone tax forfeit, create digital maps, and produce web pages, posters, and other digital products for management and public communication.

The position requires a bachelor's degree in Cartography, GIS, or a related field and at least three years of professional GIS experience, with strong skills in

Qualifications

• Bachelor0s degree in Cartography, GIS, or Statistical analysis or a related field.
• At least 3 years of professional GIS experience; master0s may substitute for 1 year.
• Experience with database management systems (Access/Excel).
• Experience with statistical analysis and cartographic packages.
• Ability to design databases for effective graphics and figures.
• Knowledge of ArcPad, ArcGIS Pro & Enterprise, Survey123, geodatabases, and GIS software.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills for reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develop, build, and maintain a GIS database for mineral ownership tracking.
• Create GIS datasets to display tax-forfeit parcels across Minnesota counties.
• Apply cartographic expertise to answer queries and produce maps.
• Perform spatial and statistical analyses of public and state mineral data.
• Create maps, posters, and web pages to communicate complex data to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to deliver data products for management.

Skills

GIS

Communication

Organization

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor0s degree in Cartography or GIS

Master0s degree in cartography/GIS/statistical analysis

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Enterprise

Survey123

ArcPad

Geodatabases

Microsoft Access

Excel

Job description

Working Title: GIS Analyst

Job Class: Research Analysis Specialist Senior

• Job ID: 97229
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/01/2026
• Closing Date: 10/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Lands and Minerals
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - occasionally
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,477 / annually
• Job Class Option: Geographic Info Systems
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: GIS Analyst

Job Class: Research Analysis Specialist Senior

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 97229
• Location: Hibbing
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/01/2026
• Closing Date: 10/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Lands and Minerals
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - occasionally
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,477 / annually
• Job Class Option: Geographic Info Systems
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one full-time GIS Analyst / Research Analysis Specialist Senior position in Hibbing MN. This position will develop and maintain a GIS database to track mineral ownership that has gone tax forfeit and is now owned by the counties; this will involve developing a system to accurately and quickly spatially access scanned data and files necessary to perform mineral valuations for the Department’s Mineral Valuation Program and to create digital maps for the communication of complex information regarding minerals and mineral management in plain language to be presented to DNR management up to the Director level for presentations and decision making. As well as creating DNR web pages, presentations, posters, and other digital products.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Utilize expertise in GIS software to develop, build, and maintain a system to organize, store, and easily access scanned historic documents utilizing the spatial capabilities of the GIS software.
• Build a GIS dataset that tracks and displays the tax- forfeit parcels from all the counties in the state of Minnesota in order to better track and display the minerals that the DNR manages.
• Apply digital cartographic expertise to answer queries.
• Perform statistical and spatial analysis on any data, such as state-owned mineral rights, exploration drilling or other mineral activity applying digital cartographic expertise to answer queries.
• Search for trends over time in statewide spatial data that may explain certain queries or that may suggest future outcomes.
• Create communications maps, posters, presentations, and DNR web pages to present complex datasets of visual information.
• Provide GIS, geodatabase, statistical, and digital cartographic expertise to a varied team of professionals that are creating data and maps for ferrous, nonferrous, and aggregate on state mineral ownership.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree Cartography, GIS, or Statistical analysis or similar field.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Adobe Pro, and geospatial analysis. A master's degree in Cartography, GIS, or Statistical analysis or similar field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Experience with database management systems, such as Microsoft Access and Excel.
• Experience with statistical analysis and cartographic packages.
• Experience with planning and design of databases that best accommodate expression of data via appropriate computer-generated graphics and figures.
• Knowledge of ArcPad, ArcGIS applications including Pro and Enterprise, Survey 123, geodatabases, and GIS software.
• Knowledge of cartographic procedures, design, concepts and standards with experience in developing multicolor maps.
• Communication and organization skills sufficient to produce timely and understandable technical reports and analyses.
• Skills in transforming complex technical language information into plain language sufficient for presentation to the public.
• Ability to use advanced statistical tools to conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Ability to make major decisions affecting the overall direction of work, relating to GIS design, development and maintenance of spatial and tabular data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in cartography, GIS, or statistical analysis.
• Three years of experience using GIS and graphing packages.
• Experience working with large, complex datasets.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate advanced GIS topics to lay audiences and assist colleagues in interpreting complex analysis and results.
• Documented project leadership including project design and implementation to completion.

Additional Requirements

No driving duties are required.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.