GIS Data Specialist

Flathead Electric Cooperative; Kalispell (MT); On-site; USD 66,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Flathead Electric Cooperative in Kalispell, MT is seeking a GIS Data Specialist to maintain and produce maps in our GIS system and keep related records up to date. This onsite role requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to work with utility data and field verification.

The position supports multiple departments, uses ESRI GIS software, and offers union benefits with a starting wage in the stated range.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s degree in a related field or GIS experience preferred.
• 1–4 years ESRI GIS experience preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 and databases.

Responsibilities

• Maintain GIS and maps and update records as requested.
• Maintain database of outside plant records.
• Assist other departments with GIS tasks when requested.
• Manipulate GIS database to produce reports.
• Perform field checks using handheld GPS when necessary.
• Complete easements and filing with County offices.
• Provide accurate information to appropriate departments/employees.
• Stay up-to-date on GIS software, standards, and safety policies.
• Represent the Cooperative professionally at committees and meetings.

Skills

Database knowledge

Microsoft Office 365

GPS knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in GIS or related field

Tools

ESRI GIS

GPS device

Job description

GIS Data Specialist

Application Deadline: 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Union, Non-exempt, Full-Time

IBEW Union Position - Starting Wage: $31.96 per hour with step increases up to $34.79 per hour.

Location: Kalispell, MT (Onsite)

All Offers of Employment Conditioned on Pre-employment Drug Screening and Background Check and are Subject to a One-Year Probationary Period of Employment.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for the maintenance and production of Flathead Electric Cooperative’s digital maps and correlated records of the Cooperative’s G.I.S. system.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Maintenance of the Geographic Information System (G.I.S.), to include but not limited to:
2. Maintain accurate system maps and create new maps as requested.
3. Maintain database of outside plant records.
4. When requested, assists other department personnel with G.I.S and/or Mapping related tasks.
5. When requested, manipulates the G.I.S. database to produce requested reports.
6. As required, perform field checks of outside plant records using handheld GPS device when necessary.
7. Complete easements and filing with the appropriate County offices.
8. Provide accurate information to appropriate departments/employees for all system records.
9. Gain a thorough knowledge within 2 years, and maintain the following: current G.I.S. software, FEC construction standards and practical methods, safety manual, objectives and applicable policies.
10. Keeps informed and up-to-date on applicable utility industry technical advancements.
11. Professionally represents the Cooperative at assigned committees and meetings.
12. When performing all responsibilities, is efficient, timely, accurate, and confidential. Constantly reviews work assigned to establish proper priority to meet the individual deadlines of each task/project.
13. Always assist members/vendors/employees and the general public in a courteous and professional manner ensuring their continued satisfaction with FEC. Work in harmony and show respect to all fellow employees in order to promote an effective and pleasant working environment.
14. Maintain ongoing communication with supervisor regarding situations requiring immediate attention, problems/concerns, questions, etc.
15. In pursuit of zero workplace incidents, promotes and maintains a positive safety culture while adhering to all applicable policies outlined in the Safety Manual. Reports all incidents and potential safety hazards in a timely manner to supervisor or Safety Coordinator.
16. Become familiar with and keep current with FEC objectives and applicable policies.
17. Performs other duties as assigned by management applying the same skill and enthusiasm as with regularly assigned responsibilities.

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Associate’s degree in a related field or equivalent G.I.S. experience in a utility/engineering environment preferred.

Job Related Experience: 1 to 4 years in ESRI based G.I.S. system preferred.

Supervision: No Experience Supervising Required.

Computer Skills: Proficient on computer, including Microsoft Office 365. Must have a working knowledge of database structure.

Certificates & Licenses: None required.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Present a professional appearance at all times.
• Able to work 40 hours per week.
• Work schedule as defined by the Union contract, with overtime as required.
• Possess proven ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Legible handwriting.
• Exhibit excellent member relations and customer service skills.
• Be a team player with effective verbal and written skills.
• Possess working knowledge of GPS equipment.
• Able to travel occasionally out-of-area and/or overnight.
• Assume responsibility without direct supervision, display initiative and exercise good judgment.
• Be organized, accurate and exercise strong attention to detail.
• Valid Montana Driver’s License and be insurable to drive FEC vehicles.
• This position is required to join the Union and is covered under the current CBA.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

(Based on an 8 hour work day)

• Stand – F (Frequently)
• Walk – F (Frequently)
• Sit – F (Frequently)
• Handling / Grasping – F (Frequently)
• Reach Outward – F (Frequently)
• Reach Above Shoulder – R (Rarely)
• Climb – N (Not Applicable)
• Keyboarding – F (Frequently)
• Speaking – F (Frequently)
• Vision – F (Frequently)
• Hearing – F (Frequently)
• Crawl – N (Not Applicable)
• Squat or Kneel – R (Rarely)
• Bend – R (Rarely)
• Foot or Leg Controls – O (Occasionally)
• Drive – O (Occasionally)
• Lift/Carry 10 lbs. or less – O (Occasionally)
• Lift/Carry 11-25 lbs. – R (Rarely)
• Lift/Carry 26-50 lbs. – N (Not Applicable)
• Lift/Carry 51-100 lbs. – N (Not Applicable)
• Lift/Carry Over 100 lbs. – N (Not Applicable)
• Push/Pull 10 lbs. or less – R (Rarely)
• Push/Pull 11-25 lbs. – R (Rarely)
• Push/Pull 26-50 lbs. – N (Not Applicable)
• Push/Pull 51-100 lbs. – N (Not Applicable)

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position

R (Rarely) P Position requires this activity up to 5% of the time (0 - 2 hrs./day)

O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 6% - 33% of the time (2 - 4 hrs./day)

F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 34% - 66% of the time (4 - 6 hrs./day)

C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (8+ hrs./day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Will be working mostly indoors but will occasionally be required to participate in activities outdoors in all types of weather and terrain.

As a cooperative, Flathead Electric is owned by the members who get their power from our Co-op, which includes everyone in the Flathead, Libby and Cooke City areas of Montana. That means the employees are members and own the cooperative too. We treat every member like family and friends, because they are.

For 85 years, Flathead Electric Cooperative has been an employer of choice in Northwest Montana. As part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Flathead Electric provides competitive pay, exceptional benefits including a retirement plan, a matching 401K, and generous health/dental/vision/disability insurance. We try to incorporate fun into our workdays, host employee family events throughout the year and provide opportunities for our employees to help the Board of Trustees shape the future of the Co-op by participating on exploratory advisory groups an, innovative pilot projects.

We believe in hiring the best and promoting from within. Flathead Electric provides on the job training and offers an education reimbursement program for those employees wishing to better their education to pursue opportunities at our Co-op. Flathead Electric is an equal opportunity employer. Flathead Electric Cooperative does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, or retaliation.

Some positions are "safety sensitive," some require a CDL, and all have access to confidential member information at times. Therefore, we screen our applicants thoroughly. All employment offers are contingent upon passing a limited background check and a drug screening appropriate for the position. Once hired, employment is subject to a one-year probationary period, during which time employment may be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice.

By submitting this application, the applicant affirms that information provided is true and complete information, no requested information has been concealed, and Flathead Electric Cooperative is authorized to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information provided is found to be untrue, or concealed, employment may be denied or terminated.