GIS Specialist

South and Associates Inc; Stone Mountain (GA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

New South Associates, Inc. is seeking a GIS Specialist to produce maps, manage spatial data, and support field data collection for archaeological and cultural resource projects.

You will apply ArcGIS Pro methods to create cartographic products, maintain data, and configure field applications under guidance from the Production Director and GIS Program Manager. Entry-level candidates with a strong technical foundation are welcome to join an experienced team of archaeologists and historians.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography or related field required.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and Esri geospatial tools.
• Ability to produce cartographic products for technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Prepare maps, figures, and exhibits for reports and proposals.
• Manage spatial datasets and project geodatabases with FGDC metadata.
• Configure ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123 for field data collection.

Skills

ArcGIS Pro

Geospatial analysis

Coordinate systems

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geography

Tools

ArcGIS Field Maps

Survey123

Esri Notebooks

Job description

New South Associates, Inc.

Department: Production (GIS and Production)

Reports to: Production Director

Work arrangement: In-Office, Stone Mountain, Georgia

About New South Associates

New South Associates (NSA) is a women-owned small business providing cultural resource management services throughout the southeastern United States. We support preservation and planning through archaeological, historical, and architectural history research and consulting. We value teamwork, technical excellence, innovation, and ethical stewardship of cultural resources.

Position Summary

The GIS Specialist produces maps, manages project spatial data, and supports field data collection for archaeological, historical, and other cultural resource projects. The Specialist applies established GIS methods to prepare accurate cartographic products, maintain organized project data, configure field applications, and process survey data. The GIS Specialist reports to the Production Director and receives technical direction and mentorship from the GIS Program Manager.

This position requires broad GIS skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration. Entry-level candidates with a strong technical foundation are welcome. The GIS Specialist works independently within an experienced collaborative team. This role offers opportunities to build technical skills through mentorship while working with archaeologists, historians, and other specialists to produce maps and supporting materials for cultural resource projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare maps, map series, figures, and exhibits for technical reports, proposals, presentations, and client deliverables using established templates and cartographic standards.
• Compile, organize, and validate spatial datasets; maintain project geodatabases, working files, and Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)-compliant metadata.
• Apply ArcGIS Pro data management, spatial analysis, symbology, and labeling tools to meet project requirements.
• Digitize features from survey plans and previous reports; georeference historic maps and aerial imagery; and import, process, and convert raster and vector data.
• Create project boundaries and plot survey locations at specified intervals to support field investigations.
• Configure field data collection applications, including ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123, and process real-time kinematic (RTK) survey data for use in project datasets and maps.
• Update and manage project data in ArcGIS Online and run existing scripts using Esri notebooks.
• Apply established procedures to resolve data discrepancies, seek technical guidance when needed, and develop solutions to moderately complex GIS problems.
• Check GIS products for spatial accuracy, completeness, and cartographic consistency; participate in peer review and address review comments.
• Collaborate with project managers, technical staff, and Production to clarify deliverable requirements and communicate technical findings and data limitations.
• Estimate effort for assigned tasks, track time and progress, and communicate missing information or potential schedule and budget impacts.
• Protect sensitive cultural resource information and follow company standards for data access, sharing, and file management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography, GIS, Anthropology, Archaeology, Environmental Science, History, Planning, or a related field.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and relevant Esri geospatial tools.
• Demonstrated ability to produce accurate cartographic products suitable for technical reports and client deliverables.
• Understanding of coordinate systems and map projections and best practices for georeferencing and digitization.
• Demonstrated ability to configure ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123 for field data collection and process real-time RTK survey data for use in GIS datasets and maps.
• Familiarity with running existing GIS scripts or notebooks, with the ability to learn established workflows through guidance.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, written and verbal communication, and ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Ability to adapt established GIS methods independently, solve moderately complex problems, balance competing tasks within set priorities, and recognize when to escape issues.

Relevant skills may be demonstrated through coursework, academic projects, internships, or professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A GIS certificate from a recognized institution OR at least two years of professional GIS experience.
• Experience supporting cultural resource management, environmental, transportation, utility, or government projects.
• Familiarity with NHPA Section 106 and NEPA project workflows and applicable agency mapping requirements.
• Experience managing spatial data in ArcGIS Online and working knowledge of Arcade expressions.
• Experience with, or a demonstrated interest in learning, Python for GIS scripting and automation and GEOBIA.
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop for cartographic finishing.
• Understanding of archaeological, historical, or architectural history data requirements.

Why Join New South Associates?

Salary range: $66,000–$72,000, depending on experience. Benefits include company-paid insurance, paid holidays, paid time off, a qualified bonus program, and a 401(k) plan with corporate match after one year of employment. NSA offers a collaborative work culture and opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

New South Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.