Senior GIS Specialist

Alta Archaeological Consulting LLC; Sonoma (CA); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Alta Archaeological Consulting LLC is seeking a Senior GIS Specialist responsible for leading the GIS team and executing geospatial work across projects. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on expertise in data analysis and cartography, while ensuring high-quality deliverables.

The ideal candidate should have a degree in a related field, at least 5 years of GIS experience, and proficiency in ArcGIS tools. This position offers opportunities for growth and collaboration in a dynamic environment focused on cultural resource management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional GIS experience.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor staff effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and management of the GIS team.
• Design and manage spatial databases.
• Oversee the quality assurance of GIS deliverables.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in ArcGIS Online

Cartographic design

Project management

Team mentorship

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Geography, GIS, Archaeology, Environmental Science

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

PAY: +$42 / hour. Offers made will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Company Overview

Alta Archaeological Consulting (ALTA), a Woman‑Owned Small Business established in 2012, is based in Sonoma County, California. ALTA currently has three Regional Offices: Bay Area, North Valley, and Southern CA. Specializing in cultural resource management and historic preservation, we cater to a diverse clientele while delivering professional services. Our expertise lies in producing high‑quality, technically sound reports that adhere to regulatory standards, assisting in environmental assessments, and streamlining permitting processes. Our team, comprised of seasoned professionals, excels in navigating the complexities of historic preservation and environmental regulations. This team includes subject matter experts such as human osteologists, forensic anthropologists, ground‑penetrating radar specialists, geoarchaeologists, architectural historians, and ethnographers, all bringing years of valuable experience to our operations.

ALTA is expanding, with offices strategically located throughout California, and we are well‑positioned to offer efficient, cost‑effective services statewide. Our team boasts a wealth of local experience and regional expertise, alongside strong, collaborative relationships with local tribal groups and governmental bodies.

Position Title: Senior GIS Specialist

Reports To: Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Works Closely With: Principal Investigators, Project Managers, Finance, Compliance, Business Development, Systems

Department: Bay Area CA / North Valley CA / Southern CA

Location: Office / Remote / Hybrid

Position Summary

The Senior GIS Specialist leads the development and management of ALTA’s GIS team and oversees the execution of geospatial work across all projects. This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on technical expertise, encompassing team building, staff training, spatial data analysis, cartography, and geodatabase management. The position ensures delivery of high‑quality GIS products while advancing integration of geospatial tools into ALTA’s archaeological consulting services.

Core Responsibilities

• Build, supervise, and mentor a growing GIS team to support company‑wide project needs.
• Develop and deliver training programs for GIS staff to ensure consistency and skill development.
• Establish and maintain GIS workflows, data standards, templates, and documentation.
• Oversee team capacity planning and allocate GIS resources across projects effectively.
• Lead planning, execution, and quality assurance of all GIS deliverables for ALTA’s archaeological projects.
• Design, maintain, and manage spatial databases, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Produce high‑quality cartographic outputs, visualizations, and spatial analyses in support of technical reports and fieldwork.
• Integrate data collected via GPS, remote sensing, and other field methods into GIS systems.
• Develop long‑term strategies for GIS tools, technologies, and infrastructure across the organization.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, client, and industry standards for spatial data and deliverables.
• Stay informed of advancements in GIS technologies and recommend innovations to improve service delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Geography, GIS, Archaeology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional GIS experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Advanced proficiency in ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, and geospatial database management.
• Strong experience in cartographic design and production.
• Demonstrated ability to train and mentor staff effectively.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator or other graphic design tools is a plus.
• Familiarity with cultural resource management or environmental permitting is a bonus.

Why This Role Matters at ALTA

The Senior GIS Specialist is a fundamental role that provides leadership in the implementation of complex GIS and ongoing projects. The position combines subject matter expertise, project execution, and technical oversight to ensure high‑quality deliverables.