GIS Specialist 2

State of Montana • Helena, MT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Geographic Data Services Bureau seeks a motivated, solutions-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, creative, and demonstrates strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The GIS and Natural Resource Analyst will manage multiple priorities independently while working with diverse teams on fisheries science, aquatic resource data, and GIS projects. The role requires a solid background in fisheries data management and GIS, including experience with species distribution, abundance, and habitat datasets. Applicants must have at least three years of experience managing fisheries data, producing GIS products, and developing GIS workflows. Required skills include hands-on use of geodatabases, geospatial data services, relational databases, and proficiency in SQL, ArcGIS Pro, and Python.

Requirements

• Strong working knowledge of fisheries biology and data management.
• Ability to interpret and manage biological datasets, including species distribution, abundance, and habitat data.
• Experience with relational database management systems, including techniques for accessing, analyzing, and managing data across multiple systems, as well as data conversion methods.
• Proficiency in SQL, Python and APIs for data automation and analysis is required.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, including geodatabase design, geoprocessing tools, and cartographic design principles.
• Experience conducting spatial analyses such as overlays, buffering, filtering, surface analysis, and spatial statistics.
• Ability to support the development and maintenance of GIS-based applications and tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex GIS and data concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Experience preparing technical documentation, metadata, and user guides.
• Ability to work independently on complex tasks while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (including Outlook, Excel, and Word), Windows operating systems, and standard office procedures.
• The knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties of this position are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in fisheries biology and/or management, natural resources, geographic information systems, information management, or a related field and a minimum of 3 years of job-related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Managing fisheries-related spatial and tabular data, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with standards.
• Designing and implementing GIS workflows and conduct spatial analyses such as overlays, buffering, filtering, surface analysis, and spatial statistics to support fisheries research and management efforts.
• Supporting the Bonneville Power Administration StreamNet program by ensuring the successful completion of its annual contract and Statement of Work (SOW). This includes meeting all deliverables, timelines, and quality standards.
• Producing high-quality digital and print map products, as well as developing and maintaining GIS tools and templates for internal and external use.
• Collaborating with developers and technical staff to support the design and enhancement of web-based mapping applications and geospatial data services.
• Data management, including the configuration, maintenance, and documentation of geodatabases and relational databases.
• Supporting data migration, integration, and conversion across platforms and ensures that all data is well-documented and accessible through comprehensive metadata and user guides.
• Frequent collaboration with biologists, data managers, and GIS professionals across divisions and partner agencies to coordinate data sharing and project planning.
• Providing technical support and training to staff, serving as a liaison between technical teams and end users to ensure GIS products meet business needs and comply with agency and state standards.
• Participating in field surveys and data collection efforts, which can involve physical exertion and working in adverse weather conditions.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and visualizations to communicate project progress and outcomes to stakeholders and funding partners.

Benefits

• Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance. Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays.
• This position may be covered by a VEBA (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level