Department: Facilities Mgmt EV
Salary/Grade: EXS/10

Target hiring range for this position will be between $105,000 to $115,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary:

The GIS Manager is the primary point of contact for GIS Services and the manager responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of the Facilities GIS dataset including updates, improvements, and data refinement.

In this role, the GIS Manager works with department leadership to establish a GIS vision, design a road map for implementation, and support the organization throughout the implementation. The GIS manager will develop and implement standards for data input & maintenance, map/graphic production, field data collection, and metadata creation. This role will also lead the development of GIS applications and models that enable spatial data analysis, thematic graphic reports, and queries. The GIS Manager develops tools and programs to automate routine GIS related tasks, create, maintain, and update spatial and tabular data associated with campus utilities.

The GIS Manager creates and performs GIS analysis functions; creates maps, dashboards, visualizations, and reports to communicate results; prepares and interprets drawings, surveys, field notes, source documents, and other spatial data for GIS conversion; performs quality control of data, which includes spatial alignment, attribute checks and updates, topology validation, and other quality control measures to ensure accuracy.

In addition to system management the GIS Manager oversees the collection of campus data. The GIS manager collects data from a variety of sources and synthesizes the data into campus base maps, including utilizing Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and software to collect, edit, and update geographic coordinates and attributes of campus infrastructure in field. The GIS Manager works with staff to develop methodology for field technicians and shop staff to create and update object attributes in GIS base maps.

The role will support the department's mission and values by exhibiting the following: inclusiveness, respect, initiative, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. The incumbent will strive to provide excellent service when performing job responsibilities and will practice safe work procedures and follow safety rules at all times.

Please note: Jobsite Conditions: Exposure to weather (hot and cold, wind), uneven/unimproved ground conditions, ladder and scaffolding access, stairs, ability to don/doff basic PPE (hardhat, safety glasses, ear protection), etc.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Design and implement standardized campus background GIS basemaps for Northwestern University property, primarily, Evanston and Chicago campuses. Gather and compile raw data from a variety of sources; coordinate with other University departments (i.e.: Landscape), consultants and engineers, research alternative data sources; incorporate Space Management Database, Excel, AutoCAD, and other software as needed to retrieve, edit, validate, and tabulate data from various databases and files; develop survey tools and standards to gather data; as well as conduct actual surveys to ensure data integrity
• Research and create new GIS feature layers, maintain existing layers, publish and update feature layers to GIS Server. Prepare, submit, review and approve feature layers to ESRI basemap. Develop innovative capture methods for GIS data utilizing GPS equipment and data collection tools.
• Organize and analyze relevant data; develop and maintain data in databases, maps, graphics, and floorplans. Publishing and maintaining basemaps and reports for viewing by campus leadership and individuals on campus. Train departmental users on use of GIS basemap online for information look up and retrieval.
• Assist in customer service duties such as providing technical drawings and/or files to Facilities staff, project managers and consultants as necessary; research record document archives and transmit information in both digital and hard copy.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Five years or more of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Extensive knowledge of ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online/ArcGIS Portal.
• Experience with Enterprise Geodatabase including Distributed Geodatabase, Versioning, and SQL
• Experience with web mapping applications (ESRI ArcGIS Server)
• Experience with raster and vector editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
• Understanding of Web design and visual communication in the context of interactive web maps

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Geography, GIS, engineering, computer science or a related field.
• Five (5) years of work experience using ArcGIS Pro; creating spatial and tabular GIS data with ESRI software; and collecting field data to be loaded into a GIS
• Experience with ArcGIS Server is desired.
• Certification in GIS, preferred.
• Experience working in GIS in higher education or public municipality

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of GIS database development, management, and maintenance.
• Possess cartographic aptitude with ability to complete basic mathematical and statistical calculations.
• Knowledge of GIS products including, but not limited to, ESRI products such as ArcGIS Desktop 10.x, Arc GIS Server and ArcPad.
• Knowledge of collecting field data to be loaded into a GIS.
• Knowledge of principle, practices, and standards of geospatial metadata.
• Knowledge of plotters, scanners, and GPS equipment.
• Skill in data creation and editing with ESRI and ArcGIS products.
• Ability to interpret field survey and inspection notes and to incorporate them into GIS layers.
• Ability to manage multiple projects successfully.
• Ability to research and interpret as-built drawings, ground and underground infrastructure data, aerial imagery, and related GIS renderings.
• Ability to read and comprehend technical information.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions.
• Ability to provide effective customer service.
• Ability to effectively manage and supervise other employees.
• Ability to prioritize competing projects, requests and varied responsibilities.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively independently and with teams.
• Ability to evaluate the impact of alternative courses of action and evaluate circumstances of an innovative, new, or unprecedented nature.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.

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The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.