Senior GIS Specialist

Primary Role

Responsible for using GIS to create and maintain spatial and attribute data, as well as handling and supporting GIS tasks, inquiries, and problem‑solving. Provides expertise and guidance, and professionally collaborates to solve problems involving multiple stakeholders and departments.

• Use GIS to create and maintain spatial and attribute data following standard operating procedures and GIS editing best practices.
• Mentor and train GIS Specialists on GIS/GNSS technology.
• Drive high performance for company‑wide GIS initiatives, strategies, and best practices, and identify, drive, and build efficiency across workflows and processes.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of key datasets through meticulous review and sign‑off procedures.
• Assist in the development, testing, and documentation of approved systems and processes to enhance operational efficiency.
• Take ownership of special high‑skill analytical projects, overseeing their successful completion within established time frames and quality standards.
• Participate in GIS committees and work groups to develop, deploy and maintain standard operating procedures, best practices, and metrics on all aspects of GIS, while promoting a common vision and strategy across American Water.
• Develop and provide reports and presentations to senior management and initiate other communications, as required.
• Interact with other groups such as field operations and engineering/construction to ensure full adoption of GIS‑enabled solutions and workflows.
• Continue to develop expertise in GIS by participating in workshops, training, or vendor presentations introducing new and evolving GIS and GNSS technology.
• Assist in development of GIS standard practices and procedures, and participate in user committees to share GIS expertise.
• Provide proactive feedback and solicit input from other team members.

• Proficient understanding of water and wastewater network structures and ability to apply that knowledge to creating and maintaining GIS data.
• Solid foundation in GIS methodologies, ESRI software, geocoding techniques, data model formats, and data conversion practices.
• Knowledge of GIS workflows, including desktop mapping, editing, and web and database applications.
• Proficient understanding of GNSS technology, workflows, and best practices.
• Familiarity with working in a versioned geometric network environment.
• Ability to interpret and process various source GIS inputs, including GNSS data, CAD and PDF construction as‑built views, field sketches/comments, and tabular data.
• Knowledge of the Esri ArcGIS suite of products, specifically Arc Map and/or ArcGIS Pro for creating and editing GIS data.
• Knowledge of GNSS technology, specifically EOS and/or Trimble products.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to review and identify missing, incorrect, or questionable input source GIS data, and to repair quality issues within existing GIS data.
• Ability to conduct thorough reviews and evaluations, render timely decisions and recommendations.

• Associate’s degree or related experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience with GIS/GNSS, proven experience managing large GIS initiatives; utility experience preferred.

Valid Driver’s License

Periodic local travel; occasional national travel (e.g., user conferences).

Indoor and outdoor environment.

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.