Ocean Career: Genwest Systems GIS Technical Architecture Specialist

GIS Solutions Specialist

The successful applicant will be able to provide technical GIS solutions in the ESRI Enterprise architecture. The position will support OR&R to:

• Modernize OR&R's spatial data infrastructure,
• Configure enterprise-level spatial databases,
• Develop tools to enhance emergency disaster response capabilities and the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) framework.

Tasks:

• Enterprise GIS & Database Configuration (Primary)
  • Configure and maintain, in coordination with OR&R system administrators, an Esri ArcGIS Enterprise architecture (ArcGIS Server, Portal for ArcGIS, ArcGIS Data Store)
  • Manage and configure large-scale relational PostgreSQL databases optimized for high-volume geospatial data storage, editing, and spatial analysis.
  • Establish robust data storage frameworks to support large datasets, ensuring scalability, performance optimization, and disaster-recovery readiness.
  • Automate the publishing, monitoring, and optimization of complex web layers, feature services, and geoprocessing services using Python, including Esri's Arc Py libraries
• Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Technical Support and Enterprise Solutions (Primary)
  • Enterprise Hosting & Publishing:
    Coordinate with the external ESI data migration team to receive, review, stage, and appropriately host the newly updated ESI geodatabases within OR&R's ArcGIS Enterprise infrastructure.
  • Web Service Architecture:
    Architect and configure highly performant spatial web services (REST endpoints, feature services, map services) to reliably serve the updated nationwide ESI geodatabase to internal NOAA teams, partner agencies, and the public.
  • ERMA & Platform Integration:
    Ensure the hosting architecture and web services are fully optimized to feed ESI data directly into NOAA's Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA) and other situational awareness platforms used during active spill responses.
  • Service Monitoring & Performance Tuning:
    Continuously monitor and tune the performance of ESI data services to guarantee high availability, scalable service delivery, and fast querying—especially during high-traffic emergency events.
• Emergency Response & Electronic Data Collection (Secondary)
  • Support OR&R's rapid disaster and spill response operations by leveraging and customizing Esri's Emergency Management Operations solutions.
  • Develop and manage electronic data collection applications (e.g., ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey
    123, Quick Capture) to enable field personnel to conduct real-time environmental and damage assessments.
  • Build shared situational awareness products for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), including ArcGIS Dashboards, Experience Builder applications, and automated Incident Briefing tools.
  • Integrate dynamic, real-time data feeds (e.g., weather APIs, Living Atlas) into operational mapping platforms during time-critical emergency events.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer Science, Information Technology, Geography, or a related field, accompanied by a minimum of 3–5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven experience administering, configuring, and deploying the complete Esri ArcGIS Enterprise suite in a server environment (Windows and/or Linux).
• Deep understanding of RDBMS concepts, enterprise geodatabase management, and spatial data modeling using SQL and relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL).
• Advanced proficiency in Python for automating GIS workflows, data pipelines, and administrative tasks.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a NOAA/DOC Public Trust security clearance (or equivalent CAC/PIV credential) and adhere to federal IT security mandates.
• Strong verbal, writing, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated flexible and proactive approach to problem-solving. Self-motivated, energetic, strategic thinker – able to take on problems, identify and confirm plans of action, and collaboratively address obstacles.
• Comfort and experience working in a fast-paced environmental science team.
• Ability to work and travel independently.
• History of success in team-based project execution, working as both lead and contributor on diverse multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demon…