GIS Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS

POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position :  GIS Specialist - Commerce Department

Pay Grade : E4                Status : Exempt; Bi-weekly Pay          Background Check : Extensive                                   

Hiring Range : $48,115.42 - $62,341.78 - $76,568.14

Indian Preference applies in accordance with Ordinance #15-600-02

SUMMARY:  

Filling a broad, multi-disciplinary, role for the Band that encompasses both analytical and technical tasks, the responsibilities of this position include data management, advanced spatial analysis, facilitating specialized projects that support planning and resource management. The GIS Specialist is directly responsible for securely managing, maintaining, and updating the Band’s geospatial data in ArcGIS Pro and Enterprise Server while ensuring accuracy and integrity.

This position plays a critical role in supporting tribal decision-making processes, resource management, land use planning, and cultural preservation efforts. The GIS Specialist must have a strong background in GIS technologies, cultural sensitivity, and an understanding of tribal communities. The GIS Specialist is part of the Department of Commerce and reports to the Director of Commerce.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS

• A valid driver’s license with the ability to be insured by the Tribe’s insurance policy.
• The ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Five (5) or more years’ work experience in GIS, cartography or geospatial engineering is required, with demonstrated knowledge of GIS technology and database administration for the collection, storage, retrieval, manipulation and presentation of geospatial data for an organization.
• GIS Professional certification issued by an industry-recognized or accredited organization; or the ability to pass the requirements within 180 days of hire.
• Familiarity with Esri products, including ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro 3.0 or above.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Must also demonstrate sufficient knowledge to immediately perform the responsibilities of the position, including:

• Design a process for acquiring, processing, and integrating geospatial data from diverse sources for storage, retrieval, manipulation, and presentation.
• Data modeling, including geo-relational, TIN, and object-oriented models typical to GIS database development and user applications.
• Knowledge of scripting, programming, and/or database development, including the use of JavaScript, Python, and SQL typical to GIS and web-mapping applications.
• Security protocols for the restriction of sensitive location-based data and protection of that information from misuse.
• Implement a geospatial architecture that responds to user needs, including desktop, server, and mobile applications both inside the network and open to the public.
  

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIE

1. Develop and manage the Band’s Geographic Information System (GIS) in an SQL database environment, including the development and maintenance of comprehensive geodatabases, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and security.
2. Establish and enforce data, meta documentation, and data sharing standards, as well as system-wide data security protocols.
3. Collect, organize, and maintain geospatial data relevant to LRBOI communities, land ownership, natural resources, culturally protected sites, infrastructure, and other spatial data according to internally developed policies and procedures.
4. Assist with the creation and maintenance of maps, other products, and online dashboards for Band leadership, program departments, and community members.
5. Perform analysis on spatial and tabular data in producing reports, maps, graphs, and charts as requested by the Band.
6. Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies to support GIS-related needs and data requests.
7. Participate in planning conversations, providing expertise to effectively communicate geospatial data and analysis that support tribal decision-making.
8. Support the integration of geospatial data into Band processes by providing limited training on GIS principles and ArcGIS software to internal departments.
9. Use and maintain GIS related office and field equipment.
10. Maintain confidentially in all aspects of work and comply with all applicable laws, regulations and procedures.
11. All other position/department related duties as assigned by his/her/their supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position sometimes involves physically demanding, outdoor labor, occasionally throughout the day.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The employee’s work schedule may periodically need to be flexible and adjusted according to business needs. The employee must be able to effectively handle stressful situations while remaining focused and professional, as well as be able to deal with difficult people without losing perspective.  Occasional local travel will be necessary to attend conferences, training or other meetings that are critical to job performance.

Application Instructions: Complete and submit cover letter, resume, and copy of Tribal ID Front/back (if applicable) as well as any supporting documentation such as educational transcripts or certifications (website:  

All applications and supporting documents are required to be submitted electronically .

For the complete job description or further information, please contact the LRBOI HR Department at: 

LRBOI HR Department, 2608 Government Center Dr., Manistee, MI 49660

Phone: View phone number on ziprecruiter.com

Conditions of employment with Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Government includes superior performance in the selection process, including but not limited to all of the following; any pre-employment interviews, skills testing, credentialing, drug screening, background investigations, reference checks and previous work history, passing a pre-employment drug test and background investigation, possession of a valid Driver’s License throughout employment and being insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy, and successfully completing a ninety (90) day introductory period.

Posted – 10/19/2026

Notice of Indian Preference in Employment :

In accordance with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians' Ordinance #15-600-02, the Tribe applies Indian Preference in hiring activities. When claiming Indian Preference, an applicant must identify oneself in the proper category on the application and provide the documentation noted below. Following is the order in which preference is applied during the hiring process, as well as the customary documentation used to verify .

1. Tribal Members of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians  – Tribal identification card.
2. Members of Federally Recognized Indian Tribes  – Tribal identification card.
3. Tribal Spouse of a Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Member  – Current and valid marriage license and a copy of spouse’s tribal identification card, or Tribal Parent – Same documentation required for tribal spouse.
4. Tribal Descendant (1st generation, biological parent must be a Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Member) – Birth certificate and a copy of parent’s tribal identification card.
5. Non-preference  – If not claiming Indian Preference, or if not applicable, please continue onto the application.