GIS Specialist

GIS SpecialistThe Harris County Fire Marshal's Office (HCFMO) is seeking a skilled and motivated Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist to join the Operations Support Bureau. This role supports fire investigation, hazmat operations, emergency management, and multi-agency coordination through the development and maintenance of geospatial tools, data systems, internal GIS web applications, and analytical products. The GIS Specialist will design, maintain, and analyze spatial datasets; produce maps, dashboards, and reports; and serve as the HCFMO's primary geospatial resource in support of operational, investigative, and strategic decision-making. The position interfaces regularly with fire, EMS, and law enforcement agency partners across Harris County, and may support Emergency Operations Center (EOC) events. The ideal candidate is technically proficient in ESRI products, comfortable with data integration and automation, able to support configuration-level maintenance of internal mapping applications (e.g., layer setup, symbology, access/permissions settings), and capable of translating complex geospatial information into clear, actionable products for command staff, public officials, and partner agencies.Duties and Responsibilities:Geospatial Analysis & Decision SupportData Management & Quality AssuranceCartography & Application ManagementReporting & Data VisualizationCoordination & ConsultationAutomation & Workflow DevelopmentHarris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need special services or accommodations, please call View phone number on apply.j-vers.com or email View email address on apply.j-vers.com position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.RequirementsEducation and Experience:Bachelor's degree in Geographic Information Systems/Science, Geography, Computer Science, Emergency Management, or a closely related fieldOR an Associates degree plus three (3) years of directly relevant full-time experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree requirementWITH minimum three (3) years of full-time experience in GIS analysis, data management, and cartography.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:GIS concepts, analytical techniques, and digital mapping principles.ESRI product suite: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online/Enterprise, and extensions.Geodatabase design, maintenance, and spatial data quality assurance methods.Statistical and analytical methods applicable to spatial data (clustering, network analysis, proximity, density).CAD system geospatial data requirements and integration methods.Emergency management frameworks including ICS/NIMS; EOC operations and GISS function.GPS concepts and field data collection procedures.Data governance and access-control principles as applied to enterprise GIS applications.Perform complex spatial analysis to support tactical, operational, and strategic decision-making in a public safety environment.Produce clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate maps, reports, and visualizations under time pressure.Manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively in a dynamic, operational environment.Explain technical geospatial concepts clearly to non-technical users, including command staff, investigators, and partner agency personnel.Work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining alignment with organizational priorities.Establish effective working relationships with internal divisions and external partner agencies.Respond and deploy for large-scale incidents, EOC activations, or other deployments as directed.Notice: Applicants for this position will be subject to a criminal background check that includes being fingerprinted. This applies to any position with network access to Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) or access to an area where CJIS is received, maintained, or stored either manually or electronically (i.e. custodian, maintenance). Automatic Disqualification:Convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication for any Felony, and any Class A Misdemeanor.Convictions, probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class B Misdemeanor, if within the previous 10 years.Open arrest for any criminal offense (Felony or Misdemeanor).Family Violence conviction.Note: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.PreferencesExperience in a public safety, emergency management, or law enforcement environment.ICS GISS (GIS Specialist) credential or eligibility to obtain.GISP certification or Esri technical certification(s).Proficiency with Python scripting or GIS Model Builder for workflow automation.Experience with SQL, relational databases, Microsoft SQL Server, or Power BI.Familiarity with UAV/UAS operations and integration of aerial imagery into GIS workflows.Experience with AutoCAD, Survey123, QuickCapture, or similar field data collection platforms.Familiarity with reading or editing basic JavaScript/TypeScript or JSON configuration.General InformationPosition Type and Typical Hours of Work:Regular Full-timeHours will be discussed during departmental interview.Salary:Minimum: $36.72 HourlyDepends on QualificationsBased on 26 Pay PeriodsPlus, benefitsWork Environment:Work is primarily performed in an office environment with regular use of computers and mapping systems.The position may require field deployment to fire scenes, hazmat incidents, or EOC activations, including evenings and weekends.Field work may involve exposure to outdoor conditions and environments associated with fire or hazmat incidents.The GIS Specialist may be required to lift and carry equipment up to 50 pounds and must possess manual dexterity, clear speech, and visual/hearing acuity sufficient to perform the duties of the position.Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.BenefitsHarris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:Medical CoverageDental CoverageVision CoverageWellness PlanLife InsuranceLong-Term Disability (LTD) InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Healthcare Flexible Spending AccountDependent Care Flexible Spending AccountPaid Time Off (PTO)Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)Eleven (11) County-observed holidaysOne (1) floating holiday per yearPaid Parental Leave*Sick LeaveRetirement Savings Benefit457 Deferred Compensation PlanThe following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:Professional learning & development opportunitiesRetirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)Flexible work schedule*METRO RideSponsor Program** Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited