Job Announcement: HR2025:41
Position Title: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator
Advertising: Publicly
Department: Information Technology (IT)
Division: Tribal Chair/Tribal Council
Immediate Supervisor: Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Department Director: Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Employment Status: Exempt
Position Type: Regular Full–Time
Mandatory Reporter: No
Background Check Required: Yes (data-sensitive)**
Opening Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Preference shall be given in accordance with the Title 33 (Tribal Employment Rights) of the Tribal Code/DFWP.

The Poarch Creek Indians place a high value on individuals who share our commitment to community, tradition, and progress. As Alabama's only Federally Recognized Native American Tribe, we take pride in a history that spans generations and is deeply rooted in resilience and cultural heritage. Our mission is to uplift the lives of our Tribal Members, preserve our traditions, and drive innovation for a thriving future. If you are passionate about serving with purpose and authenticity while fostering trust, unity, and growth, we welcome you to join us on this meaningful journey.

Overview
We are looking for motivated professionals who thrive on flexibility, take ownership through accountability, and are driven by a passion for innovation. In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute your expertise, adapt to evolving challenges, and deliver impactful results that support our mission and goals. By fostering creative solutions and embracing new opportunities, you will play a key role in shaping a dynamic and forward-thinking environment.

Primary Objectives
The Geographic Information System (GIS) Coordinator is a professional staff member responsible for overseeing all GIS operations, supporting the Tribe's strategic goals through spatial data management, geospatial analysis, and map production. The GIS Coordinator plays an integral role in ensuring that the Tribe leverages GIS technology to effectively manage its lands, resources, cultural heritage, and community services. This role demands a skilled professional with expertise in GIS technologies, particularly ESRI ArcGIS, including on-premises and cloud-based systems. The GIS Coordinator will be instrumental in supporting diverse tribal operations, such as land and resource management, cultural preservation, infrastructure planning, emergency preparedness, and policy advocacy. Additionally, the GIS Coordinator will lead initiatives to develop and maintain GIS databases, create interactive visualizations, and deliver actionable insights that empower decision-making across tribal departments. The position requires a combination of technical proficiency, project management skills, and collaborative abilities to address the unique challenges and opportunities within a tribal government setting. By aligning GIS efforts with the Tribe’s priorities, the GIS Coordinator will contribute significantly to the sustainable management of resources and the advancement of tribal sovereignty and community development. This job description is not an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of this position. PCI Employees are expected to perform all duties and responsibilities necessary to meet the goals and objectives of applicable programs and departmental objectives, as assigned.

Professional Staff of the Poarch Creek Indians will consistently demonstrate the abilities to influence, innovate, flex their style, and problem solve along with a strong commitment to embodying the core values of the Poarch Creek Indians, which include Perseverance, Opportunity, Accountability, Respect, Culture, and Honesty.

Essential Functions

• Develops, implements, and oversees comprehensive GIS strategies and projects that align with the Tribe’s operational, cultural, and strategic objectives.
• Administers and maintains the Tribe’s ESRI ArcGIS systems across on-premises and cloud environments, including ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online, ensuring optimal performance, high availability, and security.
• Configures, updates, and troubleshoots ESRI ArcGIS tools and infrastructure to maintain system integrity and reliability.
• Establishes and enforces standards, policies, and procedures for GIS data collection, storage, usage, and security, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and accessibility across departments.
• Collects, processes, integrates, and manages geospatial data from multiple sources, including field surveys, remote sensing, and public datasets.
• Performs advanced spatial analysis, geoprocessing, and modeling to support land management, infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring, and resource allocation.
• Develops interactive dashboards, web maps, story maps, and custom GIS applications to visualize data and support internal and public communication.
• Maps and manages culturally significant sites such as sacred areas, burial grounds, and historical landmarks to support cultural preservation and education efforts.
• Provides geospatial insights and mapping tools to support disaster preparedness and recovery, public health planning, environmental justice initiatives, and other tribal governance needs.
• Supports tribal sovereignty and land claims by mapping treaty boundaries, historical land use, and other geospatial evidence for advocacy and legal purposes.
• Collaborates with internal departments (e.g., environmental, cultural, public works, and economic development) and, as directed, with external agencies or neighboring tribes on GIS-related initiatives and data-sharing efforts.
• Provides technical support, training, and guidance to tribal staff to ensure effective use of GIS tools and applications.
• Communicates GIS project updates, findings, and recommendations to tribal leadership and stakeholders through reports, visualizations, and presentations.
• Develops educational and outreach materials, including interactive maps and presentations, to engage tribal members and inform them about community projects and resources.
• Leads GIS-related projects from planning through execution, including the preparation of proposals, progress updates, and final evaluations.
• Continuously evaluates and refines GIS technologies, tools, and workflows to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction.
• Researches and implements innovative GIS solutions to address emerging tribal needs and opportunities.
• Tracks changes in land use, ownership, and environmental conditions using GIS systems to support planning and compliance efforts.
• Monitors performance metrics for GIS operations and provides regular updates to the Chief Information Officer (CIO).
• Ensures all GIS operations adhere to applicable tribal, federal, and state regulations, maintaining strict protocols for data protection and confidentiality.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems, Geography Environmental Science, or a related field required.
• GIS Professional (GISP) certification preferred.
• ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Professional certification preferred.
• ESRI ArcGIS Enterprise Administration certification preferred.
• At least five (5) years of professional experience in GIS, including data management, mapping, and analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in ESRI ArcGIS software, geospatial database management, and related GIS tools.
• Demonstrated experience working in or with Native American tribes is highly desirable.
• Ability to work odd and irregular hours, as needed.
• Must successfully pass the required criminal and character background check.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license and insurable driving record according to Tribal insurance guidelines.
• Ability to travel and participate in required training, leadership development, and other events.
• Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities of this position adequately and successfully.

Core Competencies Required

• Advanced proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS products, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Enterprise.
• Strong understanding of geospatial data analysis, cartography, and mapping techniques.
• Experience with geoprocessing, spatial analysis, and 3D mapping tools.
• Awareness of emerging GIS technologies, methodologies, and best practices. Familiarity with GPS and remote sensing technologies for data collection.
• Expertise in managing large geospatial datasets, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Proficiency in database management, including geospatial databases (e.g., SQL, PostgreSQL with PostGIS).
• Ability to integrate and analyze data from diverse sources, such as surveys, remote sensing, and public datasets.
• Knowledge of scripting and programming languages, such as Python, Arcade, or SQL, for GIS automation and customization.
• Experience creating custom GIS tools and applications to streamline workflows.
• Strong skills in administering, maintaining, planning, and implementations, and evaluations of GIS systems, including on-premises and cloud-based environments.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to GIS hardware and software. Strong problem-solving skills to develop effective and efficient GIS workflows.
• Understanding of system security and data protection practices. Precision in managing and analyzing geospatial data to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Analytical skills to interpret spatial relationships and trends for decision-making.
• Ability to design and execute geospatial models and analyses to support complex projects.
• Strong organizational skills to prioritize and balance multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Leadership abilities to guide and mentor staff and foster collaboration across departments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with tribal departments, leadership, and external partners.
• Skilled in creating reports, maps, and visualizations to communicate findings and recommendations.
• Ability to train and support staff in the effective use of GIS tools and applications.
• Sensitivity to cultural and environmental considerations when working with tribal lands and resources.
• Knowledge of tribal governance and priorities related to land management and cultural preservation is a plus.
• Ability to evaluate and recommend tools that enhance GIS capabilities. Capacity to identify and implement innovative GIS solutions to address emerging challenges.
• Meticulousness in documenting processes, updates, and project details.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and tribal regulations affecting GIS data and operations. Understanding of legal and regulatory implications related to land use and resource management.
• Proactively seeks opportunities to improve processes, practice, and policy.
• Adapts their style to suite the situation and audience. Can read the room and act accordingly.
• Ability to identify root causes and easily overcomes obstacles.
• Must be people oriented, relate well to people from diverse backgrounds, and possess respect for others. Serve as a role model.
• Must possess character that earns the confidence of program participants, aspire to your highest self, and serve as a cultural ambassador to others.

Compensation and Benefits

• The starting pay will depend on factors such as experience level and skillset.
• Voluntary full-time benefit offerings include the following - medical, dental, vision, and life insurance and other voluntarily insurance options. We also offer an Employee Assistant Program (EAP), paid time off, paid holidays, 401K with matching, bonuses, and COLA increase.

 

 

Every applicant must complete an application provided by Human Resources. A resume will not be accepted in the place of an application.

 

**Please note ALL individuals selected for employment are required to complete a background investigation. Individuals being placed in positions designed as child-sensitive or data-sensitive must successfully complete a background check prior to employment.

 

 

INDIAN PREFERENCE, SPOUSAL PREFERENCE, OR FIRST GENERATION:

In the event more than one applicant meets the requirements, as stated in a job description, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Tribal Member (2) First Generation Descendant of a Tribal Member (3) Spouse of Tribal Member (4) Indian (5) Non-Indian

In the event that a position of employment is funded in whole or in part my any federal grant and/or contract or other public funding, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Indian (2) Non-Indian

In order to receive preference, the appropriate documentation must be submitted.