GIS Specialist

Hiring Rate: $28.702
Job Posting: JR2025-00012474 GIS Specialist (Open)

The Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS) State Archeology Office wants to add a creative, well-organized, and technologically savvy GIS Specialist to the team to assist with management of Nebraska’s archeological GIS data through the development of various GIS applications. Under direction of the Nebraska State Archeologist, this position is accountable for creating consistent mapping and spatial data collection standards, designing and maintaining archeological GIS databases, and providing technical expertise and guidance to teammates, Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) staff, researchers, and other collaborators. This position provides a unique role within a dynamic team dedicated to identifying and protecting Nebraska’s archeological resources and making Nebraska’s cultural history available to all.

Job Duties:

• Design, develop, and maintain current Nebraska archeology GIS databases and associated data, including data organization, metadata completion, and correction of discrepancies.
• Produce report-quality maps and figures, provide web-based mapping and field data collection assistance, and provide mapping guidance and support to team members for NDOT and non-NDOT compliance and research projects.
• Digitize and georeference aerial imagery, historic maps, project area drawings, and field maps.
• Develop interactive maps and GIS applications in ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Field Maps, and ArcGIS StoryMaps, among other programs.
• Set up and manage GIS field equipment (e.g., GPS receivers, handheld GPS units, and mobile devices), including development and maintenance of data dictionaries.
• Coordinate with NSHS IT department and State of Nebraska OCIO GIS team to manage GIS licenses and products.
• Provide technical assistance to researchers, educators, students, and the public, including conducting custom record searches for dissemination to qualified individuals.
• Assist with issuing site numbers to professionals, and review submitted archeological site forms and spatial data for clarity and accuracy.
• Participate in outreach programming related to Nebraska archeology.
• Develop and assist with day-to-day management of a public-facing statewide GIS database for researchers, educators, and students in compliance with relevant state and federal cultural resource laws and regulations.
• Other duties may be assigned, including but not limited to: helping other departments; participating in interdepartmental committees and working groups; participating in community outreach events.
• All other duties assigned within the scope of the classification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity and experience utilizing geospatial and cartographic concepts, practices, and procedures, such as coordinate systems, projections, and datums, to analyze complex geographic and cultural resources data created through archeological investigations
• Experience in archaeological survey and excavation; knowledge of cultural resources management processes, as well as state and federal cultural resource laws and regulations
• Ability to effectively manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Excellent verbal, written, and customer service skills
• Strong cartography and design skills
• Terrific analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and in a team setting to accomplish department goals and objectives
• Desire to continually explore novel techniques, software, and/or equipment that improve access and user experience related to archeological data utilization
• Must be committed to the organization’s values and demonstrate them regularly in their work.

Minimum Qualifications: Experience, education, or training in coding computer applications.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in Archeology, Anthropology, GIS, History, Geography, Computer Science, or other closely related field; at least 5 years’ experience creating and maintaining GIS geobatabases; high level of competency with ESRI suite of GIS programs and mobile applications, and familiarity with other GIS packages; familiarity with Python, HTML, CSS, and/or JavaScript development and coding tools.

Other: Regular and Reliable attendance is required. This position requires occasional travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation.

The State of Nebraska offers:

• A wide array of opportunities for professional growth, including membership to professional organizations, access to LinkedIn Learning, conference attendance, and more;
• Medical, dental, and vision health plans;
• 13 paid holidays a year, plus 12 paid vacation days and 12 paid sick leave days (both of which increase with tenure);
• Competitive 156% (that’s not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service