Genwest Systems Inc., an equal opportunity employer, is currently accepting applications for a GIS Technical Architecture Specialist. This position will primarily support our clients at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R).
Location and Contract Duration:
This position will work a hybrid schedule, working from NOAA offices in one of the following locations: Seattle, WA (Preferred), Silver Spring, MD, or Charleston, SC. The position is expected to include 2-3 days per week in-office, with remaining time teleworking. This position is expected to be initially funded for a period of at least two years, through August, 2028. This term may be extended as budget and tasking allows and requires.
Position Description:
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 ArcPy 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, Survey123, QuickCapture) 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.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the listed qualifications in his/her resume and interview:
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.
● Demonstrated ability to plan and execute long-term projects, including setting timelines and milestones, communicating status, balancing priorities, and delivering products to specification.
Desired Qualifications:
● Experience with cloud hosting environments (AWS, Azure) and modern containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
● Prior experience working on federal government contracts, particularly within NOAA, EPA, or FEMA.
● Experience with front-end web mapping APIs (ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript).
● Subject matter familiarity with environmental science, coastal management, or emergency management/spill response operations.
● Hands-on experience configuring Esri’s field mobility and situational awareness tools (Field Maps, Survey123, Dashboards).
● Familiarity with Incident Command System (or willing to take training).
● Possess HAZMAT training (24 or 40 hour) or willing to take this training.
● Ability to prepare and give presentations and lead training sessions, where needed.
● Experience in managing complex projects, including building consensus around goals and objectives, and tracking and reporting on accomplishments.
Compensation will be determined based on the experience and qualifications of the successful applicant in combination with contract budget. The wage range is anticipated to be roughly $85,000 - $110,000 on an annualized basis, depending on candidate qualifications and client budget, with some potential for flexibility for exceptional candidates.
The position is eligible for the Genwest full-time benefit package that includes:
● Health insurance,
● Paid personal and holiday leave
● 401(k) program eligibility
● Employee disability and life insurance
To Apply:
Please include any cover letter, your resume and references in a single .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) attachment (no more than 4 pages in length) with your name included in the .pdf file name.
Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted via email. The position will remain open until filled, with priority given to applications received by July 15, 2026.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Education:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Seattle, WA 98115
