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Geographic information systems manager skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.,

Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical geographic information systems manager skills. We ranked the top skills for geographic information systems managers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 50.7% of geographic information systems manager resumes contained gis as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a geographic information systems manager needs to be successful in the workplace.

14 geographic information systems manager skills for your resume and career

1. GIS

A geographic information system (GIS) is a tool for capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing, managing and presenting various forms of geographic data.

Here's how geographic information systems managers use gis:

Performed all project scheduling, coordination, quality assurance, and training for all drafting and GIS projects.
Formulated GIS budgets and negotiated with regional program managers for contract resources to support specific GIS project efforts.

2. GPS

GPS stands from Global Positioning System. It is a navigation system comprising of satellites that helps in determining the location, velocity, and synchronize time data for different modes of travel like air, sea, or land.

Here's how geographic information systems managers use gps:

Track the Utility Line Locators' work and coordinate GPS data collection.
Trained field personnel on the data collection methods using GPS.

3. SQL Server

Here's how geographic information systems managers use sql server:

Consolidated different systems containing customer information and complex calculations into one system running on MS SQL server.
Have excellent knowledge of SQL Server database administration and development in windows environment.

4. Esri

The ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) is a worldwide provider of geographic data framework (GIS) programming, web GIS and geodatabase the board applications.

Here's how geographic information systems managers use esri:

Planned and implemented mobile workforce rollout which consisted of iPads and ESRI software.
Create a customized spatial analysis model using ESRI Model Builder to determine optimum placement of tornado warning sirens.

5. Autocad

Here's how geographic information systems managers use autocad:

Develop AutoCad standard templates for increased production.
Used AutoCAD Map 3D in conjunction with ArcGIS to create appealing and functional map analyses.

6. Data Acquisition

Data acquisition involves getting real-time values and digital, numerical representations of everyday activities and physical conditions. These values can be altered and manipulated by a computer to get accurate results that can be used to solve problems, answer questions, or reapplied into everyday activities.

Here's how geographic information systems managers use data acquisition:

Coordinated geologic and paleontologic data acquisition with USGS, California Geologic Survey and other State Agency officials.
Implemented real-time data acquisition workflow with ArcGIS Online, Arc Server and a company-wide ArcSDE (Enterprise) database.

7. Data Collection

Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.

Here's how geographic information systems managers use data collection:

Developed and managed GPS data collection methods for existing facility inventories and new construction as-built.
Managed all data collection and analysis for large scale archaeological surveys and excavations.

8. Emergency Operations

Here's how geographic information systems managers use emergency operations:

Establish effective workflows to streamline the use of geographic information systems during Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation.
Selected contributions: Prepared mapping templates for the Emergency Operations Center.

9. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how geographic information systems managers use python:

Provided DBA and Python programming support for scientist and engineers.
Used Python scripting to update, standardize, and consolidate GIS data for use in custom on-line maps.

10. Windows

Windows is a chain of operating systems that controls a computer and is developed by Microsoft. Every version of Windows consists of GUI (graphical user interface), with a desktop that allows the user to open their files.

Here's how geographic information systems managers use windows:

Resolved technical performance and efficiency conditions on UNIX, Windows, and DOS systems.
Managed Windows web and application servers.

11. Aerial Photography

Here's how geographic information systems managers use aerial photography:

Developed and implemented guidelines and procedures for alignment of ortho-aerial photography to parcel database.

12. Desktop

The term desktop commonly refers to the desktop computer also called a personal computer. A PC is named after a desktop as it is placed on or under the desk. A desktop computer consists of different accessories such as CPU, monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, etc. The desktop also refers to the graphical user interface that appears on a computer, displaying all the icons on the monitor screen.

Here's how geographic information systems managers use desktop:

Developed integrated data visualization applications with web & desktop technologies and enterprise database systems.
Deployed and maintained ESRI ArcGIS Desktop 10.x for staff power users.

13. Digitizing

Here's how geographic information systems managers use digitizing:

Maintained spatial geodatabases of easements for the Muscatine Area including creating new features by on-screen digitizing from COGO coordinates.

14. Data Management

The administrative process that involves collecting and keeping the data safely and cost-effectively is called data management. Data management is a growing field as companies rely on it to store their intangible assets securely to create value. Efficient data management helps a company use the data to make better business decisions.

Here's how geographic information systems managers use data management:

Managed and developed a successful Implementation team for Electronic Data Management System that managed scanned image of mapping assets.
Train and supervise 5 interns to support GIS instruction, data management and project support based on user needs.

What skills help Geographic Information Systems Managers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on geographic information systems manager resumes?

Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.

Professor, New Mexico State University

-Analysis skills
-Cartographic skills
-Basic scripting skills - Arcade and Arc-Python
-Basic RS analysis
-Basic GDB file management
-Ability to capture data with remote devices in the field and bring these data into desktop or Web environment

What soft skills should all geographic information systems managers possess?

Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.

Professor, New Mexico State University

-Ability to outline complex projects
-Ability to lay out priorities and manage time to get them done
-Ability to work in groups
-Ability to present ideas in a clear manner, both in writing and orally.

What hard/technical skills are most important for geographic information systems managers?

Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.

Professor, New Mexico State University

See above. Most of the skills we want students to learn have been noted in the GIS&T section. I would add basic file management and network experience, ESPECIALLY in backing up data.

What geographic information systems manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Ronald Dorn

Associate Director, Arizona State University

Geographic information system (continually update yourself) and remote sensing. Programming skills (e.g. python) to make the GIS more powerful. Do not be scared by python programming. There are wonderful youtube series such as this one: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlrxD0HtieHhS8VzuMCfQD4uJ9yne1mE6. Writing!! AI cannot replace you. A big problem with AI words is that they are aspatial. Its pretty funny actually, that people do not notice.

Do you want to know more?

List of geographic information systems manager skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a geographic information systems manager resume and required skills for a geographic information systems manager to have include:

GIS
GPS
SQL Server
Esri
Autocad

Data Acquisition
Data Collection
Emergency Operations
Python
Windows

Aerial Photography
Desktop
Digitizing
Data Management

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Updated January 8, 2025

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