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Gis manager skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Nathan Manser Ph.D.,

Candice Luebbering Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical gis manager skills. We ranked the top skills for gis managers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 10.2% of gis manager resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a gis manager needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 gis manager skills for your resume and career

1. 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 gis managers use python:

Used Python scripting to update, standardize, and consolidate GIS data for use in custom on-line maps.
Planned and built a field data collection and analysis process using Python scripts.

2. Autocad

Here's how gis 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.

3. Project Management

Here's how gis managers use project management:

Assisted Business Development and Project Management with proposed pipeline routing projects and provided detailed data for cost estimating.
Provide project management, including resource allocation, scheduling, risk assessment, scope assessment and associated documentation.

4. Infrastructure

Infrastructure includes the organizational and physical structures needed to run an area or a society smoothly. It is a group of basic facilities required for any society or firm to run sustainably and efficiently. The infrastructural system is a high investing area and helps majorly in flourishing the economy and prosperity of a country. It is an underlying system needed for ensuring the safety and comfort of the public and to run a country smoothly. All the tasks needed to be performed for a flourishing economy and a happy and healthy public are included in infrastructure.

Here's how gis managers use infrastructure:

Created electric systems GIS database and building systems mapping showing locations of power poles, power lines and related infrastructure.
Create zoning maps for the City of Tuskegee and utility service area maps for community development and infrastructure planning.

5. 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 gis managers use desktop:

Deployed and maintained ESRI ArcGIS Desktop 10.x for staff power users.
Provide IT services including installation, repair and maintenance of desktop and mobile devices for public and private organizations.

6. 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 gis managers use esri:

Create a customized spatial analysis model using ESRI Model Builder to determine optimum placement of tornado warning sirens.
Assisted in designing one of ESRI's first real-time editing/ArcGIS Server apps using data from The Great Lakes Watershed Basin.

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7. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how gis managers use technical support:

Oversee, coordinate, and supervise GIS, geological and geophysical technical support staff.
Provided technical support to ArcInfo and ArcView users, both internal and external.

8. Arcgis Server

Here's how gis managers use arcgis server:

Manage an ArcGIS Server to facilitate real time data acquisition and analyses for environmental research and government compliance.
Deployed ArcGIS Server applications via web to locations in US.

9. 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 gis managers use data management:

Train and supervise 5 interns to support GIS instruction, data management and project support based on user needs.
Manage data reporting for Oil and Gas clients to USGS data management systems.

10. Spatial Data

Spatial data refers to data that directly or indirectly represents a particular geographical location on the earth's surface. Based on the storing technique, spatial data can be classified in two categories, namely raster data and vector data. The former includes grid cells identified by column and row, while the latter is made of polylines, points, and polygons.

Here's how gis managers use spatial data:

Provide strategic direction including technical and functional support for implementing and using spatial data efficiently and effectively.
Designed and coordinated the development of integrated Geographic Information Systems spatial and non-spatial databases.

11. Software Applications

A software application is any computer program developed and used by consumers, such as Microsoft's suite of products (Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), Internet browsers such as Firefox, Safari, and Chrome, or browser add-ons that Defendant preinstalls or causes to be preinstalled onto a Covered Product. The software application is designed to help the user perform specific tasks - personal, educational, and business functions.

Here's how gis managers use software applications:

Achieve 85% daily automation rate by improving geocoding and automation software applications.
Managed, installed, and administered software applications.

12. Spatial Analysis

Here's how gis managers use spatial analysis:

Led team of 4 members to facilitate market opportunities through spatial analysis and use of geographic information system (GIS).
Utilize GIS to design wireless internet networks using advanced Spatial Analysis Techniques.

13. Data Analysis

Here's how gis managers use data analysis:

Develop Data Analysis Models for mapping Network and Marketing divisions.
Devised data analysis, transition and reporting tools for translation of sources into company format and standard interchange format.

14. Business Development

Business development is the ideas or initiatives that work to make business work better. Selling, advertising, product development, supply chain management, and vendor management are only a few of the divisions involved with it. There is still a lot of networking, negotiating, forming alliances, and trying to save money. The goals set for business development guide and coordinate with all of these various operations and sectors.

Here's how gis managers use business development:

Produced GIS proposal and cost estimates, project planning documentation, business development documents, and project status reports.
Establish business development and marketing model Served as primary client-contact for GIS-related services.

15. Web Services

A web service is software that is available on the internet and uses a specific messaging system. A web service is a kind of service that is not bound to any specific programming language or operating system. Web services help every device to communicate over the world wide web.

Here's how gis managers use web services:

Developed Web service for management of pipeline assets.
Developed web services for network visibility.

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What skills help GIS Managers find jobs?

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

What gis manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Nathan Manser Ph.D.

Lecturer of Geological and Mining Engineering, Faculty Advisor to Innovative Global Solutions Enterprise, Michigan Technological University

In geosciences, and particular mining engineering, students on a gap year should explore graduate certificate opportunities that expand their skill sets in lifecycle assessment, geographical information systems, geospatial engineering, field sampling techniques, or other marketable skills that complement their interests in the industry. Even the traditional MBA would be a good compliment for students looking to be involved with the management side of mining instead of operations.

What type of skills will young gis managers need?

Candice Luebbering Ph.D.

Executive Director, GISCI

Graduates entering the workforce need to have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of their field. These will consistently inform and guide their work while the specific technology and platforms they use may change from job-to-job, or task-to-task. Having a solid foundation in core concepts, combined with the adaptability to learn and become familiar with new tools and software, will greatly help graduates in the job market.

What soft skills should all gis managers possess?

Sydney Pruitt

Department Chair, Austin Community College District

Self-starters and those who bring new ideas to the table have the most success. Being able to listen, process the information, and take appropriate action while remaining calm is crucial.

What hard/technical skills are most important for gis managers?

Sydney Pruitt

Department Chair, Austin Community College District

Field Engineers help develop conceptual, logical, and physical geospatial data models. It is crucial to develop skills to collect and assimilate data sources, from authoritative data sources such as clearinghouses; from data collection in the field using surveying equipment, mobile devices, GPS units, or drones; from data creation through heads-up digitizing, geocoding, or COGO. Professionals will also perform attribute and spatial queries, often using query languages such as SQL, Python, and Arcade. Knowledge in a project management framework that includes documenting the project goal, scope, work breakdown structure, statement of work, defined deliverables, project summary, and project archive is important.

Do you want to know more?

List of gis manager skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a gis manager resume and required skills for a gis manager to have include:

Python
Autocad
Project Management
Infrastructure
Desktop
Esri
Technical Support
Arcgis Server
Data Management
Spatial Data
Software Applications
Spatial Analysis
Data Analysis
Business Development
Web Services

Aided Design
Database Development
Data Acquisition
Data Collection
SQL Server
ArcSDE
Digitizing
Technical Expertise
Remote Sensing
Emergency Operations
GIS Program
SDE
Application Development
Data Conversion
Map Production

Aerial Photography
JavaScript
Qgis
LiDAR
Management System
Web Application
HTML
Windows
Custom Maps
System Architecture
Google Earth
Data Layers
Data Creation
Civil Engineering
Local Government

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.

Updated January 8, 2025

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