What does a gis manager do?
A GIS Manager is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of teams of IT experts that produce geographical data. They research, evaluate, and procure new GIS equipment to increase project efficiency.
Gis manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real gis manager resumes:
- Manage client data and perform database extraction regularly to make timely data updates.
- Advance knowledge of GIS concepts and ESRI suite of software applications, including ArcGIS.
- Develop GPS and web-enable data collection systems (application, procedures and training) for a comprehensive biological database.
- Integrate GIS, GPS, & traditional survey data to produce high end mapping products for effective planning purposes.
- Create and maintain ArcSDE geodatabases and ArcGIS web applications.
- Develop and maintain geodatabases in ArcSDE and update metadata per FGDC standards.
- Create SDE views in order to tie GIS files to different databases.
- Develop, implement and maintain an agency wide geographic information system using ESRI software.
- Develop data frame layers by digitizing parcels and importing land use data into the database table.
- Gather geographic data from the field using a wide range of professional and commercial GPS survey equipment.
- Design and test development enterprise spatial database infrastructure.
- Perform detail image analysis to determine the location of critical infrastructure.
- Conduct geospatial analysis and large format mapping of special education students/faculty base on business owner requests.
- Observe department needs then design databases, forms, reports write VBA scripts and macros to fit departmental need.
- Automate GIS/Geoscience workflows for data manipulation activities and cartographic deliverables using ModelBuilder.
Gis manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of GIS Managers are proficient in Python, Autocad, and Project Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Initiative, and Speaking skills.
We break down the percentage of GIS Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 10%
Used Python scripting to update, standardize, and consolidate GIS data for use in custom on-line maps.
- Autocad, 8%
Develop AutoCad standard templates for increased production.
- Project Management, 7%
Assisted Business Development and Project Management with proposed pipeline routing projects and provided detailed data for cost estimating.
- Infrastructure, 7%
Created electric systems GIS database and building systems mapping showing locations of power poles, power lines and related infrastructure.
- Desktop, 7%
Deployed and maintained ESRI ArcGIS Desktop 10.x for staff power users.
- Esri, 6%
Create a customized spatial analysis model using ESRI Model Builder to determine optimum placement of tornado warning sirens.
"python," "autocad," and "project management" are among the most common skills that gis managers use at work. You can find even more gis manager responsibilities below, including:
Technical skills. A big part of what gis managers do relies on "technical skills." You can see how essential it is to gis manager responsibilities because "construction managers must have an applied knowledge of concepts and practices common in the industry, such as construction technologies, contracts, and technical drawings." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical gis manager tasks: "provide technical support and training to arcgis desktop users. "
The three companies that hire the most gis managers are:
- The Medicus Firm
14 gis managers jobs
- Stantec5 gis managers jobs
- Summit Health Oregon
2 gis managers jobs
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Gis manager vs. Project controls specialist
A project controls specialist is responsible for establishing project management procedures to achieve project goals and objectives by following clients' specifications and requirements within the budget limitations and timetable. Project controls specialists implement strategic techniques to mitigate potential project risks and promote maximum productivity by conducting regular meetings to monitor the project's progress. They also coordinate with the clients for the updates, as well as informing them of any plan adjustments. A project controls specialist maintains strict quality control processes to ensure the efficient development of the project for timely deliverables.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a gis manager are more likely to require skills like "python," "autocad," "infrastructure," and "desktop." On the other hand, a job as a project controls specialist requires skills like "project controls," "work breakdown structure," "primavera p6," and "construction management." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Project controls specialists earn the highest salaries when working in the professional industry, with an average yearly salary of $90,141. On the other hand, gis managers are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $104,293.The education levels that project controls specialists earn slightly differ from gis managers. In particular, project controls specialists are 3.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a gis manager. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Gis manager vs. Construction superintendent
A construction superintendent's role is to oversee all construction plans and operations, ensuring quality completion within a specified timeframe. Some of their responsibilities are to inspect all sites, coordinate with contractors and engineers, manage the budget and expenditure, purchase necessary materials and equipment, and make schedules. Aside from producing daily progress reports, a construction superintendent also addresses issues and concerns should there be any. Furthermore, they must implement all safety regulations and policies to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real gis manager resumes. While gis manager responsibilities can utilize skills like "python," "autocad," "infrastructure," and "desktop," construction superintendents use skills like "osha," "construction management," "construction sites," and "safety program."
On average, construction superintendents earn a higher salary than gis managers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, construction superintendents earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $99,237. Whereas gis managers have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $104,293.construction superintendents earn lower levels of education than gis managers in general. They're 13.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for gis managers in the next 3-5 years?
Lecturer of Geological and Mining Engineering, Faculty Advisor to Innovative Global Solutions Enterprise, Michigan Technological University
Gis manager vs. Director of construction
A Director Of Construction is responsible for supervision of all construction-related projects. They review project progress, address issues, and adjust schedules and budgets.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, gis managers are more likely to have skills like "python," "autocad," "infrastructure," and "desktop." But a director of construction is more likely to have skills like "construction management," "oversight," "real estate," and "osha."
Directors of construction earn the best pay in the government industry, where they command an average salary of $127,615. Gis managers earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $104,293.When it comes to education, directors of construction tend to earn similar degree levels compared to gis managers. In fact, they're 4.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Gis manager vs. Project superintendent
The construction or project superintendent's role is to oversee the operations of construction sites, from the planning phase to completion. They have varied duties and responsibilities based on specific projects that include scheduling and budgeting, communicating and negotiating with external partners, and acquiring materials and equipment. A construction superintendent also earns construction permits, resolving on-site emergencies and issues, and supervising staff. This position requires several skills, including a degree in construction management or a similar field, relevant experience, and in-depth knowledge of construction processes and operations.
Types of gis manager
Updated January 8, 2025











