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Gis specialist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Sydney Pruitt,

Sydney Pruitt

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical gis specialist skills. We ranked the top skills for gis specialists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 10.0% of gis specialist resumes contained gps as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a gis specialist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 gis specialist skills for your resume and career

1. 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 gis specialists use gps:

Supported field work preparation including data dictionary creation, geophysical and reconnaissance transect development, and provided daily GPS quality checks.
Designed and implemented company-wide cultural resource GPS data recording SOP.

2. 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 specialists use python:

Developed and utilized Python scripts to assist with data verification and clean-up within a spatial database.
Acquired data on crimes and different variables like population density and wrote a Python script to extract coordinates for points 2.

3. 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 gis specialists use data collection:

Strengthened data collection processes and quality while standardizing formats for improved analysis through interdepartmental cooperation.
Developed data collection processes for Automated Lands project.

4. Database Management

Here's how gis specialists use database management:

Assist in consultation with company clientele on license server management, user permission levels, and database management practices.
Establish policies and procedures for: management, security, maintenance and use of database management system.

5. Geospatial Data

Geospatial data refers to the data that represents both, natural and manmade objects feature on the surface of the earth. Also known as special data, it carries information about the specific location of objects on the globe. It can be used to create 3D models of the atmosphere that can point out clouds and obtain a birds-eye view of Earth through high-resolution imagery.

Here's how gis specialists use geospatial data:

Performed geospatial data building, modeling and analysis.
Created and updated hydrology geospatial data.

6. CAD

Here's how gis specialists use cad:

Designed replications of structures through CAD for municipality reports.
Provided specialized GIS and CAD support for a small local municipality in design and set up of a GIS.

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7. Data Analysis

Here's how gis specialists use data analysis:

Identified gaps in data analysis and established procedures to ensure data integrity and quality control.
Involve in data analysis and fluvial morphology calculations for Regional Curves project.

8. Esri Arcgis

Here's how gis specialists use esri arcgis:

Create cartographic figures/maps using general and advanced cartographic techniques using ESRI ArcGIS mapping and analysis software.
Utilize ESRI ArcGIS 9.3 and Spatial Analyst to delineate wetland depressions and their watersheds from airborne LIDAR derived digital elevation models.

9. 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 specialists use infrastructure:

Developed maps and databases showing details of current and future energy production and distribution infrastructure over a 5-state region.
Constructed, implemented and managed state-wide seismic hazard and infrastructure mapping projects.

10. Visualization

Here's how gis specialists use visualization:

Implemented 3D visualization techniques using proprietary methods for creating animations and other visual products.
General spatial analysis, data management and visualization support for FEMA and other government clients.

11. Arcgis Online

Here's how gis specialists use arcgis online:

Utilized ArcGIS Online to perform various operations aiding in strategic site selection for telecommunication towers.
Design, develop, publish, administer and maintain Web Mapping services using ArcGIS for Server and ArcGIS Online for Organization.

12. Analyze Data

Analyze data or data analysis refers to the practice of studying, organizing, and transforming data to make it more useful. It also includes the cleansing of non-useful information which helps in better decision making regarding any particular matter. Analyze data is a practice that is used widely in the field of business, social sciences, and science.

Here's how gis specialists use analyze data:

Perform complex spatial analysis and analyze data.
Analyze data from various sources to produce data sets, cartographic layouts, and reports in accordance with specifications and standards.

13. Web Application

Here's how gis specialists use web application:

Develop web applications and deploy in a high-availability, high-security enterprise server farm environment.
Coordinate development and implementation of GIS-related software projects and web applications.

14. Arcgis Desktop

Here's how gis specialists use arcgis desktop:

Create and maintain large data sets within ArcGIS Desktop.
Provide ArcGIS desktop support for 120+ users.

15. Post Processing

Here's how gis specialists use post processing:

Geo-corrected post processing for sub-meter accuracy.

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What skills help GIS Specialists find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on gis specialist resumes?

Sydney Pruitt

Department Chair, Austin Community College District

When it comes to being a surveyor, field crew, GIS technician, GIS analyst, or GIS specialist, there are some key qualities and skill sets that stand out on resumes and increase your chances of success.

Field Engineers do not need to be extroverts but being welcoming to others is important. Employees need to be self-motivated, responsive, positive, and confident while accepting constructive feedback. When attending meetings or working with others, arrive promptly, take ownership of tasks, and present in discussions.

What soft skills should all gis specialists 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 specialists?

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.

What gis specialist 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 specialists 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.

Do you want to know more?

List of gis specialist skills to add to your resume

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

GPS
Python
Data Collection
Database Management
Geospatial Data
CAD
Data Analysis
Esri Arcgis
Infrastructure
Visualization
Arcgis Online
Analyze Data
Web Application
Arcgis Desktop
Post Processing
JavaScript

Technical Support
Geospatial Analysis
Data Development
Spatial Analysis
Map Production
Technical Assistance
HTML
ArcSDE
Remote Sensing
Map Creation
SQL Server
Provide GIS
Digitizing
Software Applications
LiDAR
Arcgis Server

Data Layers
Google Earth
Survey Data
Relational Databases
Satellite Imagery
SDE
Data Creation
Cartographic Products
USGS
Sdsfie
FEMA
Google Maps
Data Acquisition
Data Conversion
VBA

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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