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What does a senior gis analyst do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Elizabeth Wentz Ph.D.

A senior GIS analyst specializes in utilizing geographic information systems and tools in analyzing spatial data and conducting research and assessments. Through their research findings, a senior GIS analyst can help companies make significant decisions and help solve potential or existing issues. Being a senior GIS analyst with years of experience, they also have the ability to train and supervise junior analysts, design and implement GIS software, spearhead and oversee projects, and conduct regular inspections to ensure procedures adhere to standards and regulations.

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Senior gis analyst responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior gis analyst resumes:

  • Manage and administrate SDE database and tune up database for maximum performance.
  • Manage administration and supervise development of logistics policies and programs to ensure they meet the changing conditions in program requirements.
  • Present research and provide advice and guidance to program officials involving data analysis and visualization.
  • Design and maintenance of department SharePoint site.
  • Integrate remediation strategies with GRC business compliance objectives for PCI/DSS and HIPAA.
  • Design, develop, and deploy GIS web applications using ArcGIS JavaScript API.
  • Create, maintain and update complex database information to improve utility records in ArcGIS and ArcSDE.
  • Create, prepare, and verify maps using GPS data, alignment sheets, and survey data.
  • Develop equipment management for all GPS units to inventory all makes and models for maintenance and support.
  • Complete periodic data loads, troubleshooting and management of SDE and ArcFM, and assist planning GIS capital projects.
  • Maintain shallow wells, horizontal wells, well pads, pipelines, compressors, competitor wells and lease layers in ArcSDE.
  • Drill hole log core visualization analysis for client-base applications.
  • Transcribe older maps and information into ArcView for continue viability and security.
  • Create plays data that are connected to financial information relating back to database infrastructure with reservoir engineers.
  • Work with high-resolution aerial imagery and classify LIDAR data to produce digital terrain models and digital surface models.

Senior gis analyst skills and personality traits

We calculated that 10% of Senior GIS Analysts are proficient in Python, Geospatial, and Esri. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Creativity, and Analytical skills.

We break down the percentage of Senior GIS Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Python, 10%

    Use ArcGIS model builder to export models to Python script for client process

  • Geospatial, 9%

    Initiated proper policies and procedures to advise on optimal methods to implement an Army-wide installation management geospatial capability.

  • Esri, 6%

    Provide technical guidance and oversight to installation support staff in an enterprise GIS program built on ESRI software.

  • Desktop, 6%

    Experienced with creating GIS resources with ArcGIS Desktop that can be hosted as a GIS Service in ArcGIS Server.

  • Infrastructure, 6%

    Created plays data that was connected to financial information relating back to database infrastructure with reservoir engineers.

  • Visualization, 5%

    Drill hole log core visualization analysis for client-based applications.

Most senior gis analysts use their skills in "python," "geospatial," and "esri" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential senior gis analyst responsibilities here:

Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a senior gis analyst to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." Additionally, a senior gis analyst resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "led a region-specific site acquisition and selection team for telecommunications infrastructure. "

Creativity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling senior gis analyst duties is creativity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." According to a senior gis analyst resume, here's how senior gis analysts can utilize creativity in their job responsibilities: "developed equipment management for all gps units to inventory all makes and models for maintenance and support. "

Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of senior gis analysts is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday senior gis analyst duties, as "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "applied innovative visualization techniques to numerous intelligence databases to create layered multi-intelligence products for tactical and national level customers. "

All senior gis analyst skills

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Compare different senior gis analysts

Senior gis analyst vs. Analyst lead

The duties of an analyst lead depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis, coordinating with different departments to gather leads and data, reviewing findings, and producing reports and presentations for the stakeholders and other higher-ranking officials. Through the results, an analyst lead can provide advice, devise strategies for business optimization, spearhead the development of processes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and offer recommendations on areas in need of improvement. All of this is done while in adherence to the company's vision and mission.

If we compare the average senior gis analyst annual salary with that of an analyst lead, we find that analyst leads typically earn a $17,046 higher salary than senior gis analysts make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between senior gis analysts and analyst leads are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like visualization, sql server, and google earth.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, senior gis analyst responsibilities require skills like "python," "geospatial," "esri," and "desktop." Meanwhile a typical analyst lead has skills in areas such as "analytics," "project management," "customer service," and "excellent interpersonal." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Analyst leads earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $110,488. On the other hand, senior gis analysts are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $94,480.The education levels that analyst leads earn slightly differ from senior gis analysts. In particular, analyst leads are 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a senior gis analyst. Additionally, they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior gis analyst vs. Senior leader

A senior leader specializes in overseeing the business operations and work progress within a particular department or office. Focusing on the workflow and the workforce, they are in charge of assessing performances and motivating staff to meet goals and stay within the allotted time and budget. They may also participate in the hiring and training of new employees, utilizing their talents and shaping them into valuable members of the workforce, all while implementing company rules and regulations.

Senior leader positions earn higher pay than senior gis analyst roles. They earn a $36,110 higher salary than senior gis analysts per year.A few skills overlap for senior gis analysts and senior leaders. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "visualization," "technical support," and "sql server. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior gis analyst resumes. While senior gis analyst responsibilities can utilize skills like "python," "geospatial," "esri," and "desktop," senior leaders use skills like "project management," "architecture," "customer service," and "c++."

Senior leaders may earn a higher salary than senior gis analysts, but senior leaders earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $123,451. On the other hand, senior gis analysts receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $94,480.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Senior leaders tend to reach similar levels of education than senior gis analysts. In fact, they're 3.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for senior gis analysts in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Elizabeth Wentz Ph.D.Dr. Elizabeth Wentz Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Interim Director, Arizona State University

All technologies are increasingly mobile and increasingly personal-such devices like watches and phones provide information and access at any moment in time. The abilities of these devices will continue to expand.

Senior gis analyst vs. Analyst

Analysts are employees or individual contributors with a vast experience in a particular field that help the organization address challenges. They help the organization improve processes, policies, and other operations protocol by studying the current processes in place and determining the effectiveness of those processes. They also research industry trends and data to make sound inferences and recommendations on what the company should do to improve their numbers. Analysts recommend business solutions and often help the organization roll out these solutions. They ensure that the proposed action plans are effective and produce the desired results.

On average, analysts earn lower salaries than senior gis analysts, with a $5,211 difference per year.senior gis analysts and analysts both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "sql server," "google earth," and "data collection," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a senior gis analyst is likely to be skilled in "python," "geospatial," "esri," and "desktop," while a typical analyst is skilled in "customer service," "troubleshoot," "management system," and "project management."

Analysts earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $79,330. Senior gis analysts earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $94,480.Most analysts achieve a lower degree level compared to senior gis analysts. For example, they're 6.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior gis analyst vs. Business systems senior analyst

Business systems senior analysts are responsible for resolving problems and requirements related to organizational information. They perform various duties that include determining operational objectives, designing computer programs, and improving business systems by designing modifications and studying current practices. Additionally, they are responsible for defining project requirements, maintaining user confidence and information confidentiality, and preparing technical reports. These professionals are also expected to maintain their knowledge by participating in professional associations or attending educational workshops. The skills and qualifications required for this position include previous work experience, software design and development, and problem-solving skills.

Business systems senior analysts typically earn higher pay than senior gis analysts. On average, business systems senior analysts earn a $24,880 higher salary per year.According to resumes from senior gis analysts and business systems senior analysts, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "visualization," "sql server," and "business development. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A senior gis analyst uses "python," "geospatial," "esri," and "desktop." Business systems senior analysts are more likely to have duties that require skills in "project management," "business process," "business analysis," and "scrum. "In general, business systems senior analysts earn the most working in the health care industry, with an average salary of $108,902. The highest-paying industry for a senior gis analyst is the manufacturing industry.The average resume of business systems senior analysts showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to senior gis analysts. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 2.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.2%.

Types of senior gis analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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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