What does a senior gis analyst do?
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.
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. "
The three companies that hire the most senior gis analysts are:
- BGC Partners7 senior gis analysts jobs
- Larson Design Group6 senior gis analysts jobs
- HDR4 senior gis analysts jobs
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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.
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.
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?
Interim Director, Arizona State University
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.
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.
Types of senior gis analyst
Updated January 8, 2025











