DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOU?

You are an early-career professional who enjoys applying your GIS training and analytical skills to solve environmental and planning questions. You are motivated to support projects by gathering and analyzing spatial data, preparing clear maps, and producing reliable, high-quality outputs. You thrive in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, contributing to multiple projects while learning from mentorship and guidance, and you are equally confident working independently, applying initiative and creative problem-solving skills.

Ascent is seeking a full-time GIS Specialist to join our GIS Services team in any of our offices: Berkeley, Irvine/Orange County, Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, or San Diego. In a typical week in this role, you might:

• Process spatial and tabular data collected by project team members or provided by clients.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and visually effective maps and figures to support analysis and documentation.
• Select cartographic elements needed for the effective presentation of information.
• Create, modify, and maintain GIS datasets and databases; support GIS analyses for environmental, natural resources, and planning projects.
• Perform spatial analyses (e.g., buffering, overlays, distance calculations) and generate outputs including maps, geodatabases, graphics, tables, and reports.
• Prepare and process field data collected in ArcGIS Field Maps.
• Review, organize, and perform quality control checks on incoming or existing data to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Enter and convert data into GIS databases using coordinate geometry, digitizing, scanning, or other data integration methods.
• Maintain clear documentation and metadata for GIS processes and data, ensuring methods and data sources are well-documented and reproducible.
• Utilize ArcGIS Online and Portal for ArcGIS to create web maps and geo-enabled applications.
• Develop and configure Esri web and mobile applications, including web maps, Dashboards, Experience Builder, and Field Maps.
• Apply scripting (Python, JavaScript, etc.) to help streamline GIS workflows — prior experience is a plus but not required.
• Stay current with GIS trends and tools and apply them to support project tasks.
• Contribute to project success by providing high-quality work and supporting team goals while embracing Ascent’s core values.
• Work within agreed timeframes and budgets to complete assignments.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Bachelor’s degree in disciplines such as GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, or a related field with demonstrated capabilities in GIS.
• Minimum 1-4 years of Esri ArcGIS experience.
• Hands-on knowledge of Esri ArcGIS Desktop Software, including ArcGIS Pro.
• Comfortable working with vector and raster datasets.
• Experience using ArcGIS Online for web maps, dashboards, and basic apps.
• Exposure to GPS data collection and field data management, including Esri Field Maps and Survey123.
• Ability to work with shapefiles, feature classes, and geodatabases.
• Understanding of coordinate systems, map projections, and datums.
• Basic knowledge of cartographic principles and effective map design.
• Familiarity with technology workflows for GIS data processing and analysis.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Detail-oriented, analytical, and committed to producing accurate work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, eager to learn, and open to professional development opportunities.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback and incorporate guidance into work effectively.

Work environment

• Typical office environment
• Hybrid

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time.

Travel

• Limited travel may be required.

Work authorization/security clearance requirements: Not eligible for sponsorship

Additional eligibility requirements: N/A

At Ascent, we believe in fostering a nurturing environment that prioritizes our people. We are committed to holistic investments in our team, offering not only competitive salaries and comprehensive medical benefits but also a range of perks designed to enhance emotional, financial, and physical wellness. A comprehensive list of benefits offered can be found here.

As a people first organization, we value and will strive to ascend by welcoming and uplifting all voices, ideas, achievements, and contributions, including those from marginalized communities and identities. We believe that recognizing and embracing our differences makes us a stronger organization. We commit to proactively nurturing environments of mutual support, respect, and caring for all through our words and actions.

Interested in learning more about Ascent's culture? Reach out to our People Resources team at People.Resources@ascent.inc. We look forward to hearing from you!

EEO Statement

Ascent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Ascent is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact PeopleResources@ascent.inc.

Ascent strives for equity in every area at Ascent, including compensation. To ensure candidates are paid fairly the offered salary will fall within this range and will be determined based on the candidate's demonstrated qualifications and alignment with the requirements of the position outlined above.