Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. The Metropolitan Council is a regional government serving the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area through transportation, wastewater, housing, and other regional services. The GIS Coordinator (GIS Project Manager) leads the planning, execution, and delivery of complex GIS projects across Council divisions, coordinating stakeholders, technical teams, data quality, timelines, and outcomes. The role also oversees GIS applications and workflows, supports data governance and technology adoption, and facilitates training and stakeholder communications.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end management of GIS projects, including scope definition, gathering technical requirements, planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk mitigation. This includes responsibilities to: + Understand business requirements and translate them into technical requirements + Create project plans + Clarify the tasks needed to complete plans + Work with Executive Sponsors, Product Owners, and SMEs across the business and in IS functional areas to deliver the project on time
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, subject matter experts, and external partners to gather requirements and define project objectives
- Oversee the development, integration, and maintenance of GIS data, applications, and workflows
- Ensure the quality, accuracy, completeness, and metadata compliance of spatial datasets and mapping products
- Coordinate with GIS analysis developers and data specialists to manage workflows and resolve technical issues
- Monitor project progress and provide regular status updates, reports, and dashboards to leadership and stakeholders
- Implement and uphold GIS standards, best practices, and data governance policies
- Support the evaluation and adoption of new GIS technologies, tools, and methods
- Facilitate training, workshops, and user support for GIS applications and project deliverables
- Manage vendor relationships, procurements, and contracts where required
- Participate in regional or intergovernmental GIS committees or working groups
- Drive adoption through consistent communications with customers
- Identity needed IS partners, such as DBAs, Developers, and System Engineers, and ensure they have the resources necessary to support the service
Skills
- High school diploma/GED with nine (9) years of experience
- Associate degree with seven years (7) of experience
- Bachelor's degree with five years (5) of experience
- Master's degree with three years (3) of experience
- Knowledge of a broad range of geographic principles and the application of GIS concepts and standards
- Familiarity with Esri ArcGIS platforms (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise)
- Knowledge of spatial data structures, geodatabases, and metadata standards
- Understanding of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid approaches)
- Knowledge of relevant data governance, data quality, and data security standards
- Awareness of enterprise IT (ITSM) concepts, system integrations, cloud environments, and APIs
- Ability to plan, facilitate, and conduct effective meetings
- Strong project planning, scheduling, and coordination skills
- Ability to manage budgets, timelines, scope, and resources
- Skilled in defining project requirements and translating needs into technical tasks
- Proficiency in generating high-quality maps, dashboards, and analytical products
- Strong documentation, reporting, and status-tracking skills
- Effective communication with both technical and non-technical audiences
- Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and build consensus among diverse stakeholders
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
- Ability to assess risks and develop proactive mitigation strategies
- Ability to explain geospatial concepts in clear, accessible terms
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities, technologies, and organizational needs
- Ability to promote standards, best practices, and quality assurance within GIS operations
- Experience with geospatial data and applications, including ArcGIS Products
- Experience with managing multiple complex projects simultaneously
- Experience with the application of GIS concepts and standards
- Ability to write clear, concise, and logical reports
- Ability to make clear verbal and written presentations
- Ability to plan and facilitate conversations
- Ability to effectively communicate to a wide variety of audiences and stakeholders
- Ability to plan, arrange, and conduct meetings
- Ability to effectively juggle multiple projects simultaneously
- Experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environments
Benefits
- This position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement (both remote and onsite). The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
- Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
- Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
- Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
- Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance
- Free Well@Work clinic
- Free bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
- Free parking at many job locations
- Free fitness centers at many job locations
- Employee Assistance Program
- Extensive health and wellness programs and resources
Company Overview