Summary

The GIS Specialist is responsible for developing, maintaining, and expanding the Tribe's enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) programs. This position serves as the Tribe's primary geospatial professional; providing mapping, spatial analysis, database administration, web GIS development, drone data acquisition, and geospatial decision-support services for Tribal government departments, enterprises, planning initiatives, infrastructure projects, public safety operations, emergency management, natural resources, and environmental programs.

The GIS Specialist develops and maintains enterprise geodatabases, web applications, dashboards, StoryMaps, and spatial data standards. The position works closely with Tribal departments and Information Technology staff to ensure GIS resources remain accurate, secure, accessible, and aligned with Tribal organizational needs. The GIS Specialist serves as the lead FAA-certified drone pilot and manages all geospatial and aerial data collection activities. This position supports data-driven decision-making through advanced spatial analysis, visualization, and technology integration.

In addition, you are the HEART of our Five-Star Experience for guests and fellow Team Members. This includes embodying our Service Promise: We are the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Team, where your experience is our top priority. Every person and detail matters. Our commitment is to provide outstanding guest service, making every person's experience our priority through consistent service expectations with HEART. Hello, Engage, Anticipate, Respond, Thank.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide outstanding customer service to guests and all other employees by exceeding our mission statement.
• Deliver our HEART Experience to Guests and all Team Members by embodying our Mission Statement and Service Promise while adhering to department service standards. This entails consistency performing our service expectations of: Hello, Engage, Anticipate, Respond, Thank.
• Develop, maintain, and administer the Tribe's enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS) program, including geodatabases, spatial datasets, metadata, data standards, naming conventions, and governance practices.
• Manage and maintain ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, and other geospatial technologies utilized by the Tribe.

• Design, develop, and maintain enterprise geospatial databases, data models, workflows, and data collection standards.
• Create, update, and maintain digital maps, cartographic products, exhibits, dashboards, StoryMaps, web maps, and geospatial applications supporting Tribal operations and decision-making.
• Conduct spatial analysis, geoprocessing, suitability modeling, network analysis, asset mapping, and other GIS-based analytical activities.

• Develop and administer mobile GIS solutions utilizing platforms such as Field Maps, Survey123, QuickCapture, Workforce, and related technologies.
• Coordinate GIS data collection using Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment, mobile technologies, remote sensing, and other geospatial tools.
• Establish and maintain GIS quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and reliability.
• Acquire, validate, edit, integrate, and maintain spatial data from internal departments, contractors, consultants, public agencies, and other authorized sources.
• Coordinate with Information Technology personnel to ensure GIS software, hardware, servers, licensing, cloud resources, cybersecurity controls, backups, and system integrations remain secure and operational.
• Develop and maintain GIS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical documentation, workflows, and data management policies.
• Serve as the Tribe's lead Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot and administrator.
• Plan and conduct drone operations in support of mapping, infrastructure assessments, construction monitoring, land management, emergency response, and other authorized Tribal activities.
• Develop and maintain UAS SOPs, safety protocols, maintenance schedules, mission planning documentation, flight logs, and regulatory compliance records.
• Process and analyze drone imagery, orthomosaics, digital elevation models, point clouds, and three-dimensional mapping products.
• Integrate aerial imagery and drone-derived products into enterprise GIS databases and applications.
• Manage drone hardware, software, inventories, maintenance records, and operational readiness.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and Tribal policies governing UAS operations.
• Provide GIS training, technical support, and user assistance to Tribal staff and departments.
• Collaborate with Tribal departments to identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through GIS technology and geospatial analysis.
• Support Tribal projects involving land management, utilities, infrastructure, planning, emergency management, public safety, cultural resources, natural resources, economic development, and other organizational initiatives through geospatial services.
• Maintain organized, auditable GIS and UAS records in accordance with Tribal records management and data retention requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, maps, exhibits, dashboards, and decision-support materials for Tribal leadership and stakeholders.
• Assist with development of GIS-related budgets, workplans, grant applications, and funding opportunities.
• Attend meetings, training seminars, conferences, and professional development activities related to GIS, remote sensing, geospatial technologies, and UAS operations.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and work independently to solve complex geospatial, mapping, and database challenges.
• Maintain proficiency with Microsoft Office products and related business software.
• Travel as required for meetings, training, conferences, field operations, and project support.
• Ensure compliance with all Tribal policies, Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS), Tribal Internal Control Standards (TICS), safety requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Present a positive image of the Tribal organization to community members, partners, vendors, and the public.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides technical leadership and strategic direction for the Tribal GIS and UAS programs.
• Coordinates GIS-related work performed by contractors, consultants, interns, temporary staff, and project team members.
• Develops work priorities, project schedules, standards, and performance expectations for GIS program activities.
• Recommends staffing needs, participates in recruitment and selection processes, and assists with onboarding and training of GIS personnel as authorized.
• May supervise GIS, UAS, and geospatial support staff as positions are established within the program.
• Provides technical mentoring, quality control review, and professional development guidance for GIS personnel.

Qualifications

Education And Experience (Must Be Documented)

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Geography, Geomatics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Planning, Engineering, Natural Resources, or a closely related field with substantial GIS coursework.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional GIS experience involving spatial analysis, geodatabase management, cartography, field data collection, or web GIS development.
• Formal GIS training or certification (e.g., academic certificate, Esri training, remote sensing/UAS coursework, or equivalent).
  • OR equivalent professional coursework (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online), including geodatabases, GPS data collection, remote sensing, and drone data integration.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is preferred; must be obtained within six months of employment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and enterprise geodatabase management is required.
• Experience administering ArcGIS Enterprise, web GIS applications, Python scripting, SQL databases, and mobile GIS platforms is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of tribal governmental structure and Tribal environmental program operations is strongly preferred.

Certification, Licenses And Any Additional Requirements

• Must pass periodic random drug screens.

• Must be able to pass background suitability investigation.
• Must obtain a Tribal Gaming License.
• Must obtain all other applicable certifications and licenses.
• Must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States within 72 hours of employment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon request, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to use upper extremities, including but not limited to, hands and fingers to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. They may be occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, bend, push, pull, twist, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and/or push, pull up to 50 pounds. The employee is occasionally required use repetitive movements to complete tasks. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Employee may be occasionally required to work in low light conditions and may be exposed to loud noise for extended periods. 

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Multiple locations.
• Some enterprises are open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; therefore, you must be flexible to work any and all hours.
• Must be available for emergency calls 24/7. 
• Must be available to work weekend and holidays.
• Some enterprises are gaming facilities.
• Some enterprises are not a smoke-free environment.
• Surveillance cameras and audio equipment monitor the premises recording activity throughout most of the facilities on 24 hours per day, 7 days per week basis.

Indian Preference Act

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians has a resolution on file with Human Resources to ensure that Indian Preference will be adhered to in the following order in accordance with IPA:

                                         1.  Tribal Members

                                         2.  Other Native Americans

                                         3.  All other ethnic groups