Description

The Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS) is a long-standing, state-supported organization benefiting the welfare of the citizens of Indiana since 1837, when Dr. David Dale Owen was hired to conduct a geological assessment of the state. The Survey is charged with conducting geological research; providing geological information, data, and educational outreach; and maintaining physical and digital geological collections. The Survey has been associated with Indiana University (IU) for most of the 20th century and was formally established as part of the university through Indiana statute (IC 21-47-2) in 1993. In 2022, the state legislature established the IGWS Center for Water (IC 21-47-2-7) and Center for Energy (IC 21-47-2-8) to support long-term studies of the state's natural water and energy resources.

Job Summary

The GIS and Cartographic Specialist supports IGWS by producing high-quality maps, GIS analyses, publication figures, and GIS databases. This role ensures consistent cartographic standards and manages web maps and content within the ArcGIS Online/ArcGIS Portal environment.
Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Creates published maps, GIS analyses, and standardized cartographic products.
• Configures and maintains web maps and related content in ArcGIS platforms.
• Provides GIS data management, cartographic design, and graphic design support across earth and water science disciplines.
• Offers GIS software training and technical assistance to IGWS staff.
• Serves as the primary contact for the USGS Geologic Map Schema (GeMS).
• Develops FGDC-compliant metadata for published datasets.
• Provides advanced cartographic expertise to design and produce complex geologic maps, base maps, geologic data layers, and interactive digital maps (including ArcGIS Online and Story Maps) that meet IGWS mapping standards and USGS FGDC Digital Cartographic Standards for Geologic Map Symbolization. Utilizes ArcGIS Desktop suite (ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcGIS Pro, ArcServer), Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat), and Microsoft Office tools to create and process spatial data (vector and raster) for GIS applications. Develops illustrations, graphics, and figures from data and analysis using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Creates, edits, and processes spatial data from IGWS staff for inclusion in ArcGIS Story Maps and interactive map applications. Publishes REST map services using ArcGIS Server/Portal for custom base maps and new data layers as needed. Writes and updates FGDC-compliant metadata for spatial datasets. Collaborates with the GIS Developer to maintain content shared through ArcGIS Online collaborations.
• Develops Python scripts and geoprocessing models to automate map creation and spatial data workflows. Applies GIS expertise to select appropriate geoprocessing tools and techniques for project needs. Utilizes the enterprise GIS SDE database to query and extract data using SQL for map production. Digitizes data from reference sources and creates new datasets through geoprocessing analysis. Builds automated workflows for spatial data creation, modification, and analysis.
• Provides GIS analysis and visualization project support to IGWS scientists and researchers. Offers guidance and training on Esri ArcGIS Desktop and Adobe Creative Suite tools.
• Creates and updates templates to streamline workflows for IGWS staff, including PowerPoint presentations, posters, and other requested materials.
• Reviews completed maps, figures, and publications to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with IGWS style standards. Assists in resolving work-related questions and technical issues. Shares maps and illustrations via the department's network and maintains organized archives of project files
• Attends meetings, conferences, seminars, and training sessions to stay current on cartographic techniques, GIS technology, and software advancements. Serves on IGWS internal committees and prepares presentations for professional meetings and conferences related to position responsibilities.

General Responsibilities

• Conducts complex GIS data analysis; designs and develops various data modeling (charts, graphs, maps) and/or data analysis reports; implements quality control procedures for all deliverables.
• Develops, maintains, updates, and monitors complex GIS datasets and databases; ensures data integrity and data quality control.
• Performs complex data review, conversion, and transformation to support GIS research and projects.
• Responds to requests for GIS information; designs and creates complex custom reports, maps and other electronic information using GIS systems; communicates regularly with internal and external stakeholders to exchange data, resolve questions, and share information as needed.
• Ensures proper documentation related to GIS data as applicable.
• May provide GIS software and other related training as requested/applicable.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION
Required

• Bachelor's degree in geographic information systems, geology, information/data science, or related scientific field

Preferred

• Master's degree geographic information science, geography, urban planning, environmental studies or related field

WORK EXPERIENCE
Required

• 2 years of research data management and analysis or related experience using GIS applications and software

Preferred

• Work experience with GPS devices
• Ability to provide GIS and design direction and training to staff and researchers
• Professional experience in production cartography and graphic design

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Required

• Valid driver's license and ability to be insured by Indiana University Upon Date of Hire

SKILLS
Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
• Highly thorough and dependable
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure
• Strong familiarity and knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server or other relational databases
• Strong familiarity and knowledge of ArcGIS desktop software
• Strong programming/scripting skills

Preferred

• Demonstrates experience with Esri suite of products (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online)
• Proficiency in Esri ArcGIS suite, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Server/Portal, geodatabases, Arcade, Python scripting, and enterprise geodatabases (SDE)
• Demonstrates experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
• Advanced understanding of cartography principles, GIS concepts, and project workflows
• Experience with spatial data management, organization, and geoprocessing workflows
• Knowledge of metadata standards and ability to create FGDC-compliant metadata
• Familiarity with on-demand and offset printing specifications, including RGB and CMYK color spaces
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat) for cartographic and graphic design tasks
• Experience with geological mapping, including GeMS database creation and adherence to FGDC cartographic standards
• Experience with Trimble GPS devices and configuration for use with ArcGIS Field Maps

Working Conditions / Demands

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Work Location

Bloomington, Indiana

Advertised Salary

$65,000.00 - $72,000.00 annually

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .

Job Classification

Career Level: Career
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Research
Job Family: Geological Sciences & Survey
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Posting Disclaimer

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .

Campus Safety and Security

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.