GIS Specialist

**GIS Specialist**Position Summary The GIS Specialist supports the organization’s real estate, planning, and development activities by managing geospatial data and producing high-quality maps and analyses. This role ensures accurate, accessible, and up to date information to guide decision-making related to property acquisition, redevelopment, land use, brownfield assessment site sand community planning initiatives. Under administrative direction, coordinates and supervises all phases of designated program and/or project development and administration. Collects, manages, distributes, and publishes GIS data to all departments and divisions citywide. Coordinates between various public and private agencies to share data and information. Manages departmental IT infrastructure in cooperation with the Division of Information Technology Services. Supports hardware and software upgrades and installation. Plans and implements new technology initiatives. Performs other job-related duties as required.Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Statistics, Economics, Geography, Business Administration, or related field with at least two classes in GIS required. The equivalent of one year experience working with Geographical Information Systems required. (Substitution: Two years of any equivalent combination of education, training and experience with cartography, GIS, or data analysis may be substituted for each year of college education lacking.) Must have a demonstrable proficiency with ArcView version 3 or newer, ArcGIS version 8 or newer, MapInfo, or another GIS software application and must be proficient with software programs necessary for effective performance including, Word, Excel, relational databases (i.e., Access, Oracle, or SAS). Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License required.**Job Description:** The GIS Specialist serves as a key member of the Department of Development’s Commercial & Industrial Land Bank Team. This role combines GIS and site analysis expertise with on-the-ground redevelopment strategy to activate vacant parcels and structures and strengthen Cleveland’s neighborhoods. The Specialist manages and analyzes geospatial data to help maintain site inventories and produce maps and visualizations that guide decision-making related to land use, redevelopment feasibility, and long-term planning, working cross-functionally. The Specialist gathers site details, conducts spatial and market analyses, and supports the design of redevelopment opportunities that build existing community assets. **Key Responsibilities** - Maintain and update GIS databases, layers, and spatial datasets related to property conditions, zoning, infrastructure, and neighborhood assets - Create maps, apps, dashboards, and visualizations to support planning, development, and asset management activities - Help manage the organization’s site inventory, including tracking available properties, ownership, zoning, environmental conditions, and redevelopment status - Conduct spatial analysis to support feasibility studies, site selection, and strategic planning - Coordinate with internal teams to provide GIS support for grant applications, reports, presentations, and community engagement materials - Ensure data accuracy through regular audits, field verification, and integration of external datasets - Reads, interprets, and develops maps - Runs queries and produces thematic maps - Respond to data and mapping requests from staff, partners, and stakeholders - Maintain documentation, metadata, and data standards to ensure consistency and reliability - Other duties as assigned **Preferred Qualifications:** - Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Finance, Business or Public Administration, Urban Studies, Historic Preservation, Community Development, Social Work, or a related field from a four-year accredited college or university - 1 year of experience with community building, community engagement, and/or interpreting and applying regulations to programs, projects, or service…