Associate GIS Specialist
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 18, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 1, 2026. True Environmental scores B on the Alion truth index.
GKY is seeking an Associate GIS Specialist to join our growing water resources practice. This is a unique hybrid position combining GIS and geospatial analysis with hands-on environmental fieldwork, stormwater investigations, infrastructure inspections, sampling, and regulatory compliance support for municipal clients throughout Northern Virginia.
The successful candidate will work with experienced project managers and technical staff to provide GIS analysis, mapping, stormwater infrastructure inspections, environmental investigations, and regulatory compliance support. Depending on experience, the selected candidate may also assist with developing GIS applications, field data collection technologies, and technical procedures while growing into a leadership role.
Our clients have come to expect exceptional service, technical excellence, and practical solutions. We are looking for someone who is detail-oriented, self-motivated, enjoys both office and field work, and is eager to continue developing professionally.
Projects may include municipal stormwater infrastructure mapping and condition assessments; dry-weather screening and illicit discharge investigations; stormwater sampling; BMP inspections; erosion and sediment control inspections; industrial stormwater compliance; mobile GIS application development; drainage area delineation; and MS4/TMDL program support.
The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys solving technical problems in the office while also getting outside to understand how infrastructure functions in the field. Whether your strengths are GIS, environmental science, or field investigations, you'll have opportunities to develop new skills, work alongside experienced professionals, and grow into increasing levels of technical and project responsibility.
What You'll Do
- Support Clean Water Act, MS4, TMDL, and other environmental compliance programs through GIS analysis.
- Develop and maintain geodatabases, GIS applications, and field data collection tools. Analyze and interpret GIS, field inspection, sampling, and other environmental data to identify trends, document findings, and support technical recommendations.
- Develop high-quality maps, graphics, reports, and spatial analyses using Esri GIS software.
- Develop and maintain drainage areas and stormwater infrastructure datasets.
- Perform GIS quality assurance and quality control to ensure data integrity.
- Respond to project requests for mapping, infrastructure data, reports, and spatial analyses.
- Assist with evaluating and implementing new GIS technologies and workflows.
- Provide GIS technical support and training to project staff as needed.
- Conduct field investigations to evaluate stormwater infrastructure, drainage conditions, potential illicit discharges, water quality concerns, and other environmental conditions.
- Perform stormwater sampling and field data collection.
- Conduct erosion and sediment control and stormwater management inspections.
- Collect GPS field data using tablets and mobile GIS applications.
- Document field observations and prepare inspection reports and technical memoranda.
- Assist with development of standard operating procedures and other technical documentation.
- Communicate professionally with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
Provide technical support for water resources, stormwater, and regulatory compliance projects, including:
GIS & Technical Support
Field Services
Required Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, Engineering, Natural Resources, or a related field.
- 0 to 4 years of relevant GIS, environmental consulting, or field investigation experience.
- Experience with or strong interest in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and mobile GIS applications.
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
- Ability and willingness to perform outdoor fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions.
- Comfortable using field equipment and lifting moderate amounts of equipment.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualfications
- Experience with geodatabase development and GIS data management.
- Experience with GPS data collection and mobile GIS workflows.
- Experience with Python or GIS automation.
- Virginia DEQ Stormwater Management (SWM) Inspector and/or Erosion & Sediment Control (ESC) Inspector certifications, or the ability to obtain them within 12 months of hire date.
- Experience conducting stormwater infrastructure inspections, investigations, or sampling.
- Experience reading engineering plans and construction drawings.
- Familiarity with Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), MS4 permit programs, TMDLs, or other Clean Water Act compliance programs.
- Experience working with local government clients.
- Esri technical certifications, GISP certification, or interest in pursuing applicable professional certifications.