GIS Coordinator (GIS Project Manager)

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement (both remote and onsite). Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us is on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Information Services is the central IT department supporting all divisions of the Metropolitan Council. Our 140 team members provide technology, practices, and innovative solutions that enable the Council's core services.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The GIS Coordinator (GIS Project Manager) is part of the Council's core GIS team in the IS Department and works with all Metropolitan Council Divisions (Metro Transit, Environmental Services, Community Development, Metropolitan Transportation Services, and Regional Administration), overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects. This role ensures that technical teams, project stakeholders, and organizational leadership stay aligned on project goals, timelines, data quality, and outcomes. The GIS Project Manager combines project management expertise with strong geospatial knowledge to lead complex initiatives supporting analysis, mapping, planning, and decision-making.

• 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.

Education/Experience:
Any of the following combinations of experience (applying GIS to support government/private operations and managing projects) and completed education (degree field of study in Computer Science, Geography, GIS or related field):

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade I
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

Work Environment:
Work is performed in a standard office setting. May require travel between the primary work site and other sites.