GIS Application Developer

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a skilled GIS Application Developer to support the design, development, integration, and administration of GIS applications and platforms that are critical to our regional planning efforts. This role offers a dynamic opportunity to build, maintain, and optimize complex GIS applications, systems, and administrators while working closely with internal stakeholders in a highly collaborative environment. The initial focus of the role will be supporting the maintenance and development of the Regional Data Platform suite of GIS applications such as Housing Element Parcel Tool (HELPR) and Local Data Exchange. The successful candidate brings a strong blend of technical expertise in both GIS application development and enterprise system administration for ESRI suite of software's, along with excellent communication and collaboration skills to effectively partner with cross-functional teams.

This position is eligible to work remotely from a location based within the SCAG region and is expected to be in the office at least 1 day per quarter for IT division meetings, and on occasional and/or ad-hoc days, at the discretion of management and business needs. 

The Application Development and Support department is responsible for many of SCAG's core technology systems and involved in multiple SCAG initiatives. The team develops, manages, tests, supports, maintains, and consults on applications including region shaping metropolitan planning systems, operationally focused finance and support systems, and public facing information sharing systems. Some of the current applications and technologies used include Microsoft Great Plains (GP), WorkPlace, OnBase, Microsoft CRM, custom Inter-Government Review (IGR), custom Finance Management Systems (FMS), Azure DevOps, Microsoft Dynamics 365, ESRI ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, ServiceNow, Microsoft SQL Server, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), and Crystal Reports. This role will primarily focus on the GIS applications in this portfolio.

WHO WE ARE

As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered. 

WHAT WE BELIEVE

MISSION
To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION
Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG CORE VALUES

• Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
• Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
• Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
• Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.
• Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

GIS Administration (50%):

• Manage and maintain all core components of the ArcGIS Enterprise environment, including Portal, Server, Data Store, and Web Adaptor in a High Available environment.
• Monitor system performance, apply updates and patches, and troubleshoot technical issues to ensure a secure, scalable, and reliable GIS environment.
• Automate administrative workflows and support operational efficiency using tools such as Python, PowerShell, and ArcPy.
• Providing guidance and support to GIS users, answering questions, and troubleshooting issues. They also develop and deliver training programs to enhance user skills and knowledge of ArcGIS software.
• Identifying opportunities to improve GIS workflows, designing and implementing sustainable GIS processes, and ensuring the efficient use of ArcGIS across the organization.
• Monitor GIS system health and provide detailed reports on its usage and bottleneck if any to leadership; diagnose and resolve system-level and service-related issues.

GIS Application Development (35%):

• Design, develop, and maintain custom GIS applications, tools, and widgets using Esri ArcGIS technologies such as Experience Builder, ArcGIS Web AppBuilder, and ArcGIS APIs.
• Translate business needs into functional GIS applications by collaborating with stakeholders to analyze requirements and identify appropriate technical solutions.
• Integrate GIS functionality with enterprise systems and workflows to support internal planning tools and data products.
• Support and guide power users in the design and configuration of GIS applications, ensuring alignment with system architecture and performance standards.

Other (15%):

• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance for GIS users across the agency, including resolving software, access, and integration issues.
• Actively participate in GIS governance, data stewardship, and knowledge-sharing activities to promote consistency and standards across the agency.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, user guides, and internal knowledge base content to support ongoing operations and knowledge transfer.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 5 years of experience in GIS development and architecture and a bachelor’s degree in a GIS, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or relevant field.

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

We’ll be a great match if you also have: 

• Experience in GIS system administration, configuration, and maintenance of GIS servers, Portals, ArcGIS Online and its services. 
• Experience supporting COTS and custom development, including the use of Experience Builder custom widgets, and web development with ReactJS, and ArcGIS web libraries.
• Experience with Python scripting for GIS tasks, including the use of ArcGIS Python libraries for automation and data processing.
• Hands-on experience using Esri ArcGIS software, Geodatabases (GeoDBs), and exposure to third-party GIS tools such as GeoJobe, AGOL assistant and Geocortex.
• General understanding of GIS Data Warehousing andGIS Data Architecture.
• Knowledge of ITIL and experience with ServiceNow for IT service management and tracking of GIS-related issues.
• Ability to prepare and document technical analysis, design, and architecture for GIS data and system implementations to meet business and technical requirements.
• Experience applying project management principles, including work in Microsoft Azure DevOps, and contributing to cross-functional GIS initiatives.
• The ability to develop clear, concise communications, technical documentation, and reports.
• The ability to communicate effectively and build positive working relationships with staff, management, and external stakeholders.
• The ability to conduct user needs analysis, translate requirements into user stories, and break them into actionable tasks.

Please note, this posting will remain open until August 7, 2025, with the first application review taking place on July 24, 2025. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.

Salary : $100,000 - $135,000