Job Information

Salary Range: $85,000 - $119,430

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! 

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

The Lead, GIS Specialist is accountable for addressing complex GIS technology challenges and shaping the strategic direction of GIS across American Water. This role supports the development and upkeep of the technology roadmap that drives key business outcomes. The Lead GIS Specialist manages projects from initial concept through full implementation, ensuring alignment with established technology standards and governance frameworks. They collaborate closely with business units and technology teams to deliver solutions that create value—improving operational efficiency, resolving business issues, and enabling data‑driven decision‑making.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and execute advanced analytical and GIS technology projects, applying sound project management practices to ensure timely delivery and adherence to quality and governance standards.
• Design, develop, and implement both custom and out‑of‑the‑box GIS solutions that support short‑ and long‑term business objectives and drive operational efficiency.
• Serve as a technical expert in GIS and related technology areas—including databases, scripting, conflict resolution, server/web services, and application development—providing guidance, troubleshooting support, and recommendations that advance GIS capabilities across American Water.
• Mentor and develop GIS team members, promoting high performance, accountability, and consistent adoption of enterprise GIS strategies, standards, and best practices.
• Identify and drive workflow and process improvements, ensuring efficient, scalable, and value‑added GIS operations.
• Manage stakeholder expectations, support project communications, and contribute to maintaining effective governance for GIS solutions and initiatives.
• Support the development, testing, documentation, and rollout of approved GIS systems and processes to enhance operational performance and data reliability.
• Act as a liaison between GIS and IT, strengthening collaboration and alignment on shared goals, technologies, and system integrations.
• Create and maintain spatial and attribute data in accordance with established GIS procedures, editing standards, and data quality requirements.
• Participate in GIS committees, workgroups, and user communities, helping to define and update standards, best practices, and performance metrics while promoting a unified GIS vision across American Water.
• Prepare and present reports, dashboards, and presentations to senior leadership, and deliver clear communication on GIS initiatives and outcomes.
• Collaborate with business partners—including field operations, engineering, and construction—to drive adoption and effective use of GIS‑enabled solutions and workflows.
• Stay current on emerging GIS & GNSS technologies, attending workshops, training sessions, and vendor demonstrations to continually advance professional expertise.

Knowledge/Skills

• Advanced level of knowledge of Esri ArcGIS suite of Products, to include ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Enterprise.
• GNSS Technology, specifically EOS and/or Trimble products.
• Proficient level understanding of water and wastewater network structures.
• Solid foundation of GIS methodologies, database management, programming/scripting (i.e., Python, Arcade), , data analytics, data model formats, and data conversion practices.
• Knowledge of GIS workflows, including desktop mapping, editing, QAQC, and web and database applications.
• Intermediate to advanced level of understanding of QAQC for GIS data, to include industry best practices and knowledge of available Esri QAQC tools.
• Proficient to advanced level understanding of GNSS technology, workflows, and best practices.
• Proficient foundation in computer science. Not specific to any language or framework, but an understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin all software and application development and design. 
• Familiarity with working in a versioned network environment.
• Excellent decision-making, analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills. Detail oriented to conduct thorough review and evaluations, render, and implement timely decisions and recommendations.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Flexibility to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, ambiguity, and rapid change.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and to deliver results through others while overcoming obstacles to success.
• Possesses a high energy level, sense of urgency, decisiveness, and ability to work well under pressure with grace and humility.
• Possesses a curiosity and a passion towards engaging the imagination of business leaders in grasping and enabling the fundamentals of change.
• Demonstrated ability to work and team with a multitude of different people from various lines of business.
• Creative approach to problem-solving with the ability to focus on details while simultaneously maintaining the “big picture” view.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting, etc.).

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science, or related field. 
• 8+ years’ experience with a bachelor’s degree or 14+ years’ experience without a bachelor’s degree in GIS/GNSS. Proven experience managing large GIS initiatives. Utility experience preferred.

Travel Requirements

Periodic local travel; occasional national travel (e.g., User's conference, etc.)

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