Principal GIS Specialist

5d5 days ago

AECOM

Centurion, ZA · Full-time · ZAR 1,000,000 – ZAR 1,500,000

About this role

AECOM is seeking a Principal GIS Specialist. This hands-on technical lead architects and delivers advanced GIS solutions, guides standards and automation, and coordinates delivery across teams. Emphasis is on technical depth and delivery excellence, with responsibilities in client engagement, team mentorship, and business growth.

Design and implement robust spatial data models, analytics pipelines, and application patterns using ArcGIS Enterprise/Online, Experience Builder, dashboards, Survey123, and Field Maps for field operations. Drive automation and quality with Python/ArcPy, FME, ModelBuilder, and reproducible workflows. Steward enterprise geodatabases including schema, standards, metadata, versioning, and security.

Integrate GIS with engineering and environmental workflows, CAD/BIM, SQL databases, APIs, and digital data capture. Work with project managers and discipline leads to align GIS scope, resources, and deliverables to program objectives. Act as GIS/Data Lead on larger or complex programs.

Govern consistent workflows, documentation, metadata, and QA/QC adhering to Technical Quality Review processes. Support planning, budgeting, resourcing, and risk management for geospatial inputs. Serve as technical point of contact, shape solutions, scopes, and contribute to pursuits.

Build and grow long-term client relationships in the Environment sector. Join a global team of over 50,000 professionals delivering impactful projects worldwide. This position offers hybrid flexibility with office and remote opportunities in South Africa centers.

Requirements

Strong preference for experience supporting UK-based environmental programs (e.g., linear infrastructure, offshore/onshore wind, solar, carbon capture & storage, master planning, permitting & Environmental Impact Assessments)
Expertise in ArcGIS Enterprise/Online, Experience Builder/Web Experience, dashboards, Survey123, and Field Maps
Proficiency in Python/ArcPy, FME, ModelBuilder, Arcade, and reproducible workflows
Experience stewarding enterprise/file geodatabases including schema, standards, metadata, versioning, and security
Knowledge of advanced analytics such as multi-criteria decision analysis for site selection and digital twin use cases
Skills in integrating GIS with CAD/BIM, SQL databases, APIs, and digital data capture
Ability to govern workflows, documentation, metadata, QA/QC, and Technical Quality Review processes
Capability to act as GIS/Data Lead on complex programs with client engagement and team coordination

Responsibilities

Design and implement robust spatial data models, analytics pipelines, and application patterns (ArcGIS Enterprise/Online, Experience Builder/Web Experience, dashboards), including Survey123 and Field Maps for field operations
Drive automation and quality using Python/ArcPy, FME (Form & Flow), ModelBuilder, and reproducible workflows; apply Arcade where appropriate
Steward enterprise/file geodatabases (schema, standards, metadata, versioning, security) and perform technical reviews
Apply advanced analytics (e.g., multi-criteria decision analysis for site selection) and support emerging digital twin use cases
Integrate GIS with engineering and environmental workflows, CAD/BIM, databases (SQL), APIs, and digital data capture
Work with project managers and discipline leads to align GIS scope, interfaces, resources, and deliverables to program objectives; act as GIS/Data Lead on larger programs
Govern consistent workflows, documentation, metadata, and QA/QC, including adherence to Technical Quality Review processes
Serve as technical point of contact on projects; shape solutions, scopes, cost estimates, and contribute to method statements and pursuits

Benefits

Flexibility of a hybrid work schedule including both office and remote work opportunities
Can be based in Centurion (Pretoria), Durban, or Bellville (Cape Town)
Join a global team driven by common purpose to deliver a better world
Part of accelerating infrastructure investment projects worldwide