| Location | Houston, TX |
GIS Specialist
Salary
Depends on Qualifications
Location
Houston, TX
Job Type
Regular Full-time
Job Number
17203
Department
Fire Marshals Office
Opening Date
09/09/2026
Closing Date
10/9/2026 11:59 PM Central
Position Description
Position Overview:
The Harris County Fire Marshals Office (HCFMO) is seeking a skilled and motivated Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist to join the Operations Support Bureau. This role supports fire investigation, hazmat operations, emergency management, and multi-agency coordination through the development and maintenance of geospatial tools, data systems, internal GIS web applications, and analytical products.
The GIS Specialist will design, maintain, and analyze spatial datasets; produce maps, dashboards, and reports; and serve as the HCFMOs primary geospatial resource in support of operational, investigative, and strategic decision-making. The position interfaces regularly with fire, EMS, and law enforcement agency partners across Harris County, and may support Emergency Operations Center (EOC) events.
The ideal candidate is technically proficient in ESRI products, comfortable with data integration and automation, able to support configuration-level maintenance of internal mapping applications (e.g., layer setup, symbology, access/permissions settings), and capable of translating complex geospatial information into clear, actionable products for command staff, public officials, and partner agencies.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Geospatial Analysis & Decision Support
Perform spatial analysis to support fire investigation, hazmat incident response, deployment planning, prevention, and risk reduction activities.
Develop and maintain data layers and geodatabases integrating internal records (incident, investigation, inspection) with external datasets (county parcels, Census, CAD feeds, utility infrastructure).
Analyze incident patterns, coverage gaps, response time performance, and risk density to support strategic and operational planning by command staff.
Produce recommendations and briefings derived from geospatial analysis for use by the Fire Marshal, division leadership, and partner agencies.
Evaluate data and access requirements for internal geospatial applications and recommend configuration changes to layers, symbology, or user permissions to better support analytical and operational needs.
Data Management & Quality Assurance
Design, build, and maintain geodatabases from multiple internal and external data sources in various formats.
Ensure spatial data accuracy, integrity, and consistency through systematic quality control and error-checking procedures.
Maintain geospatial data feeds required by Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems used by the HCFMO and regional dispatch partners.
Develop and document data standards, coding structures, and metadata to support business continuity and interoperability.
Apply change-control practices (e.g., testing and validating configuration or data changes before deployment to production systems) to minimize disruption to operational users.
Support maintenance of user and facility access permissions within internal geospatial applications, ensuring data governance and access-control settings remain accurate and current.
Cartography & Application Management
Produce and maintain print and digital maps for fire investigation, hazmat operations, fire prevention, special events, and administrative use.
Create and maintain ArcGIS Online web maps, dashboards, Survey123 forms, and mobile mapping applications used by field personnel.
Provide geospatial products and field support during large-scale incidents.
Maintain and update the mobile mapping environment for fire investigators and inspectors.
Configure and maintain layer settings, symbology, and feature-service connections within HCFMOs internal geospatial application(s), coordinating with technical/IT staff as needed for deeper platform-level changes.
Reporting & Data Visualization
Design and maintain operational and strategic reports and dashboards tailored to varied audiences, from field supervisors to elected officials.
Translate complex spatial data into clear visualizations (maps, charts, heat maps, infographics) that support retention and informed decision-making.
Integrate GIS products with other software platforms to support enterprise data workflows.
Coordination & Consultation
Serve as the HCFMOs GIS representative in regional geospatial working groups and inter-agency coordination bodies.
Collaborate with HCFMO divisions (investigations, hazmat, fire prevention, operations) and partner agencies to identify GIS needs and solutions.
Provide technical consultation and training to HCFMO personnel on GIS tools, data applications, and spatial query methods.
Support integration of GIS capabilities with UAS (drone) operations for incident mapping, post-fire documentation, and aerial data collection.
Automation & Workflow Development
Develop Python scripts, Model Builder workflows, and other automation tools to streamline routine data processing and reporting.
Evaluate and recommend new geospatial technologies, extensions, and integrations to improve HCFMO workflows.
Document all procedures, scripts, and automated workflows to ensure knowledge continuity.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or emailADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
OR
An Associates degree plus
Three (3) years of directly relevant full-time experience may be substituted for the bachelors degree requirement
WITH
Minimum three (3) years of full-time experience in GIS analysis, data management, and cartography.
Demonstrated experience using ESRI ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and related extensions (Spatial Analyst, Network Analyst).
Experience creating and maintaining geodatabases and ensuring geospatial data quality and integrity.
Experience producing maps, dashboards, and analytical reports for operational or decision-making purposes.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
GIS concepts, analytical techniques, and digital mapping principles.
ESRI product suite: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online/Enterprise, and extensions.
Geodatabase design, maintenance, and spatial data quality assurance methods.
Statistical and analytical methods applicable to spatial data (clustering, network analysis, proximity, density).
CAD system geospatial data requirements and integration methods.
Emergency management frameworks including ICS/NIMS; EOC operations and GISS function.
GPS concepts and field data collection procedures.
Data governance and access-control principles as applied to enterprise GIS applications.
Perform complex spatial analysis to support tactical, operational, and strategic decision-making in a public safety environment.
Produce clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate maps, reports, and visualizations under time pressure.
Manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively in a dynamic, operational environment.
Explain technical geospatial concepts clearly to non-technical users, including command staff, investigators, and partner agency personnel.
Work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining alignment with organizational priorities.
Establish effective working relationships with internal divisions and external partner agencies.
Respond and deploy for large-scale incidents, EOC activations, or other deployments as directed.
NOTICE: Applicants for this position will be subject to a criminal background check that includes being fingerprinted. This applies to any position with network access to Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) or access to an area where CJIS is received, maintained, or stored either manually or electronically (i.e. custodian, maintenance).
Automatic Disqualification:
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Experience in a public safety, emergency management, or law enforcement environment.
ICS GISS (GIS Specialist) credential or eligibility to obtain.
GISP certification or Esri technical certification(s).
Proficiency with Python scripting or GIS Model Builder for workflow automation.
Experience with SQL, relational databases, Microsoft SQL Server, or Power BI.
Familiarity with UAV/UAS operations and integration of aerial imagery into GIS workflows.
Experience with AutoCAD, Survey123, QuickCapture, or similar field data collection platforms.
Familiarity with reading or editing basic JavaScript/TypeScript or JSON configuration.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Regular Full-time
Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.
Salary:
Minimum: $36.72 Hourly
Depends on Qualifications
Based on 26 Pay Periods
Plus, benefits
Work Environment:
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Retirement Savings Benefit
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position? (Qualifying information must be documented in the Education section of your application.)
02
If you selected a college degree in response to the previous question, which of the following best describes your major?
03
Which of the following best describes your verifiable years of full-time experience in GIS analysis, data management, and cartography? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)
04
Which of the following best describes your verifiable years of directly relevant full-time experience? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)
05
Do you have experience creating and maintaining geodatabases and ensuring geospatial data quality and integrity? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)
06
Do you have experience producing maps, dashboards, and analytical reports for operational or decision-making purposes? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)
07
Do you have demonstrated experience using ESRI ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and related extensions (Spatial Analyst, Network Analyst)? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)
08
Which credentials, certifications, and/or experience do you have? Select all that apply.
Required Question
Employer Harris County
Address 1111 Fannin St
Ste. 600
Houston, Texas, 77002
Phone 713-274-5445
Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx