Geospatial and Digital Innovation Development Leader

Accountabilities:: Cross-Practice Technical Leadership: Serve as the U.S.-based technical authority for geospatial, GIS, geomatics, and digital solutions across six practice areas, including natural resources, mining, environmental services, engineering, water resources, and federal projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to assess existing workflows, identify opportunities for automation and spatial data integration, and prioritize technology development initiatives. Establish enterprise-wide standards for geodatabase architecture, metadata management, data governance, quality assurance, quality control, and geospatial deliverables. Coordinate with international digital technology teams to align platforms, share expertise, and develop reusable solutions across the organization. Provide technical reviews of geospatial deliverables and contribute to proposals by defining appropriate digital and technical solutions. Product and Platform Development: Design and develop enterprise geodatabases, web-mapping applications, dashboards, and digital-twin platforms integrating 2D and 3D mapping, asset inventories, BIM/Revit models, point clouds, document repositories, and inspection records. Develop reusable analytical tools and automated workflows for engineering and environmental applications, including dredging analysis, cut-and-fill calculations, routing, contaminant visualization, flood exposure, and regulatory reporting. Build and maintain field data collection applications using platforms such as Survey123, Field Maps, Fulcrum, or custom-developed solutions. Develop data integration pipelines connecting field applications, enterprise databases, modeling tools, and client deliverables. Integrate real-time and external data sources, including IoT sensors, vessel tracking systems, weather and environmental feeds, bathymetric surveys, and LiDAR data. Automate processes using Python, SQL, JavaScript, ModelBuilder, and FME, while converting legacy CAD, MicroStation, Access, Excel, and PDF information into spatially enabled databases. Innovation and Technology Evaluation: Evaluate and pilot emerging technologies, including GeoAI, large language model (LLM)-assisted data compilation, automated metadata generation, defect detection, and change detection from imagery and point clouds. Explore open-source geospatial technologies, cloud-based deployment solutions, and immersive or extended-reality (XR) visualization. Lead reality-capture initiatives in collaboration with field teams, including terrestrial and bathymetric LiDAR, sonar, drone-based photogrammetry, and inspection programs. Identify successful project-specific solutions that can be developed into reusable internal tools or client-facing digital products. Client Engagement, Training, and Mentorship: Represent the organization in client meetings, technical presentations, industry conferences, professional associations, and user groups. Develop standard operating procedures, documentation, video tutorials, and training programs to encourage adoption and effective use of digital tools. Mentor GIS analysts and developers across different practice areas, providing guidance on software development, database architecture, scripting, and technical best practices. Work collaboratively with technical leadership and practice managers to ensure digital innovation initiatives deliver measurable business and client value. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Geography, Geospatial Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline. At least 20 years of progressive experience in geospatial technology and application development, including substantial experience serving as a technical lead on multidisciplinary projects. Background in environmental consulting, engineering, architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), or public-sector environments. GISP certification or the ability to obtain certification within 12 months. Extensive expertise with the Esri ecosystem, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise/Server, ArcGIS Online, Experience Builder, Survey123, Field Maps, and 3D/Spatial Analyst. Strong software development capabilities using Python, SQL, JavaScript, Esri JavaScript API, Leaflet, and Node.js. Experience with relational database architecture and technologies such as PostgreSQL/PostGIS and SQL Server. Demonstrated success developing web applications, dashboards, and enterprise GIS infrastructure that improve operational efficiency or support better client decision-making. Experience integrating field data collection platforms with enterprise geodatabases, modeling applications, and reporting systems. Ability to gather and translate technical requirements from non-GIS stakeholders into practical, scalable solutions. Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts and trade-offs to different audiences. Confidence presenting technical solutions to clients, government agencies, and industry professionals. Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary, geographically distributed, and international teams. Authorization to work in the United States without requiring current or future employment sponsorship. Preferred Qualifications: Experience developing digital-twin or asset-management platforms integrating point clouds, BIM models, and inspection data, particularly in ports, utilities, transportation, or infrastructure. Practical experience with reality-capture technologies, including LiDAR, bathymetric and sonar surveys, UAS operations, photogrammetry, and 3D modeling. FAA Part 107 certification or relevant experience with commercial drone operations. Familiarity with open-source geospatial technologies such as QGIS, MapServer, GeoServer, and PostGIS. Experience with cloud infrastructure and deployment environments, particularly Microsoft Azure or AWS. Knowledge of AI, machine learning, and LLM-assisted applications for geospatial data compilation, automated defect detection, and metadata generation. Experience integrating enterprise asset management (EAM) and BIM platforms, such as Maximo and Autodesk Forma. Familiarity with CAD and MicroStation data conversion using FME. Experience with 3D visualization, immersive technologies, extended reality (XR), or interactive training solutions. Previous experience coordinating technical initiatives across multiple offices, distributed teams, or international organizations. Benefits: Remote work: Fully remote, full-time opportunity based in the United States. Strategic technical influence: Opportunity to shape enterprise-wide geospatial and digital innovation strategies. Cross-disciplinary collaboration: Work alongside experienced professionals in engineering, environmental science, GIS, natural resources, mining, and water resources. Technology and innovation: Direct involvement in emerging technologies, including AI, GeoAI, digital twins, automation, and advanced geospatial platforms. Professional visibility: Opportunities to represent the organization at client meetings, industry conferences, professional associations, and technical events. Career development: Opportunity to influence technical standards, mentor specialists, and lead major digital transformation initiatives. Meaningful impact: Contribute to projects across infrastructure, transportation, water, energy, power and utilities, mining, industrial, environmental, and natural resources markets. Collaborative environment: Work with multidisciplinary and international teams to develop scalable solutions and share technical expertise.