AECOM is seeking a Principal GIS Specialist to serve as a technical lead in architecting and delivering advanced GIS solutions, guiding standards and automation, and coordinating delivery across teams. The role emphasizes technical excellence, client engagement, team mentorship, and business growth within environmental and infrastructure programs, with a preference for UK-based project experience.
What You'll Do
- 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 to assure accuracy, scalability, and maintainability.
- 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 broader program objectives; act as GIS/Data Lead on larger or more complex programs.
- Govern consistent workflows, documentation, metadata, and QA/QC, including adherence to internal/client Technical Quality Review (TQR) or equivalent processes.
- Support planning, budgeting, resourcing, and risk management, coordinating geospatial inputs across disciplines and locations.
- Serve as the technical point of contact on assigned projects; shape solutions, scopes, and cost estimates; contribute to method statements and pursuit materials.
- Help to build, maintain and grow long‑term client relationships, with emphasis on Environment sector needs and value.
- Support growth of the Geospatial business by proactively increasing market visibility through client workshops, technical publications and presentations, and participation in award submissions.
- Lead, mentor, and line‑manage team members; support capability growth, and career pathways.
- Develop and share patterns, templates, and best practices; contribute to technical communities, strategy, and continuous improvement.
- Champion a culture of standards, governance, reusability, and Health, Safety, Environment and Information Management compliance.
What We're Looking For
- Degree in GIS/geospatial science, environmental/data science, computer science, engineering, or a related field.
- Typically a minimum of 8 years of applied geospatial delivery within consultancy or multidisciplinary environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading geospatial delivery within environmental, planning, and/or infrastructure programs.
- Strong communication skills and ability to translate complex requirements into actionable technical plans.
- Demonstrable experience with quality, metadata, governance, and security practices within enterprise geospatial environments.
- Proficiency in English, verbal and written, with emphasis on technical GIS communication (CVs must be submitted in English).
Nice to Have
- Chartered or professionally registered status (or local equivalent, e.g., SAGC, ECSA, or nationally recognized licensing/accreditation)
- Substantial Environment sector experience spanning linear infrastructure, offshore/onshore wind, solar, CCS, hydrogen, nuclear, airports, marine, master planning, permitting & EIA.
- Experience working on UK projects, including familiarity with UK standards, regulations, and delivery contexts.
- Familiarity with open‑source geospatial (e.g., QGIS, GeoPandas) and cloud/web GIS patterns.
- Experience contributing to practice strategy, innovation initiatives, or broader technical leadership activities.
Technical Stack
- ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, Experience Builder / Web Experience, dashboards/visualization, Python/ArcPy, FME, SQL, Integration with CAD/BIM, APIs, field data tools (Survey123, Field Maps)
Team & Environment
- Global team of over 50,000 professionals
- Multidisciplinary teams including planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers
Benefits & Compensation
- medical benefits
- dental benefits
- vision benefits
- life insurance
- AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) benefits
- disability benefits
- paid time off
- leaves of absence
- voluntary benefits
- perks
- flexible work options
- well-being resources
- employee assistance program
- business travel insurance
- service recognition awards
- retirement savings plan
- employee stock purchase plan
Work Mode
Hybrid work model with office locations in Centurion (Pretoria), Durban, and Bellville (Cape Town), offering flexibility of a hybrid work schedule to include both office and remote work opportunities.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
