Centurion, South Africa Hybrid

AECOM is hiring a Principal GIS Specialist

About the Role

Lead the evolution of geospatial solutions in complex environmental and infrastructure programs by designing scalable data models, analytics workflows, and interactive applications. This role drives technical excellence across GIS platforms, ensuring alignment with engineering, digital twin initiatives, and field operations through integrated systems.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and deploy spatial data architectures using ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, Experience Builder, and related tools, including Survey123 and Field Maps for field data collection.
  • Automate geoprocessing workflows using Python, ArcPy, FME, and ModelBuilder, applying Arcade expressions where appropriate to enhance logic and efficiency.
  • Manage enterprise and file geodatabases, enforcing standards for schema design, metadata, versioning, and security to ensure data integrity and long-term usability.
  • Apply advanced spatial analytics, including multi-criteria decision models for site evaluation, and support emerging digital twin applications.
  • Integrate GIS with CAD/BIM systems, SQL databases, and external APIs, bridging geospatial data with broader digital engineering environments.
  • Collaborate with project teams to define GIS scope, deliverables, and technical interfaces, serving as GIS lead on complex, cross-disciplinary programs.
  • Ensure quality assurance through documentation, metadata management, and adherence to internal and client technical review processes.
  • Support planning, budgeting, and risk assessment, coordinating geospatial resources across project phases and geographic locations.
  • Act as primary technical contact for clients, shaping solution design, cost estimates, and technical proposals.
  • Build and maintain client relationships, particularly in the Environment sector, emphasizing value delivery and technical credibility.
  • Advance the visibility of geospatial capabilities through workshops, technical publications, presentations, and award submissions.
  • Mentor and lead team members, supporting professional development and career progression.
  • Develop and share reusable templates, best practices, and technical patterns, contributing to organizational knowledge and strategic improvement.
  • Promote governance, reusability, and compliance with health, safety, environmental, and information management standards.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold a degree in GIS, geospatial science, environmental science, computer science, engineering, or a related field, with at least 8 years of experience delivering geospatial solutions in consultancy or multidisciplinary settings. Proven leadership in environmental, planning, or infrastructure projects is essential, along with strong communication skills and the ability to convert complex requirements into clear technical plans. Experience with enterprise GIS governance, metadata, and security protocols is required. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory.

Preferred Background

  • Professional certification or chartered status (e.g., SAGC, ECSA, or equivalent).
  • Extensive experience in the Environment sector, including renewable energy, transportation, marine, permitting, EIA, and master planning.
  • Work experience on UK-based projects and familiarity with local regulations and standards.
  • Knowledge of open-source GIS tools such as QGIS and GeoPandas, and experience with cloud-based or web GIS architectures.
  • Track record in technical strategy, innovation, or practice leadership.

Technical Environment

Core tools include ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, Experience Builder, dashboards, Python/ArcPy, FME, SQL, CAD/BIM integration, APIs, Survey123, and Field Maps.

Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid role based in Centurion (Pretoria), Durban, or Bellville (Cape Town), offering flexibility between office and remote work.

Required Skills
ArcGIS ProArcGIS EnterpriseArcGIS OnlineExperience BuilderWeb ExperienceDashboardsVisualizationPythonArcPyFMESQLCAD/BIM IntegrationAPIsGeospatial AnalysisMetadata Management ArcGIS ProArcGIS EnterpriseArcGIS OnlineExperience BuilderWeb ExperienceDashboardsVisualizationPythonArcPyFMESQLCAD/BIM IntegrationAPIsGeospatial GovernanceMetadata Management
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About company
AECOM
AECOM is the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering solutions in water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings. The company partners with public- and private-sector clients to solve complex challenges and build legacies through advisory, planning, design, engineering, and construction management. A Fortune 500 firm with $16.1 billion revenue in fiscal year 2025.
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Posted 22 days ago