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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for GIS Instructor

💰 $65,000 - $95,000

EducationTechnologyGISGeographyData ScienceTraining

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a passionate and experienced GIS Instructor to join our team and lead our geospatial education initiatives. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for inspiring and educating students on the principles, technologies, and real-world applications of Geographic Information Systems. You will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of geospatial analysts, specialists, and scientists by developing engaging curriculum, delivering hands-on instruction, and providing dedicated mentorship. This position requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise in GIS software, a talent for explaining complex concepts clearly, and a genuine commitment to student success. If you are eager to share your knowledge and make a lasting impact in the rapidly evolving field of geospatial technology, we encourage you to apply.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • GIS Analyst / Specialist with a passion for training
  • Geospatial Data Scientist
  • Teaching Assistant (Geography / GIS)
  • Corporate GIS Trainer

Advancement To:

  • Senior GIS Instructor / Lead Instructor
  • Academic Program Coordinator (GIS)
  • Curriculum Development Manager
  • Training and Development Manager (Geospatial)

Lateral Moves:

  • GIS Consultant
  • Technical Writer (GIS Documentation)
  • Geospatial Solutions Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, update, and deliver engaging and comprehensive instructional materials for a range of GIS courses, covering introductory to advanced topics in geospatial analysis, data management, and cartography.
  • Instruct students in classroom, laboratory, and online/hybrid environments, employing a variety of teaching methodologies and technologies to accommodate diverse learning styles and ensure comprehension.
  • Provide expert guidance and one-on-one mentorship to students on their individual and group projects, capstone research, and career development within the geospatial industry.
  • Design, create, and maintain hands-on lab exercises, tutorials, and relevant datasets that reflect real-world geospatial problems and professional workflows.
  • Manage and maintain the GIS computer lab facilities, including software installation (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS), license management, and troubleshooting technical issues to ensure a seamless and functional learning environment.
  • Assess student learning and performance through a variety of methods, including exams, quizzes, practical lab assignments, and project evaluations, providing timely, constructive, and detailed feedback.
  • Stay current with the latest industry developments, emerging technologies, and best practices in GIS, remote sensing, and instructional design to ensure curriculum remains relevant and cutting-edge.
  • Collaborate with faculty, department heads, and advisory committees to periodically review, revise, and enhance the GIS program curriculum to meet academic standards and evolving industry demands.
  • Facilitate and lead specialized workshops, bootcamps, and professional development training sessions for internal staff, faculty, and external community members on specific GIS software and analytical techniques.
  • Advise and mentor students on academic pathways, course selection, and strategies for securing internships or employment opportunities in the geospatial field.
  • Develop and manage online course content, assignments, and resources within a Learning Management System (LMS) such as Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative learning environment that encourages student inquiry, critical thinking, and professional conduct.
  • Engage in continuous professional development activities, such as attending conferences, participating in webinars, and obtaining new certifications to enhance teaching effectiveness and subject matter expertise.
  • Network with industry professionals, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to establish partnerships for guest lectures, student projects, and internship placements.
  • Provide high-level technical support and consultation to students and faculty from other departments for GIS software and related geospatial technologies.
  • Contribute to departmental and institutional service by participating in committee work, student recruitment events, and open houses.
  • Administer and oversee the institution's Esri site license or other geospatial software agreements, serving as a primary point of contact for vendor relations and license distribution.
  • Design and implement assessment strategies to measure program-level learning outcomes and utilize the results to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Guide students in the ethical considerations of data collection, analysis, and visualization, including privacy, accuracy, and representation.
  • Assist in the preparation of grant proposals to secure funding for new lab equipment, software, research projects, or educational initiatives.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis for institutional research.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by advocating for geospatial best practices.
  • Collaborate with other academic units to integrate spatial thinking and GIS tools into interdisciplinary courses.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if involved with an internal development or data team.
  • Assist in marketing and promoting the GIS program to prospective students and the wider community.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced proficiency with the Esri ArcGIS platform, particularly ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and associated apps (e.g., StoryMaps, Field Maps, Survey123).
  • Strong working knowledge of open-source GIS software, especially QGIS and its ecosystem of plugins and processing tools.
  • Demonstrable experience with Python scripting for GIS automation, utilizing libraries such as ArcPy and open-source alternatives like GeoPandas.
  • Solid understanding of geospatial data management principles, including experience with enterprise geodatabases (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL/PostGIS).
  • Expertise in core cartographic design principles and advanced data visualization techniques for creating clear, effective, and aesthetically pleasing maps.
  • Proficiency in a variety of geoprocessing, spatial analysis, and geostatistical methods (e.g., network analysis, density analysis, spatial interpolation).
  • Experience with web GIS technologies and concepts, such as publishing web services and building web mapping applications (e.g., using ArcGIS API for JavaScript, Leaflet).
  • Foundational knowledge of remote sensing principles and image processing techniques.
  • Experience delivering instruction and managing course content through a Learning Management System (LMS) like Canvas, Moodle, or Blackboard.
  • Familiarity with relational database design and using SQL for complex spatial data queries and management.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills, with a proven ability to explain complex technical concepts to a diverse, non-technical audience.
  • A genuine passion for teaching, mentoring, and fostering student growth and success.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and create a supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning atmosphere.
  • Patience, empathy, and adaptability in responding to student needs and varying levels of understanding.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills to effectively juggle multiple courses, student advising, and administrative duties.
  • A strong aptitude for problem-solving and critical thinking, both for technical GIS challenges and pedagogical strategies.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • A Master's degree in Geography, Geographic Information Science (GIS), Geomatics, or a closely related field with a strong emphasis on geospatial technology.

Preferred Education:

  • A Ph.D. in Geography, Geographic Information Science, or a related discipline.
  • Professional certifications such as Esri Technical Certifications or GISP (Certified GIS Professional).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Geographic Information Science (GIS)
  • Geography
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Environmental Science
  • Geomatics Engineering
  • Data Science with a geospatial specialization

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5+ years of professional experience applying GIS in a government, private industry, or research setting, combined with at least 1-2 years of experience in a teaching, corporate training, or formal mentorship capacity.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience teaching credit-bearing GIS courses at the university or community college level.
  • Demonstrated experience in curriculum design and the development of instructional materials for both in-person and online delivery.
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