Principal GIS Specialist

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Principal GIS Specialist. This is a hands-on technical lead responsible for architecting and delivering advanced GIS solutions, guiding standards and automation, and coordinating delivery across teams. Emphasis is on technical depth and delivery excellence, with proportionate responsibilities in consultative client engagement, team mentorship/line management, and measurable business growth.

Strong preference for experience supporting UK-based environmental programs (e.g., linear infrastructure, offshore/onshore wind, solar, carbon capture & storage, master planning, permitting & Environmental Impact Assessments).

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule to include both office and remote work opportunities and can be based in one of the following South Africa centers: Centurion (Pretoria), Durban or Bellville (Cape Town).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Advanced Technical Delivery

• 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.

Integration & Collaboration

• 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.

Quality, Governance & Delivery Management

• 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.

Client Consulting & Growth

• 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.

Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing

• 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• 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).

Technical Stack

• ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online.
• Experience Builder / Web Experience, dashboards/visualization.
• Python/ArcPy, FME, SQL.
• Integration with CAD/BIM, APIs, and field data tools (Survey123, Field Maps).

Preferred Requirements:

• 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.

Additional Information

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

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.