GIS Data Manager - Disaster Recovery

Are we the road to your future?

We are currently searching for an experienced GIS professional to fulfil the role of GIS Data Manager - Disaster Recovery to support our Disaster Service Operations.

To be considered for this position, applicants musthave at minimum, 1 year of experience in GIS applications and flexible availability for long shifts with extended deployments.

A Disaster Debris Data Manager with GIS experience, is a professional responsible for collecting, managing, analyzing, and visualizing data related to disaster debris removal and recovery operations, with a specific emphasis on using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and analyze spatial data. This role supports FEMA, state, or local government disaster response efforts by ensuring accurate documentation, compliance with federal regulations (e.g., FEMA Public Assistance, FHWA), state regulations to support operational planning, and efficient reporting for maximum reimbursement.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Data Collection and Documentation:
• Oversee the collection of debris-related data, including volume, type (e.g., vegetative, construction, hazardous), location, and contractor activities, ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Use GIS tools to record and verify spatial data, such as debris pickup sites, disposal locations, or affected areas, often collected via GPS-enabled devices or field reports
• Audit contractor invoices to confirm eligibility for federal reimbursement and compliance with FEMA guidelines and any state guidelines
• GIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis:
• Create and maintain GIS databases to map debris collection sites, staging areas, disposal facilities, and disaster-impacted zones
• Perform spatial analysis to identify patterns, such as high-debris areas, inaccessible routes, or environmentally sensitive zones, to optimize removal operations
• Generate GIS-based visualizations (e.g., heatmaps, site maps) to support decision-making and communicate progress to stakeholders
• Data Management and Reporting:
• Organize and store debris and spatial data in secure systems, integrating GIS data with non-spatial datasets (e.g., contractor logs, cost records)
• Analyze data to identify operational inefficiencies, compliance issues, or reimbursement opportunities, using GIS to provide spatial context
• Prepare reports and dashboards for FEMA, state agencies, or local governments, including GIS maps and data summaries, to support Public Assistance (PA) claims and recovery planning
• Compliance and Coordination:
• Ensure data collection and documentation comply with FEMA, FHWA, state and environmental regulations, including proper handling of hazardous debris or protected areas identified via GIS
• Collaborate with field teams (e.g., debris monitors, inspectors), FEMA and state officials, and contractors to align GIS and data collection with operational goals
• Support daily briefings with GIS-based updates on debris removal progress, resource allocation, or site-specific challenges
• Technology and Process Improvement:
• Utilize GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, Esri Field Maps) alongside data management tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Access, FEMA Grants Portal) to manage and visualize data
• Recommend improvements to GIS workflows, data collection protocols, or integration with other systems to enhance accuracy and efficiency
• Troubleshoot GIS and data system issues, coordinating with IT teams or software vendors as needed
  
  

What You Need To Have

• Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS) for mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization
• Experience connecting ESRI systems with other databases
• Strong data management skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP), Access, or database systems
• Analytical skills to interpret spatial and non-spatial datasets and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities to manage high-pressure, post-disaster environments
• Clear communication skills for reporting to stakeholders, training teams, and coordinating with field personnel
• Ability to work independently and adapt to rapidly changing priorities in support of disaster operations
• 1–3 years of experience in GIS applications, data management, or disaster recovery, preferably with FEMA or debris management projects
• Flexible availability for long shifts (up to 12+ hours daily, 7 days a week) and extended deployments (weeks to months)
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Volkert adheres to federal guidelines, which may include testing for substances such as marijuana. Please note that federal regulations may differ from state-specific guidelines
• Valid driver’s license
• A satisfactory motor vehicle report (MVR)
  
  

Preferred Education And Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS, geography, data science, emergency management, environmental science, or a related field is typically required; equivalent experience may be accepted
• FEMA Professional Development Series (e.g., IS-632: Introduction to Debris Operations, IS-634: Introduction to FEMA’s Public Assistance)
• GIS certifications (e.g., Esri ArcGIS Desktop, GISP) or coursework in geospatial analysis.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety standards or environmental regulations for debris or hazardous materials
  
  

Why Volkert?

Volkert is employee owned and a Top 100 design firm, committed to providing clients with creative solutions for sustainability, including improvements to infrastructure, the environment, and natural resources. Founded in 1925, Volkert is celebrating a century of serving our employees, clients, partners, and communities. At Volkert, we pride ourselves on providing all of our employees with competitive compensation, positive work/life balance, and professional development opportunities, as well as fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace in all of our offices nationwide.

Key Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Medical, Dental, & Vision
• 401(k) retirement savings plan + employer matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and holidays
• Employer-Paid Life/AD&D insurance
• Employer-Paid short-term disability and long-term disability
• Wellness incentives
• Student Debt Retirement Match
• Additional voluntary benefits
  
  

The words from our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas A. Hand, PE, capture best how you can make an impact while working for Volkert.

“ For a century, Volkert has done meaningful work that improves our infrastructure and quality of life throughout our communities. We are proud of our one-hundred-year legacy and humbled by the opportunities ahead of us as we look forward to our next century of service. With our commitment to employee ownership and sustainable growth, you can build a career here that really makes a difference .”

– Thomas A. Hand, PE, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

EOE-Race/Sex/Vets/Disabled

Volkert does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies or fee-based recruitment services.