GIS Specialist

Job Title
GIS Specialist

Requisition Number
RE54750

Working Title

Department Name
3L600:ITS Networking & Infrastructure

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
43

Salary Range
$19.18-30.68/hour

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

BS

Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

1 yr

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs; Sitting at computer workstation for extended periods; Repetitive motion. *Must be able to work in an open collaborative team environment.

Shift

Monday-Friday (40 hrs/wk); Generally 8:00am – 5:00pm; and occasional overtime as needed.

Job Summary

We are seeking a GIS Specialist to join our team and support data-driven decision-making across the institution. This role plays a key part in advancing the university’s use of geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze, visualize, and communicate complex spatial data that informs planning, operations, and strategic initiatives. This position is part of UK’s evolving IT strategy and will report through the Technology Services department in Beyond Blue effective July 1, 2026.

In this position, you’ll develop and maintain GIS data, maps, and applications that support a wide range of university functions. You will collaborate with campus partners to translate business needs into meaningful geospatial solutions, providing insights that improve efficiency, enhance services, and support institutional goals.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for using data to tell compelling stories and solve real-world problems.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, maintain, and analyze GIS data, maps, and spatial databases to support university operations and planning
• Create visually compelling maps and dashboards to communicate complex data to a wide range of audiences
• Collaborate with campus partners to understand needs and deliver geospatial solutions that support decision-making
• Manage and update geospatial datasets to ensure accuracy, integrity, and accessibility
• Support GIS applications and tools, including troubleshooting and user support as needed
• Conduct spatial analysis to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities across university initiatives

What You’ll Bring

• Experience working with GIS software (e.g., Esri ArcGIS platform or similar tools)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and data accuracy
• Ability to translate complex data into clear visualizations and actionable insights
• Experience managing datasets and maintaining data integrity
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Initiative and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities

What’s In It for You

• Meaningful impact: Support data-informed decisions that shape university operations and strategy
• Skill development: Build expertise in GIS applications, spatial analysis, and data visualization
• Collaborative environment: Partner with a variety of campus stakeholders on high-impact projects
• Varied work: Engage in diverse projects spanning planning, operations, and analytics
• Comprehensive benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for growth

Why Now?

As the University of Kentucky continues to expand its use of data to drive decision-making, GIS plays an increasingly important role in understanding and optimizing campus operations and planning.

In this role, you will help:

• Enhance the university’s ability to visualize and interpret complex data
• Support strategic planning and operational efficiency through spatial analysis
• Deliver actionable insights that improve services and campus experiences

You’ll join at a time when your work will directly contribute to smarter, more informed decision-making across the institution.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Previous experience with voice and data installation and repair. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers, other departments and divisions

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Technical certifications preferred. GISP, ArcGIS Desktop Associate desired

Deadline to Apply
06/19/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.