Entry Level Spatial Design Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Overview
We are seeking a Geographic Information System (GIS) Technician to join Ricondo's team of talented aviation consultants in our Chicago office. Ricondo team members are passionate about working alongside airport management to solve the complex issues facing the aviation industry today. Our firm provides strategic planning services to airports across the United States and around the world, including operational and physical planning, master planning, environmental reviews, and business advisory services. As a GIS Technician, you will work both independently and in collaboration with our diverse team of aviation professionals. You will also have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and expertise by participating in diverse aviation projects. No two airports are the same, and no two projects are alike, so if you are a problem-solver and lifelong learner, join our team and grow with us!
The GIS Technician will perform entry-level professional assignments, develop and refine unique geospatial solutions, and collaborate with diverse project teams. The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of GIS, expertise with Esri software, ample attention to detail, and a passion for research and growth as a GIS professional. Successful candidates must demonstrate expertise in cartography, an understanding of database development, and geoprocessing skills to support project goals. The candidate should possess the knowledge of or desire to learn about the complex aviation industry and its relationships with the public and private sectors.
Core Responsibilities Requirements

• Produce, maintain, and update a variety of maps, following Ricondo's branding and cartographic standards.

• Research, acquire, and verify project-related data from internal, open source, client, or third-party sources.
• Manage digital library and metadata of geospatial datasets for various file types and maps.

• Build and maintain geospatial workflows using Esri tools, geoprocessing models, and scripting languages, such as Python and Arcade. Analyze spatial relationships, trends, and patterns to support planning, operational, and environmental initiatives.
• Manipulate images and physical maps for electronic mapping and digitization.
• Assist in ArcGIS Online/Enterprise initiatives and projects, including web map development and application design.
• Effectively and efficiently apply technology and use online resources to understand, troubleshoot, and resolve GIS problems.
• Willingness to travel domestically within the United States and internationally.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, geography, engineering, architecture, urban planning, or a closely related field
• 0-3 years of increasingly responsible experience in GIS or related field

• GIS Certification, or a minimum of one year of work experience using GIS to develop maps and problem-solve .
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.

• Experience and extensive knowledge of Esri platform and products including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online (ArcGIS Enterprise is a plus), and built-in tools to maintain, manipulate, and edit geospatial datasets.

• Experience with Autodesk AutoCAD, Google Earth Pro, or other drafting technologies. Knowledge of data conversions from various feature types, such as dwg, kml, shp, csv, etc.

• Proficiency with querying languages, such as SQL, Arcade, and/or Python.

• An outstanding quantitative skill set, analytical mindset, and efficient and detail-oriented work style.
• Experience working with multiple coordinate systems and geographic projections, as well as knowledge of reprojecting data.
• Understanding of Esri location services and geocoding, and an ability to convert spatial tabular data to a feature class.
• Understanding and experience working with environmental datasets, US Census, demographic, and socioeconomic data.
• Experience editing, georeferencing, and digitizing various data types.
• Knowledge of georeferenced aerials and orthoimages, raster datasets, and analytics.
• Experience with Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Additional Preferred Technical Skills

• Experience with Esri Enterprise, open data Hub sites, and REST Services.
• Experience with Safe Software's Feature Manipulation Engine (FME).
• Experience with relational database management systems, SQL querying, and database manipulation and operations.
• Proficiency with programming and design languages, such as Arcade, Python, and/or JavaScript.
• Expertise in technical writing and ability to effectively communicate spatial relationships.
• Experience in aviation, governmental services, or management consulting.

Soft Skills

• Self-motivated: Initiative to identify creative and technically sound solutions,and ability to work collaboratively with team members in-person and virtually.
• Detail-oriented: The ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences and to edit for standardization and consistency
• Proactive and Effective Communication: Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication Skills to coordinate with team members and clients.
• Highly Organized: Plan and prioritize work assignments and demonstrate ability to manage concurrent projects with different project teams and timelines effectively and efficiently.

Competitive Benefits Package

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match depending on company performance
• 100% Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Generous paid time-off program for sick leave and vacation time
• Company-paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Professional certification, licensure, and association membership funding
• Professional conferences and seminars
• Internal workshops and webinars
• Short- and long-term disability insurance coverage
• Life insurance (survivor benefits)
• Team member referral bonus program
• Flexible spend accounts (medical and dependent care)

The base pay range for this role is $62,000 to $88,000. The base salary range/hourly rate established for a job offer is dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, education, and skills.
Our Team
Ricondo has served the aviation industry for over 30 years. Our team of nearly 160 consultants represents the brightest and most well-respected professionals in aviation today, working together to meet our clients' needs with ideas, expertise, and transformative solutions. Advance your career with our talented team and help shape the built airport environment.
We strive to be a responsible business that adheres to high legal, moral, and ethical professional standards. Our pride is our people, as evidenced by our extremely competitive benefits. We are committed to equality and diversity, cross-disciplinary training, and staff development. We emphasize quality and accountability in a respectful, collaborative, and congenial environment.
Ricondo is an equal-opportunity employer.