Freelance Geospatial Data Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

IEM is looking for aFull Time SME - Geospatial Analyst to service emergency management and recovery focused projects across the United States.

Primary Location:

• Live anywhere that meets remote work requirements in the United States Including Puerto Rico
• Work will take place in an office environment, or personal office / at home and will depend on the need of the project
• Preferred candidates will reside in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Travel Requirements:

• This position will require occasional travel based on client needs and assigned projects.

Essential Functions:

• Perform HEC-RAS 2D on grid modeling.
• Utilize cartographic and geographic information system (GIS) techniques to plan, develop, and implement complex, high quality static maps and web mapping applications.
• Create expert-level, defensible maps and reports related erosion repair, risk reduction, and eligibility of cascading impacts from authoritative sources.
• Design, create and maintain geographic data files, including geographic data models, polygons, lines, points, and rasters.
• Design, create, and maintain logical data structures and spatial data models including topology, dynamic segmentation, geometric networks, and address models.
• Convert data between various spatial formats and projections and load data into spatial databases and geographic data models.
• Establish standards and quality control for data entry procedures.
• Develop, implement, and maintain highly complex GIS projects using technical and task management skills.
• Develop specifications; define data requirements, data sources, and design logic; lead and participate in research and evaluation of alternative methods and approaches for GIS solutions.
• Analyze and make recommendations concerning GIS technical matters.
• Make recommendations regarding upgrades, considering implications of new or revised GIS software, equipment, or applications.
• Utilize FEMA's Hazus modeling software to run hazard models and analyze outputs for integration into planning documents.
• Develop complex GIS applications that leverage custom coding (e.g., HTML, JavaScript, Python) and frameworks (e.g., ArcGIS APIs and SDKs).
• Develop and maintain GIS web services from external feeds such as CSV, JSON, XML, API, etc.
• Meet with customers to analyze business and operational processes; develop clearly articulated business and functional requirements and create design for GIS technology solutions.
• Develop training materials, provide trainings, and make presentations to GIS users.
• Develop and update program system documentation including replica reports, ETL documentation, geodatabase quality control reports, geodatabase data standards, and best practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree: Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Engineering, GIS, Computer Science, Geography, Earth Sciences, Urban Planning, Information Systems, or a closely related field with an emphasis in GIS.
• Experience: Ten (10) years' experience performing geospatial analytical work with GIS, HEC-RAS, and related tools and solutions.
• Industry-standard certification required for specific SME type (e.g., Professional Engineer registration for engineers).
• Strong working knowledge of Esri products including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Experience Builder, Dashboards, Survey123, Spatial Analyst, Network Analyst, and Model Builder.
• Expertise in hazard modeling using HEC-RAS to estimate pre- and post-disaster impacts.
• Ability to source, analyze, and interpret datasets including elevation data (e.g., 3DEP, LiDAR).
• Strong understanding of GIS fundamentals, cartographic principles, and geospatial data structures.
• Experience with data analysis, database design, development, and maintenance.
• Ability to create, analyze, and interpret large geospatial datasets and maps.
• Experience using GIS software products (e.g., Hazus, ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) and geospatial data formats, including data conversion and transformation methods.
• In-depth knowledge of data analysis, manipulation, and management techniques.
• Ability to assess disaster-related damages (e.g., property, fire, flood) including extent of damage, required repairs, documentation, and associated costs.
• Ability to develop defensible SME reports supporting accurate compensation and recovery outcomes.
• Proficiency using claims management software, databases, and related tools supporting claim processing and documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to explain policies and regulations to claimants, clients, and stakeholders.
• Customer service focus and attention to detail, including strong aptitude for data quality control.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and work independently to solve problems proactively.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to provide remote support and travel/deploy to client sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Engineering, GIS, Computer Science, Geography, Earth Sciences, Urban Planning, Information Systems, or a closely related field with an emphasis in GIS.
• Strong working knowledge of FEMA's Risk MAP program and flood-related data analysis, including floodplain mapping.
• Experience with hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) principles, survey and mapping GPS systems, aerial photographic interpretation, and database development and management.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and MicroStation software packages.
• Experience with programming and scripting languages and tools, including Python, XML, JavaScript, CSS, FME, SQL, and HTML5.
• Experience developing GIS and related geospatial tools to support benefit-cost analyses.
• Experience with image processing software such as ERDAS Imagine or SOCET SET.

Additional Information:

• Office Locations:Often, these offices are either owned by the client we work with or by IEM. All candidates are expected to follow any rules and regulations of the office in which they are required to work for that project.
• Personal Office / At Home Locations: All personal office / at home work environments require the ability to maintain minimum Internet speeds of 25 Mbps upload and 3 Mbps download, as well as a ping rate of 100 ms or less during working hours, regardless of the type and number of devices using your Internet connection. You must also have account privileges and access to your Internet service provider account during working hours for the purposes of maintaining the Internet connection, if needed.

Benefits and more:

• Starting salary based on location and experience: $90,000 - $115,000
• 10 paid Holidays
• Vacation Pay
• Sick Pay
• 401 (K) plan with matching
• Company paid STD and LTD

Equal Employment Opportunity:All IEM employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment, if necessary, are made without regard to an individual's race, color, religion, creed, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation:IEM is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during any part of the application or employment process, please email IEMhumanresources@iem.com with specific details about the requested accommodation. All accommodation requests are reviewed case-by-case in compliance with applicable law.