Freelance Spatial Data Analyst Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $64,171.36 Annually
Location : 2201 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 40270003
Department: URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Division: UD-PLANNING
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 5:00 PM Central
Summary
The purpose of this classification is to perform geographic information system (GIS) analysis and related tasks to provide information via maps, reports, and graphics to communicate ideas and support data driven decision making.
Employees in this classification are research-minded, detail-oriented, creative problem solvers, and are comfortable handling multiple projects using an array of GIS techniques and technologies.
Essential Functions
The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.
Performs geospatial and related analysis of tabular, vector, and raster geographic data.
Extracts key trends and insights.
Performs data modeling and integration with geospatial layers and databases.
Designs reporting dashboards to translate data to an understandable illustrative format.
Performs data conversion and processing as needed to support GIS data analysis.
Ensures adherence to data standards as directed by the supervisor.
Plans, prepares, produces, and maintains various maps, reports, and other graphical representations using cartographic and other data visualization methods. Produces and maintains elements of map composition such as Esri map documents and layer definition files.
Create ArcGIS Online applications, publish maps services, serve as project lead for GIS projects and perform high level spatial analysis for city departments.
Uses quality control measures to ensure that both input and output data are fit for their intended use. Coordinate and manage the standardization of spatial data.
Ensures that spatial data meets standard metadata and attribute requirements and prepares documents including but not limited to spatial data gap analysis and quality assurance reports. Provides recommendations to eliminate spatial data gaps.
Reviews and validates data for accuracy; conducts research for data and reporting issues as required; performing cleansing of data to ensure sources are accurate for analysis and reporting.
Develops and maintains documentation regarding analyses and the associated files and data sets.
Provides support and training for GIS users within their department or as assigned. Consults with departmental staff to explain procedures for conducting research with GIS data and to obtain information necessary to carry out projects.
Researches new data sources for use within the City's GIS.
Researches and analyzes information from other municipalities, State, and Federal agencies regarding data for GIS projects.
Sources, obtains, formats, stores, and documents these data sets in accordance with GIS policy as set forth by the supervisor.
Serves as department liaison to City-wide GIS Division.
Understands the functions, procedures, and workflow of city departments as they relate to the collection and analyzing of data. Identifies opportunities to cross-analyze departmental data as appropriate.
Assists in planning, designing, and conducting projects. Manages assigned projects with minimal supervision.
Coordinates with internal project teams and external resources such as vendors as required by projects.
Works with customers within and outside of City government by answering GIS related questions from the general public, municipal government, and private sector data consumers.
Prepares and/or receives various forms, reports, correspondence, flow charts, or other documents; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, maintains and/or takes other action as appropriate.
Provides education, training, information and assistance to users regarding GIS systems operations, procedures, problems, software functions, and other related issues.
Answers the telephone; provides information guidance and assistance; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls when necessary.
Responds to questions, problems, and requests for information and assistance from employees, officials or other persons.
Communicates with supervisor, co-workers, users, other departments and other individuals as needed to identify GIS needs, review options and costs, discuss work in progress, exchange information, resolve problems, and provide operational support.
Acquires a thorough understanding of the functions, procedures, and workflow of City departments as they relate to GIS operations and related support.
Maintains a working knowledge of statistics as it relates to geospatial analysis.
Maintains a working knowledge of a variety of operating systems and software programs to operate a computer in an efficient and effective manner.
Maintains knowledge of automated mapping capabilities, information resource management methods and techniques, and geographic information processing systems.
Performs 24-hour service as required; provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the department.
Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities.
Must possess and maintain strong analytical and critical thinking skills with attention to detail and organization.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, in a timely manner.
Must meet regular attendance requirements.
Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Geography, Engineering, or related field; two years of experience in GIS data management, design, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Minimum Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions
The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.
DATA UTILIZATION: Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
HUMAN INTERACTION: Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in a supervisory capacity.
EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZATION: Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.
MATHEMATICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.
FUNCTIONAL REASONING: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.
SITUATIONAL REASONING: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
PHYSICAL ABILITY: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light to moderate weight.
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
The City of Tuscaloosa offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time permanent employees that includes retirement, vacation and illness leave, paid holidays, medical and dental insurance, flexible spending account, life insurance, and other supplemental insurances and deferred retirement saving plans.
For a more detailed overview of our benefits package, please visit the Employee Benefits Summary within our website or contact the Human Resource Department at (205) 248-5230.
01
In your current position, are you actively performing geospatial analysis? If so, please explain here and attach/provide samples of this work.
02
Which areas of your training/education have best prepared you for a career in GIS?
03
List all GIS software programs that you have experience with, such as ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Online, QGIS, etc. Please indicate the number of years of experience with each.
04
Describe your experience with ArcGIS extensions (eg:3D Analyst, Spatial Analyst, etc.) or any that you are interested in learning and how they could be used within a Planning office.
05
This position will require both collaborative and independent work. Do you consider yourself a self-starter who will identify opportunities and implement the required solutions? Explain.
Required Question