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Geospatial Analyst Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

This intermediate-level opportunity provides geospatial technology support for transportation ... The GIS Analyst II supports data conversion and migration efforts, contributes to the development ...

Business Analyst

Bevington, IA · On-site

$11K - $13K/yr

BE/B. Tech candidates who acts as a business analyst for requirement gathering. Capacity to prepare and draft functional requirement specifications and integrate frs into business logics. Creating ...

Business Analyst Location: Des Moines, IA Engagement Type: Contract Work Mode: Onsite (4 days/week required) Duration: 6 months Interview Type: Webcam Interview Only Role Overview: Seeking an ...

CAT MODELER

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$89K - $154K/yr

Preferred experience supporting reinsurance placement, treaty pricing, accumulation management, or cedant submission analysis. * Preferred experience with SQL, Python, R, GIS/geospatial tools ...

CAT MODELER

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$53.50 - $69.25/hr

Preferred experience supporting reinsurance placement, treaty pricing, accumulation management, or cedant submission analysis. * Preferred experience with SQL, Python, R, GIS/geospatial tools ...

Business Analyst Location: Des Moines, IA Duration: 6+ Months We are seeking a Business Analyst to support service management initiatives, ideally with experience in ITSM and familiarity with ITIL ...

Business Analyst Client: IA-DOM Location: 200 E Grand Avenue | Des Moines, IA 50309 Duration: 6+ Months * The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) provides adaptable, secure, and cost-effective ...

CAT MODELER

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$53.50 - $69.25/hr

Preferred experience supporting reinsurance placement, treaty pricing, accumulation management, or cedant submission analysis. * Preferred experience with SQL, Python, R, GIS/geospatial tools ...

The Business Analyst elicits and documents business and system requirements, analyzes data, conceives and documents acceptance criteria, tests software and processes and negotiates realistic ...

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Geospatial Analyst information

See Iowa salary details

$20.7K

$72.8K

$114.6K

How much do geospatial analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for geospatial analyst in Iowa is $72,788.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,200.00 and $75,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Geospatial Analysts face when integrating data from multiple sources?

Geospatial Analysts often work with datasets that come from a variety of sources, such as satellite imagery, GPS, and public databases. A common challenge is ensuring data compatibility and accuracy, as each source may use different formats, scales, or coordinate systems. Analysts need strong attention to detail to resolve discrepancies, standardize data, and maintain data quality. Collaboration with IT teams and data providers is essential for troubleshooting integration issues and ensuring smooth workflows.

What does a Geospatial Analyst do?

A Geospatial Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets geographic data to support decision-making in various fields such as urban planning, environmental management, defense, and business. They use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial analysis techniques to create maps, identify patterns, and solve spatial problems. Their work helps organizations visualize and understand complex spatial relationships, enabling more informed planning and resource allocation.

What is the role of a Geospatial Analyst?

A Geospatial Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets geographic data using GIS software, remote sensing tools, and spatial analysis techniques. They create maps, models, and reports to support decision-making in fields like urban planning, environmental management, and defense. Strong technical skills and knowledge of geospatial technologies are essential for this role.

Is geospatial analysis a good career?

Geospatial analysis is a viable career that involves interpreting geographic data using tools like GIS software and remote sensing. It offers opportunities in sectors such as environmental management, urban planning, and defense, often requiring technical skills and certifications. The field is expected to grow as spatial data becomes increasingly important across industries.

What is the difference between Geospatial Analyst vs GIS Technician?

AspectGeospatial AnalystGIS Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Geography, GIS, or related field; GIS certificationsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree; GIS certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentField and office work, analyzing spatial data, creating mapsPrimarily office-based, data entry, map creation, database management
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, environmental firms, urban planningMunicipalities, engineering firms, utilities
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on spatial analysis and data interpretationFocuses on data management and map production

The main difference between a Geospatial Analyst and a GIS Technician lies in their roles. Geospatial Analysts perform complex spatial data analysis and interpret geographic information, often requiring advanced skills and certifications. GIS Technicians primarily handle data entry, map creation, and database management. Both roles are essential in GIS projects but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What Is a Geospatial Analyst?

A geospatial analyst works with geographic information systems (GIS) technology to examine aerial photography and satellite images. As a geospatial analyst, you may utilize GIS data to create maps, develop software, assist with urban planning, or inform environmental projects such as wildlife management and preservation. Your job duties include searching for data relevant to your project, preparing documentation and reports to explain your analysis, maintaining an accurate record of your work, and collaborating with your colleagues on projects.

What jobs will boom in 2026?

Geospatial analysts are expected to see increased demand due to the growing need for geographic data in sectors like urban planning, environmental management, and defense. Skills in GIS software, remote sensing, and data analysis will be highly valuable, and certifications such as GISP can enhance job prospects as organizations expand their spatial data capabilities.

Will GIS be overtaken by AI?

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) professionals, including geospatial analysts, use AI to automate data processing, improve accuracy, and analyze large datasets. While AI enhances GIS capabilities, it is a tool that complements human expertise rather than replacing the need for skilled analysts who interpret and validate spatial data. Proficiency in GIS software and understanding AI applications remain valuable in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Geospatial Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geospatial Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, spatial reasoning, and a background in geography, GIS, or a related field. Proficiency with GIS software like ArcGIS or QGIS, remote sensing tools, and data visualization platforms is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as GISP. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting complex spatial data and sharing insights with diverse stakeholders. These competencies are essential for producing accurate geospatial analyses that inform decision-making in fields like urban planning, environmental science, and defense.
What are popular job titles related to Geospatial Analyst jobs in Iowa? For Geospatial Analyst jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geospatial Analyst jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Geospatial Analyst jobs in Iowa are:
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Environmental Microbiome Research

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Environmental Microbiome Research

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

291st of 541 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Environmental Microbiome Research
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a team investigating the mechanistic interpretation of microbiome dynamics. This work applies principles of quantitative ecology to systems microbiology, with the goal of strengthening the links between microbial cellular physiology, community dynamics, and ecosystem function.
Our research focuses on plant-microbial interactions for sustainable bioenergy and nutrient cycling, as well as understanding bacterial stress responses under environmental perturbations. The project will involve cultivating environmental bacteria from soil under controlled laboratory conditions and integrating wet-lab microbial ecology with cultivation approaches. Additional work will include imaging-based physiology, molecular and multi-omic workflows, and quantitative and computational analyses of microbial communities.
The successful candidate will also apply statistical modeling for mechanistic inference and conduct biogeographic and geospatial analyses of microbiomes.
This position involves collaborating with scientists and technical staff and leading independent research initiatives in environmental microbiome science. The candidate will be expected to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
  • PhD in Environmental Engineering or related field.
  • Record of peer-reviewed publications demonstrating scientific initiative and originality
  • Experience in designing, running, and analyzing data from image-based physiology and single-cell activity profiling

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with cultivation techniques for plant, fungal, or bacterial interaction studies
  • Proven ability to independently design and execute research projects, with strong communication skills demonstrated through scientific presentations and preparation of manuscripts and other written materials.
  • Experience analyzing 'omics datasets (e.g., metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, or metabolomics)
  • Experience conducting biogeographic and geospatial analyses

Department/Program & College Description:
The Iowa State University College of Engineering is dedicated to educating future engineering leaders and advancing research that addresses real-world challenges. The program combines academic rigor, hands-on learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare graduates to create innovative solutions that benefit society.
Department Unit/Website:
College of Engineering - Iowa State University
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
We request that candidates please explain work-related experience around the topics below within the submitted Cover Letter:
- Experience in designing, running, and analyzing data from image-based physiology and single-cell activity profiling
- Experience in using molecular and multi-omic workflows and quantitative and computational community ecology
- Experience in statistical modeling
- Experience in biogeographic and geospatial analysis of microbiomes
- Experience with bioinformatics and statistical analyses of metabolic pathways, functional gene patterns, and microbial community assembly.
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Proposed Start Date:
October 1, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
June 22, 2026
Posting Close Date:
June 29, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19481
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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