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Mapping Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer, Mapping

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

Responsibilities : • Own the implementation of our flagship navigation experience, from routing to rendering. • Integrate with external mapping/navigation APIs to power route planning, turn-by ...

Showing results 41-60

Mapping information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$151K

How much do mapping jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for mapping in California is $150,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,000.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mapping specialist?

To thrive as a Mapping Specialist, you need expertise in geography, spatial analysis, cartography, and typically a degree in geography, GIS, or a related field. Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as ArcGIS or QGIS, remote sensing tools, and relevant certifications like GISP are highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help you interpret data accurately and present findings effectively. These skills ensure the production of precise, reliable maps and spatial data critical for decision-making across industries.

How do mapping professionals typically collaborate with other departments in a project environment?

Mapping professionals often work closely with teams in engineering, environmental science, urban planning, and IT to ensure that spatial data is accurately integrated into broader project objectives. Collaboration usually involves sharing geospatial data, coordinating site surveys, and participating in cross-functional meetings to align on project requirements and timelines. Effective communication skills are essential, as mapping specialists often translate complex technical data into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders. This collaborative approach not only enhances project outcomes but also provides mapping professionals with opportunities to broaden their expertise and advance their careers.

Is mapping a good career?

Mapping is a viable career that involves creating geographic representations using GIS software, GPS technology, and spatial analysis skills. It is used in industries such as urban planning, environmental management, and transportation, often requiring technical training or certifications. The field offers opportunities for growth with advancements in technology and increasing demand for spatial data analysis.

What are mapping jobs?

Mapping jobs involve the creation, analysis, and interpretation of maps and spatial data. Professionals in this field use geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing technology, and cartographic skills to collect, visualize, and manage geographical information. These jobs can be found in areas such as urban planning, environmental management, transportation, and surveying. Mapping specialists help organizations make informed decisions based on spatial data, often working with both digital and physical maps.

What are the qualifications to get a mapping job?

The qualifications to get a mapping job depend on the type of work you do. If you are in the geography or GIS fields, you typically need an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as GIS or geography, or a certificate in GIS along with other coursework. In data mapping, employers usually require a bachelor’s degree in database architecture, computer science, or information technology. Additional requirements for mapping jobs include strong analytical problem-solving and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to be on the road for long periods to travel to remote sites.

What is the difference between Mapping vs Cartographer?

AspectMappingCartographer
CredentialsGIS certifications, relevant degreesGIS certifications, cartography training
Work EnvironmentGIS offices, fieldwork, remoteField surveys, GIS labs, offices
Industry UsageUsed across various industries for data visualizationSpecialized in map creation and design
Search IntentMapping jobs, GIS mapping rolesCartographer jobs, map designer roles

Mapping involves creating visual representations of spatial data, often using GIS technology. Cartographers focus specifically on designing and producing detailed maps, combining artistic and technical skills. While all cartographers are mappers, not all mappers are necessarily cartographers. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles in the GIS and mapping industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mapping jobs in California?

The most popular types of Mapping jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Mapping jobs?

Cities in California with the most Mapping job openings:

Infographic showing various Mapping job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 90% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $150,009 per year, or $72.1 per hour.

Senior Associate, Operational Mapping Specialist

LA28

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance for any positions. If you are based outside the Los Angeles area, we still welcome your application - we value talent from all geographic backgrounds and want to hear from you if you are able to work on-site in LA.
LA28 is the independent, non-profit, privately funded organizing committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are on a singular mission to create an Olympic and Paralympic Games that celebrate all that this city and country have to offer, delivering an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners and our community.
The 2028 Games mark the return of the Summer Games to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years and Los Angeles' third time hosting an Olympic Games and first time welcoming the Paralympic Games. This presents the unique and exciting opportunity to celebrate our legacy with the Games and push the Olympic and Paralympic Movements forward, writing a new chapter of Games history in Los Angeles.
Putting on an Olympic and Paralympic Games is a team sport. To build a Games unlike any the world has seen before, we need the best team in place-a team full of perspectives, experiences and expertise. We are guided by the following set of values and behaviors-optimism, integrity, excellence, inclusion, co-creation and boldness-and look forward to hearing about how your past experiences align with them.
Operational Mapping Specialist
The Event Management team is responsible for leading the integrated event operational planning at the venue level for all competition and some major non-competition venues. The group is also responsible for managing and coordinating the negotiation of venue agreements, the collation and organization of venue-related documentation and data, and the maintenance of strong working relationships with all venue partners. At Games Time, the Event Management team leads and manages the event teams at venues, event delivery, venue communication, and venue issue resolution.
The Senior Associate, Operational Mapping is a specialized, technical, and highly collaborative role within the EVM team. This position serves as the critical bridge between complex technical layouts (developed in Autodesk Revit) and operational planning, converting architectural data and stakeholder concepts into clean, intuitive, and highly functional 2D operational maps. Acting as the department's visual translator, the Senior Associate establishes mapping standards, coordinates master mapping timelines, and guides cross-functional teams to ensure all venue operations are visually documented with precision, clarity, and consistency.
This position will report to the Senior Manager, Central Planning.
Key Responsibilities
Workflow Development & Spatial Visualization
  • Develop and maintain efficient workflows to take physical temporary overlays and venue architectural plans built in Autodesk Revit and export them into formats suitable for operational planning.
  • Build KMZ/KML file structures on top of Revit outputs to create interactive, multi-layered digital maps depicting operational components.
  • Create high-quality, printed, and digital 2D maps depicting operational requirements such as pedestrian and vehicle flows, equipment placement, team deployment, and egress paths, accessible routes, and other operational drawings.

SME Consultation & Visual Translation
  • Serve as the central visual translator for the EVM department.
  • Interview Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and venue teams to extract operational requirements.
  • Take complex, unstructured, or verbal explanations from SMEs and accurately translate them into simplified visual tools that depict the core concepts.
  • Produce initial drafts of operational plans, rapidly iterating based on stakeholder feedback and technical specifications.

Version Control & Quality Assurance
  • Design, implement, and oversee rigorous version control and file-naming standards for all operational maps.
  • Establish formal sign-off and approval procedures with venue and departmental stakeholders to ensure all active plans represent the most up-to-date and authorized layouts.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration & Project Management
  • Train and guide Associates and coordinators across other departments on mapping workflows, best practices, and visualization standards.
  • Develop and manage the mapping development phases over a two-year timeline, coordinating multiple departmental plans into a single, holistic master project plan.
  • Act as the project manager for all EVM mapping deliverables, tracking milestones, managing dependencies, and reporting progress to PMO leadership.

Required Qualifications
  • 3+ years of progressive experience in operational mapping, event spatial planning, GIS, architectural visualization, CAD drafting, urban planning, scenic design, or event venue operations.
  • Technical Spatial Skills: Proficient in navigating, isolating views, and exporting clean base files from Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD. Expert in building custom, layered KMZ/KML files and overlays.
  • Version Control & QA: Solid understanding of rigid version control, file-naming protocols, and master-file management in a fast-paced environment.
  • Project Management: Experience scheduling and coordinating mapping production phases, tracking milestones, and managing multi-departmental dependencies over a multi-year horizon.
  • Collaborative and Flexible Approach: Ability to roll with the transitional nature of the organization as it grows, adapting quickly to changing priorities.
  • Visual Passion: An instinctive understanding of how to depict complex 3D spaces using 2D tools and maps, with a passion for clean visual communications.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Overlay & Temporary Infrastructure Planning: Experience working on major multi-sport events, festivals, or exhibitions where temporary structures (tents, grandstands, fencing, cabins) are integrated into existing spaces.
  • Visual Graphic Design: Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (e.g. Illustrator or InDesign) to transform raw CAD/Revit exports into highly polished, color-coded, and intuitive 2D maps.

Physical Expectations
  • The position is in Los Angeles with in-person attendance required.
  • The majority of work will be conducted in an office setting, requiring extended periods of time using computers, phones, and other office equipment

Expectations
  • Collaborative and flexible approach - Ability to roll with the transitional nature of the organization as it grows, adapting quickly to changing priorities and requirements
  • A committed team player with problem-solving skills, comfortable working cross-functionally with diverse stakeholder groups both internally and externally
  • Confident self-starter - Takes initiative to identify challenges, gathering inputs from key stakeholders, takes action, and resolves challenges proactively
  • Excitement for the role and opportunity to help shape the future of Los Angeles and the Olympic and Paralympic Movement

Education / Training / Certifications
  • Post-secondary technical certificate or professional diploma in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Urban Planning, Architecture, Graphic Design, Sport Management, or a related field.
  • Professional training or certifications in Autodesk AutoCAD/Revit, ESRI ArcGIS/QGIS, or Adobe Creative Suite is highly desirable.
  • Demonstration of equivalent work experience

Compensation
The annual base salary range for this position $73,000-$98,000. The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All LA28 compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with LA28's operational business needs and applicable law.
LA28 does not provide relocation assistance for any positions.
Accommodation
LA28 is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to support your needs.
Equal Opportunity
LA28 is committed to fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin, or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. LA28 will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and all applicable laws. We strive to build a team that is inclusive and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.