GIS Application Developer

Agency

Department

Here’s a Glimpse of the Job

The GIS Application Developer helps lead complex GIS software projects from start to finish. This role works with and guides GIS developers, oversees both the front and back-end parts of GIS applications, and makes sure everything is built, tested, and maintained properly. The Developer also ensures all work meets organizational, technical, and security requirements while delivering high quality GIS solutions.

Opportunities to Contribute

• Builds and maintains web-based GIS applications that work on a variety of devices or browsers, connecting the front-end users with the backend systems that power them.

• Creates and supports APIs and manages both SQL and NoSQL databases used for mapping and location-based data.

• Uses standard software design approaches to keep code organized, reusable, and easy to maintain.

• Verifies that code meets quality standards and ensures applications are fast, secure, reliable, and cost effective.

• Designs user interfaces, workflows, and visual layouts for data driven tools and verify that they meet accessibility and current UI/UX practices.

• Leads and supports developers and student workers with task planning, feedback, and training.

• Works with clients to understand their needs, explain technical options, and create documentation, diagrams, and designs.

• Finds and fixes problems in complex GIS systems and delivers secure, scalable solutions with clear user guides and training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Geographic Information Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Related fields could include Geography, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Technology

• Seven years of software applications developer experience.

  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience as a full-stack software applications developer, with a demonstrated track record of delivering production-grade GIS-enabled applications.

  • Minimum 2 years of experience supervising technical personnel, including performance evaluation, code reviews, and mentorship.

• Ability to sit for long periods of time while working on the computer

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Full‑Stack Development

• Experienced building both the front end (what users see) and back end (the behind‑the‑scenes logic) of web applications.

• Skilled with common web languages and tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular, and jQuery.

• Builds server‑side systems using Node.js and NestJS, including APIs and database connections.

• Able to connect GIS front‑end apps with mapping services, data tools, and back‑end systems.

GIS Skills

• Strong experience with ArcGIS JavaScript tools, including custom maps and advanced features.

• Works with common map data formats (like GeoJSON and Shapefiles) and understands coordinate systems.

• Uses spatial databases to store and query location‑based data.

• Familiar with tools that process or convert geospatial data.

• Follows security best practices when building GIS applications.

Infrastructure / DevOps

• Uses Docker and Kubernetes to package and run applications reliably.

• Builds automated workflows for testing and deployment using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.

• Experienced in updating and maintaining large, older codebases.

General Development Practices

• Creates clean, reusable, well tested software for both front and backend systems.

• Skilled in different types of testing to ensure code quality.

• Works with tools that help manage large codebases.

• Comfortable on Windows, Linux, and macOS and strong at problem‑solving and communication.

• Familiar with various GIS platforms and mapping libraries like ArcGIS Online, Mapbox, and Google Maps.

• Has UI/UX experience using tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma.

• Can build GIS‑related back‑end tools using C# and .NET.

• Builds applications that meet accessibility standards (ADA/WCAG 2.1).

A well-qualified candidate for this position will also possess:

• Master's degree in GIS, Computer Science, or related discipline.

• Experience in academic, research, or government geospatial application development environments.

• Esri Technical Certification (e.g., ArcGIS API for JavaScript, ArcGIS Enterprise Administration).

• Kubernetes Administrator or Cloud Certification (AWS/Azure/Google).

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate's education and experience.

What you need to do

Apply! Submitting a cover letter, resume’/CV to assist us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume. 

Why Texas A&M University? 

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.   

The Department of Geography (http://geography.tamu.edu) has 29 faculty members with strengths in biogeography, climatology, geomorphology, human geography, human-environment relationships, and Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST), and Environmental Programs in Geosciences. We are based in the College of Arts & Sciences (https://artsci.tamu.edu). The College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Texas A&M University. From anthropology to zoology, and women’s and gender studies to applied mathematical sciences, our disciplines are woven throughout the tapestry of modern society. With 130+ programs of study, our students find their passions, achieve academic success and secure the careers of their dreams. Our faculty contribute to the greater good by making discoveries and developing outreach services of local, national and global significance. Our partners find rich collaborations and support that empower individuals and organizations to make an impact.

Texas A&M University, a land-, sea-, and space-grant university, is located in a metropolitan area with a dynamic and international community of over 255,000 people. 

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.  

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month 

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas  

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time 

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more  

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee 

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees 

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.