Job Details

GIS Specialist (Lidar-Based Alluvial Fan Mapper)

Position Number: 6800851
Location: Golden, CO
Position Type: Science - Geology, Earth Sciences & Oceanography

GIS Specialist (Lidar-Based Alluvial Fan Mapper)

Posting Number: JR107962
Location: Colorado

Engineering a world of possibilities
Colorado Geological Survey is searching for a GIS Specialist in lidar-based alluvial fan mapping.

The Lidar-Based Alluvial Fan Mapper supports the Colorado Geological Survey's statewide debris-flow hazard mapping program by producing county-level lidar-based alluvial fan (LAF) datasets in accordance with CGS's established Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), metadata standards, and Trello-based workflow.

This position performs detailed lidar interpretation, fan boundary delineation, debris-flow pathway analysis, and map production consistent with CWCB project requirements. The mapper coordinates closely with reviewers on county-specific metadata, prepares publish-ready deliverables using CGS templates and internal naming conventions, and supports quality control (QC), final review, and public-facing data release.

The position also contributes to emergency response mapping and documentation as needed and interfaces with other CGS GIS staff to ensure alignment with LAF Whitepaper 2.0, program standards, and cross-county consistency.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lidar Interpretation & Hazard Mapping (60%)

Interpret high-resolution lidar data to identify, delineate, and attribute alluvial fan and debris-flow features at the county scale
Delineate fan extents and debris-flow pathways consistent with CGS SOP and CWCB project scope
Apply consistent geomorphic interpretation across counties to support statewide comparability

GIS Production & Deliverables (25%)

Produce GIS datasets, maps, and figures using CGS templates, symbology standards, splash-screen conventions, and naming protocols
Prepare publish-ready deliverables including shapefiles, geodatabases, metadata, and map products
Coordinate closely with reviewers to resolve comments and finalize county-specific metadata

Workflow, QC & Coordination (10%)

Maintain accurate task tracking and status updates within the CGS Trello system
Meet internal milestones and external contract deadlines
Support QC, revision, and final approval workflows

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Coordinate with other CGS GIS staff to support cross-program consistency and evolving standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in GIS, Geography, Geology, Earth Science, or related field
Demonstrated experience with GIS analysis and spatial data production

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAOs):

Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS Pro or equivalent)
Ability to interpret lidar-derived datasets and geomorphic features
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standardized workflows
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Effective written and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

Experience with lidar-based geomorphic or hazard mapping
Prior work on alluvial fan, debris-flow, or landslide mapping projects

Certifications and Licenses:

GIS certification (e.g., GISP) preferred but not required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAOs):

Familiarity with CGS internal LAF workflow, metadata structure, and deliverable packaging
Experience working within structured QC and reviewer-based workflows
Familiarity with Trello or similar task-tracking systems
Understanding of hazard mapping standards and public-facing data products

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines' scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that's manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 "Very High Activity" research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world's problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Equal Opportunity

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

Hourly Rate

$27.50 per hour

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our Administrative Faculty positions!

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees.

For this role, that includes:

Flexible health and dental care options

Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year - including a week-long winter break for entire campus.

Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution

Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)

Free RTD Ecopass

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

How to Apply

This posting will close on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application and upload a resume. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and the candidate will be informed before that contact is made.

Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity.

Background Investigation Required Prior to Start

Accommodations - It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion at Mines. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting

Apply online at https://mines.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Mines_Careers/job/Colorado/GIS-Specialist--Lidar-Based-Alluvial-Fan-Mapper-_JR107962