Geographic Information System Architect

Job Description:

The Senior GIS Architect will lead the initial design and implementation of ArcGIS Enterprise at the Virginia Department of Elections (ELECT). This role requires expertise in ESRI’s ArcGIS Enterprise platform and its integration with enterprise software, infrastructure, and networks.

The architect will be responsible for designing, implementing, configuring, and documenting a new multi-environment enterprise GIS architecture. This architecture will consist of one Staging instance and one Production instance, each of which will include Portal for ArcGIS, ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Web Adapter, and ArcGIS Object Store. The architecture will also incorporate Staging and Production instances of a SQL Server enterprise geodatabase

Core Responsibilities:

·       Defines system architecture, networking, and storage configurations for two ArcGIS Enterprise instances (Staging and Production) consistent with best practices for environment isolation and high availability.

·       Reviews recommended and necessary hardware requirements for the proposed Staging and Production ArcGIS Enterprise instances, including but not limited to:

• Server sizing and configuration options for high availability
• Ports and firewalls requirements
• Discuss required and recommended user accounts (administration, service, users, etc.)

·       Defines a disaster recovery strategy for both ArcGIS Enterprise instances.

·       Performs an installation and initial configuration of two instances of ArcGIS Enterprise 11.3 or higher on Commonwealth servers consistent with the defined architecture.

·       Creates and maintains detailed logical ArcGIS Enterprise design diagrams listing servers, ports, databases, and other necessary architectural elements to support the new ArcGIS implementations.

·       Designs and manages geospatial data infrastructure to ensure data integrity and interoperability.

·       Automates deployment and maintenance of GIS environments using scripting tools such as Python (ArcPy) and Powershell

·       Provides technical leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to GIS analysts interested in learning more about ArcGIS Enterprise administration and monitoring.

·       Develop and optimize geospatial databases, services, and applications.

Required Qualifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree in Geography, GIS, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

·       8 years of experience in GIS architecture and deployment, preferably in Microsoft / Azure environments.

·       Proven experience in designing and deploying ArcGIS Enterprise in multi-environment configurations.

·       Proficiency in DNS, port assignment, and firewall policy management related to ArcGIS Server and ArcGIS Enterprise.

·       Proficiency using Python (ArcPy, Pandas) and SQL for ArcGIS management and automation.

·       Demonstrated experience with geodatabase design and spatial analysis.

·       Familiarity with GIS web services (REST, SOAP) and APIs.

·       Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

·       Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       ESRI-certified Enterprise System Design Professional (ESDP2201).

·       Familiarity using System Designer, ArcGIS Monitor, System Log Parser, and eGDB Health to monitor ArcGIS Enterprise deployments.

·       Experience with DevOps practices for GIS application deployment.