New

GIS TECHNICIAN

Knife River - PressTress, Inc.
life insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), profit sharing
United States, Oregon, Tangent
32260 Old Highway 34 (Show on map)
May 22, 2025
Description General Summary: Ready for a challenging, fast-paced career where you are literally laying the groundwork that builds communities? Knife River is a construction materials & contracting company that believes in building things that last, and you can be a big part of our future. Knife River is a People-First company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safely each day. We believe in building strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are committed to making a difference. Join our growing team today! As the Geographic Information System (GIS) Technician II for Knife River's Northwest Region, you will get to support the GIS Manager in developing location intelligence programs consistent with supporting operations and our competitive EDGE objectives. Utilizing GIS and Unmanned Aircraft System(s) (UAS) technologies, this position assists with data collection, photogrammetry, LiDAR processing, mapping, and spatial content development. Additionally, this role supports web-based GIS applications, providing digitization, user training, and technical support to internal stakeholders. This position requires adaptability, professional judgement, and the ability to work flexible hours in office and field environments, with travel as necessary to support operations. Minimum Requirements: Associate's degree in GIS, Geography, Geomatics, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum of three years of progressive experience in GIS and UAS operations, including field data collection, imagery processing, LiDAR processing, and data management. Valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification with three years of experience in UAS mission planning, execution, and equipment maintenance. Proven ability to analyze spatial data, identify trends, and communicate insights that inform business decisions. Demonstrated experience creating, editing, and managing spatial and tabular datasets using the ESRI ArcGIS software suite (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online), GNSS equipment, and mobile data collection tools. Proficient with the MS Office suite of products and industry-related computer software. Excellent interpersonal communication skills and professionalism to handle sensitive and confidential matters. Ability to travel regionally as needed; must possess a valid driver's license and be located at or willing to relocate to a West Region office location and work non-traditional hours. Preferred Requirements: Bachelor's degree in GIS, Geography, Geomatics, or a related field, or equivalent experience Minimum of five years of progressive experience performing field data collection, processing, management, and project coordination. Experience with photogrammetry processing software (E.g., Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape, or DroneDeploy), LiDAR software (E.g., LP360, DJI Terra, or other proprietary LiDAR processing software), and familiarity with GNSS data collection and processing tools. Strong analytical skills and judgment with proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. Clear communicator with experience working across teams and internal and external customers. Duties and/or Responsibilities: What you'll get to do: Champion Safety and Field Readiness - Promote and model a strong safety culture by following all safety protocols during fieldwork, drone operations, and equipment handling; proactively identify and mitigate field-related risks while actively driving and supporting corporate and local safety initiatives; and ensure all GIS/UAS programs align with safety objectives. Drive a People-First Culture - Champion Knife River's Core Values (People, Safety, Quality, and Environment), fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes employee engagement, well-being, and performance. Assist Field Data Collection and UAS Operations - Conduct drone flights and GNSS-based field data collection in accordance with FAA Part 107 regulations; collect, process, and manage aerial imagery and LiDAR data for spatial analysis. Maintain and Enhance GIS Datasets - Create, edit, and manage spatial and tabular data using ESRI tools; ensure data integrity, accuracy, and consistency across enterprise GIS systems and databases. Develop and Support GIS Applications - Assist with developing, configuring, and maintaining dynamic web GIS applications and mobile field apps to support business needs and increase user accessibility. Train and Support Internal Users - Assist with providing user training and ongoing support for internal stakeholders using GIS platforms; troubleshoot concerns and help field operations and office staff integrate GIS tools into their workflows. Ensure Quality Control and Continuous Improvement - Assist with implementing QA/QC protocols for data and workflows; identify opportunities to streamline GIS processes and adopt industry best practices in geospatial technologies. Collaborate Across Departments - Work cross-functionally with environmental, engineering, geology, business development, and operations teams to deliver spatial data solutions that align with project and business goals. Assist with SK-1300 Reporting Requirements - Support technical services and land planning teams by preparing, organizing, and maintaining the geospatial datasets required for technical report development and compliance. Represent the Company & Industry - Actively participate in industry committees, national/regional meetings, and working groups, positioning Knife River as an employer of choice and industry leader. Ensure Agility and Responsiveness - Remain flexible to changing schedules and priorities while maintaining the ability to travel on short notice and for extended periods to support business needs across the region and perform duties outside of traditional hours when required. Work independently or with a team on projects with limited and direct supervision. Perform Additional Duties as Assigned - Take on special projects and initiatives that enhance the company's organizational effectiveness and competitive EDGE initiatives. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of GIS principles, UAS operations, photogrammetry, LiDAR processing, and GNSS principles, methodologies, and tools. Software Proficiency: Proficient in ESRI ArcGIS software suite, photogrammetry and LiDAR processing tools, and GNSS data processing software. Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze spatial data and generate actionable insights to support operational decision-making. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide training to internal users. Ability to work independently, make sound decisions under pressure, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and work environments, including fieldwork and non-traditional hours. Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address technical challenges and optimize GIS workflows. Benefits: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts 401K with Company Match Profit Sharing 8 Paid Holidays Paid Time Off Life Insurance Employee Assistance Program Safety Incentives Years of Service Recognition How to Apply: To be considered for this position, candidates must complete and submit an employment application at jobs.mdu.com by the posting deadline noted above. If unable to complete an application online you may print and send completed application to any Knife River NW address or stop in one of our locations to complete an application. Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law. If you are an individual with a qualified disability as defined by federal, state, or local law and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application for any reason, please contact your state employment agency or you may call 541-693-5900 to speak with a human resources representative. Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background check. Veterans: Put Your Skills to Work with Us! Veterans: Put Your Skills to Work with Us! At Knife River, we are committed to helping our military transition to civilian life. We are constantly looking to add veterans to our workforce and want to make the transition as smooth as possible. There are many jobs within the military that are transferable to our position: Air Force: Computer and Information Systems Manager Information Security Analyst Communications and Information Software Engineer Army: Information Technolgy Specialist Information Systems Technician Information Protection Technician Visual Information Specialist Coast Guard: Information Systems Technician Telecommunications Equipment Installer Marines: Computer and Information Systems Manager Computer Systems Analyst Information Security Analyst Computer Network Architect Network and Computer Systems Administrator Navy: Computer and Information Systems Manager Computer User Support Specialist Database Administrator Information Security Analyst Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.