GIS Specialist / Developer
- Contract
- State/Province: Dubai
- Business Group: DCS
- Legal Entity: AECOM MIDDLE EAST LIMITED DUBAI BRANCH
- Business Line: Transportation
- Work Location Model: Hybrid
- Operating Group: International
- Primary Location: AE - Dubai, UAE - Dubai South
Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
The GIS Specialist owns end-to-end GIS delivery, automation and development, and day-to-day administration of the GIS enterprise environment for AECOM's infrastructure, transportation, utilities and urban development projects. The role spans three areas: (1) core GIS delivery – spatial data production, analysis, quality control and design coordination; (2) automation and development – building and maintaining Python-based automation, geoprocessing tools and web GIS applications; and (3) GIS Enterprise administration – supporting ArcGIS Enterprise/Portal/Server,and cloud-hosted GIS environments. This is a hands-on, technically diverse role suited to a candidate who can deliver GIS outputs, build the tools that make delivery faster, and help keep the underlying GIS platform running reliably.
Key Responsibilities
GIS Delivery & Spatial Analysis
- Produce, manage and maintain spatial datasets, geodatabases and cartographic outputs for multi-discipline design teams.
- Perform spatial analysis (overlay, buffer, network, suitability) and integrate survey, design and asset data into GIS.
- Apply data standards, topology rules, QA/QC and metadata to ensure data accuracy, completeness and consistency, in line with the ISO 19100 series.
- Support design coordination, constraints mapping and options analysis, and assist with authority/client submissions.
- Manage coordinate systems, projections and transformations across local and regional datums.
Automation & GIS Development
- Design, build, test and maintain automation scripts and geoprocessing models using Python/ArcPy to streamline GIS workflows and reduce manual effort.
- Develop and support web GIS applications and dashboards using JavaScript, the ArcGIS API, Experience Builder and StoryMaps.
- Design and consume REST APIs, and write/optimise SQL queries against enterprise geodatabases.
- Build and maintain FME/ETL workflows for data transformation, migration and system integration.
- Own the full tool lifecycle – requirements, development, testing, deployment, documentation and ongoing bug-fix/maintenance support.
- Collaborate with BIM, engineering and IT teams to integrate GIS with CDE platforms (ACC/ProjectWise) and other enterprise systems.
GIS Enterprise Administration
- Support installation, configuration, upgrades and licensing of ArcGIS Enterprise, Portal and Server.
- Administer user roles, permissions and security settings across ArcGIS Online/Enterprise organisations.
- Publish, monitor and maintain map, feature and geoprocessing services; troubleshoot performance and connectivity issues.
- Support geodatabase/SDE administration, including schema management, versioning and maintenance schedules.
- Assist with cloud-hosted GIS deployments (Azure/AWS) and coordinate with IT on infrastructure, backups and disaster-recovery requirements.
Collaboration, Standards & Reporting
- Act as a technical point of contact for clients, authorities and project disciplines on GIS matters, as assigned.
- Contribute to GIS Execution Plans (GEP), technical proposals and process documentation.
- Track task progress, support estimating/scheduling of GIS deliverables, and report on production status.
- Provide technical guidance and share knowledge with junior/associate GIS staff.
Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in GIS, Geography, Geomatics, Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related discipline (Master's preferred).
- 5–8 years of relevant experience spanning GIS delivery, automation/application development, and exposure to GIS Enterprise administration.
- Demonstrated experience developing Python/ArcPy automation and web GIS applications in a production environment.
- Working knowledge of ArcGIS Enterprise/Portal/Server administration (installation, security, service publishing) is required; hands-on administration experience is a strong advantage.
- Experience in an engineering, infrastructure or consultancy environment (transportation, utilities, urban development) preferred; Middle East experience an advantage.
- Esri certification (e.g., ArcGIS Enterprise Administration, Desktop Associate/Professional) and/or a programming language certification is preferred.
Technical Skills
- GIS platforms: ArcGIS Pro/Desktop, ArcGIS Online/Enterprise, geodatabases (SDE), ModelBuilder.
- Programming & automation: Python/ArcPy, JavaScript, ArcGIS API, REST APIs, SQL, FME/ETL.
- GIS Enterprise administration: Portal/Server configuration, security & user management, service publishing, geodatabase/SDE administration, cloud (Azure/AWS) GIS hosting.
- Data & standards: data models, schemas, metadata, QA/QC, ISO 19100 series, coordinate systems and spatial accuracy management.
- Integration: BIM-GIS integration and CDE platforms (ACC/ProjectWise).
- Core Microsoft Windows and Office productivity tools.
Core Competencies
- Strong verbal and written communication; able to translate technical GIS concepts for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Effective team collaboration and multi-discipline coordination.
- Analytical, detail-oriented and solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.
- Able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, and to mentor junior staff.
Additional Information
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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