GIS Web Developer

Position Summary

Were seeking a GIS Web Developer with strong Esri ArcGIS and React experience to expand our natural language GIS platform. Youll work on integrating spatial analysis with business intelligence, implementing advanced query workflows, and building intuitive map-based visualizations.

Primary Technologies

• GIS/Mapping: ArcGIS REST API, Feature Services, OAuth 2.0
• Frontend: React 18.2, Leaflet 1.9, esri-leaflet
• Backend: Node.js, Express, SQLite
• AI/NLP: OpenAI GPT-4 Turbo integration
• Spatial Operations: Haversine distance, buffer analysis, proximity queries

Infrastructure

• Version Control: Git/GitHub
• Deployment: AWS/Azure (planned)
• Database: SQLite (26 contracts, 43 tracts)

What Youll Build

Core Responsibilities (70% of time)

1. Spatial Query Implementation

o Implement new query types (polygon intersections, multi-layer queries)

o Optimize ArcGIS REST API performance

o Build complex WHERE clause generators from natural language

2. Map Visualization

o Create interactive Leaflet-based visualizations

o Implement custom feature styling and popups

o Build proximity buffers and distance calculations

3. Data Integration

o Connect GIS features with contract/business data

o Build efficient data pipelines (SQLite ArcGIS Frontend)

o Implement caching strategies for query results

4. Performance Optimization

o Reduce API call latency

o Implement client-side filtering for follow-up queries

o Optimize geometry rendering for 40+ features

Innovation Opportunities (30% of time)

• Spatial drawing tools (polygon queries)
• Real-time collaboration features
• Multi-layer spatial analysis
• Export to GeoJSON/Shapefile/CSV
• Mobile app development (React Native)

Required Qualifications

Must-Have Skills

• 3+ years working with ArcGIS REST API and Feature Services
• Strong JavaScript/React experience (React Hooks, state management)
• Understanding of spatial concepts: coordinate systems (4326/3857), projections, buffers, spatial queries
• Experience building interactive web maps (Leaflet, Mapbox, or ArcGIS Maps SDK)
• Comfortable with REST APIs and asynchronous JavaScript (async/await, Promises)
• SQL/database experience (SQLite, PostgreSQL, or similar)

Nice-to-Have Skillsesri-leaflet library experienceOAuth 2.0 token managementOpenAI API or LLM integrationGeospatial algorithms (Haversine, centroid calculations, polygon operations)Node.js/Express backend developmentDocker / containerizationPrevious GIS chatbot or natural language query experienceWhat Makes a Great CandidateTechnical ExcellenceCan explain complex spatial concepts simplyWrites clean, maintainable codeUnderstands when to optimize vs. when to shipComfortable reading and improving existing codebasesProblem-Solving MindsetThinks about user experience firstBalances client-side vs. server-side operationsKnows when to use caching vs. real-time queries Can debug spatial data issues (overlapping geometries, projection mismatches) Communication Documents code and architectural decisionsCan explain technical tradeoffs to non-technical stakeholdersComfortable working with remote teamsRed Flags (What Were NOT Looking For)Only knows ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap/ArcGIS Pro) with no web API experienceCant explain REST APIs or asynchronous JavaScriptNo experience building user-facing applicationsUncomfortable with modern JavaScript frameworksExpects to work in isolation without collaborationGreen Flags (What Makes You Stand Out)Built a web mapping application from scratchContributed to open-source GIS projectsCan demo a spatial query interface youve builtExcited about AI/LLM integrationUnderstands tradeoffs between different mapping librariesHas optimized ArcGIS REST API performance before

Nice-to-Have Skills

• esri-leaflet library experience
• OAuth 2.0 token management
• OpenAI API or LLM integration
• Geospatial algorithms (Haversine, centroid calculations, polygon operations)
• Node.js/Express backend development
• Docker/containerization
• Previous GIS chatbot or natural language query experience

What Makes a Great Candidate

Technical Excellence

• Can explain complex spatial concepts simply
• Writes clean, maintainable code
• Understands when to optimize vs. when to ship
• Comfortable reading and improving existing codebases

Problem-Solving Mindset

• Thinks about user experience first
• Balances client-side vs. server-side operations
• Knows when to use caching vs. real-time queries
• Can debug spatial data issues (overlapping geometries, projection mismatches)

Communication

• Documents code and architectural decisions
• Can explain technical tradeoffs to non-technical stakeholders
• Comfortable working with remote teams

Red Flags (What Were NOT Looking For)

• Only knows ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap/ArcGIS Pro) with no web API experience
• Cant explain REST APIs or asynchronous JavaScript
• No experience building user-facing applications
• Uncomfortable with modern JavaScript frameworks
• Expects to work in isolation without collaboration

Green Flags (What Makes You Stand Out)

• Built a web mapping application from scratch
• Contributed to open-source GIS projects
• Can demo a spatial query interface youve built
• Excited about AI/LLM integration
• Understands tradeoffs between different mapping libraries
• Has optimized ArcGIS REST API performance before