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GIS Program Manager
Non-Union Position
Compliance Data Management; Portland, Oregon (US-OR)
Hybrid schedule available for Oregon & Washington residents.
Regular FT
Posting # 5332
About Us:
At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry.
In addition to environmental stewardship, we’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility.
The Role:
The GIS Program Manager ensures geospatial data, applications, and processes are designed, integrated, and configured to meet current and future business needs. The position works closely with Engineering, other stakeholders, and IT&S to guarantee successful definition, creation, and delivery of GIS products and services to the organization. The position is the business product owner for geospatial applications, including Esri and IQGeo.
This position manages the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialists who are responsible for advanced, specialized, and analytical work in the development and use of GIS. The GIS Program Manager coordinates and manages personnel to achieve business goals, objectives, and opportunities. The position also guides GIS Analysts in skills development and fosters individual growth.
Day to Day:
- Articulate and possess a strong knowledge of GIS data, products, and their application, including their ability to meet key business objectives of stakeholders.
- Establish and maintain relationships with key business and technology stakeholders. Collaborate closely on projects and programs with Engineering, Operations, and Enterprise Applications.
- Coordinate contracts, enforce SOW compliance, and process invoices for GIS contracts. For vendor work performed in production support and the Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) program, support contracting activities, and review invoices for accuracy.
- Serve as the organization’s GIS subject matter expert, responsible for representing GIS on projects, production support, and initiatives that interact with GIS data and leverage geospatial applications and solutions.
- Primary GIS liaison to the IT department for projects, planning, and budgeting.
- Prioritize and manage work development work in EAM production support specially for Esri and field and web mapping applications. Work closely with developers and solution architects to resolve issues, test changes, and develop new application functionality. Present to organization leaderships updates on work and justifications for application enhancements.
- The ability to describe the key aspects of current and future geospatial processes, assure solution design decisions achieve the expected business values and that change impacts are identified.
- Responsible for IQGeo application configuration and producing end user trainings content and communications to ensure users are informed on IQGeo standards and procedures.
- Ensure geospatial solutions meet compliance requirements, geospatial best practices, and optimization of the organization’s GIS.
- GIS administration activities, including user account management, ArcGIS Online and My Esri administration, application and user licensing, and renewal activities.
- Manage GIS Analysts, providing workload management, performance development, and performance reviews.
- Define and execute the geospatial roadmap, defining which business capabilities the product should have, and what business outcomes those capabilities should achieve.
Come on your first day with:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum 5 years of GIS experience.
- Adept project management skills and abilities.
- Advanced oral, written, and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex technological concepts to both a non-technical audience as well as advanced technology provisioners.
- Experience analyzing, developing, and maintaining information systems.
- Experience working with Esri’s suite of GIS software products.
- Highly self-motivated, combined with extensive experience working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment to achieve company goals and department goals.
- Proven ability to prioritize work to meet tight schedules and demanding targets while delivering high quality products; effectively managing competing priorities.
- Skilled at defining issues, analyzing and evaluating information, presenting recommendations and identifying alternative solutions.
- High level of ability in providing communications and professional interactions with all levels of personnel from entry to expert and both internal as well as external including consultants, system implementors; service providers, solution provisioners and industry experts.
- Proven ability to function in a highly cohesive team environment to achieve project goals and to act independently to accomplish responsibilities.
What we offer:
Health & Wellness –
- Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
- Free access to an online wellness resources platform
Work Life Balance -
- Up to 23 Vacation Days
- 80 Hours of Sick Time
- 10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
- Flexible work arrangements
- 3 weeks paid parental leave
- Green Team / Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council / Safety Team / Women’s Network and many other Employee Resource Groups
- 1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
Financial -
- Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
- Competitive 401K company contribution and match
- 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
- Wellness incentive program
Discounts -
- 20% off natural gas service
- Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
- TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
- Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless
Base salary range: $96,000.00 - $136,800.00 per year, depending on qualifications
Annual Target Incentive: Grade 21, 9.5% target
Targets are calculated using eligible earnings during plan year participation. Payout, if earned, is based on company and individual performance for each plan year and may range from 0% – 200% of target. Targets are subject to change in subsequent plan years. Must be employed by September 30 in order to receive any prorated payout.
Application Process: To be considered for this position, submit a complete electronic application including cover letter and resume via our website.
https://www.nwnatural.com/about-us/the-company/careers
Deadline: 8/5/25
Disclosure: We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations.
All applications must be submitted through NW Natural’s Electronic Application System. Resumes submitted via email, fax or mail will not be accepted in lieu of an electronic application.
NW Natural is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace our candidates’ diversity and take affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, marital status, genetic information, and all other legally protected characteristics. We forbid discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on any protected status or characteristic. A criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment with NW Natural. Instead, we make individualized assessments regarding qualifications and backgrounds. NW Natural is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact us at employment@nwnatural.com or (971) 979-6341.
NW Natural does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural as a result of the referral or through other means.
Nearest Major Market: Portland Oregon