The Position
Location:
Ludington, MI
Pittsburgh, PA
Oklahoma City, OK
Department:
Shared Services
Type:
Full-Time
Structure:
In-Office
Job Description:
The GIS Manager leads Western Land Services' GIS department (nearly 30 team members) and oversees nationwide GIS operations directly and indirectly in support of all industries (Oil & Gas, Renewables, Right of Way, Commercial Real Estate, Etc.) and across all service lines from a surface and subsurface perspective (Acquisition, Title, BPO, Curative, Due Diligence, etc.). This role is responsible for building and managing a high-performing team, maintaining data integrity across complex land portfolios, driving the WLS GIS Technology Road Map, and delivering spatial intelligence that supports decisions external clients and internal project managers across our suite of services.
This is a hands-on leadership role. You will manage people and projects simultaneously, serve as the internal subject matter expert on all things spatial data, and actively support business development by growing client relationships and contributing to proposals and demonstrations. If you thrive at the intersection of GIS, land, data, people leadership, and business growth, this role was built for you.
Job Requirements
Responsibilities:
- Coach, mentor, and develop GIS team members across WLS offices and remote locations, building their GIS expertise, industry knowledge, and leadership capabilities.
-
Recruit and hire top
GIS talent; lead onboarding, performance reviews, and performance-related
conversations in collaboration with HR.
- Set clear expectations, conduct regular 1:1s, and run team meetings and training sessions that sharpen skills and build cohesion.
- Manage workload distribution and staffing across active projects and regions, balancing quality, deadlines, and team capacity.
- Review and approve staff timesheets and invoices.
- Foster a culture of accountability and ownership where problems surface early and solutions move fast.
- Ensure staff development initiatives align with Western’s Talent & Leadership Systems Initiative.
- Oversee day-to-day GIS operations, supporting WLS project managers, department leaders, clients, and partners with timely, high-quality deliverables.
- Design, maintain, and enforce quality control standards for all GIS databases, layers, and spatial data assets.
- Establish and uphold data standards, naming conventions, and version control protocols across the team.
- Administer geodatabase design, creation, maintenance, and QC processes.
- Monitor project costs, budgets, and timelines.
- Administer and optimize overall quality and timeliness of team output, with a focus on minimizing risk for project managers and clients.
- Work across aisles to optimize workflows and processes that traverse other departments.
- Management of project profitability & accounts receivable.
- Lead the development, maintenance, and evolution of the WLS GIS Technology Road Map.
- Ensure GIS tech roadmap aligns with Western’s AI-Enabled Operations & Tech Initiative.
- Regularly assess existing technology and processes against available alternatives to optimize efficiency and maintain best-in-class status.
- Independently develop and manage web maps, reports, and workflows using Esri-based software including ArcGIS Pro and Portal.
- Oversee implementation plans for new technologies, working with outside consultants where necessary and ensuring team members are properly equipped and trained.
- Partner with IT Director to optimize technology performance and resolve tech-related issues.
- Identify automation and tooling opportunities through Python scripting, SQL/SDE, ModelBuilder, API development, or other AI-centric applications.
- Stay apprised of industry/technology trends to ensure WLS remains an industry leader.
- Maintain and grow existing client relationships while actively supporting outreach to prospective clients.
- Assist with presentations, demonstrations, and preparation of GIS proposals and bids.
- Present GIS findings and spatial insights to clients, executives, and project teams in clear, business-focused language.
- Provide ongoing input into GIS-related marketing needs and positioning.
- Partner with regional leadership to align GIS capabilities with business priorities and pipeline growth.
Required Skills & Abilities:
- Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, ESRI Portal, and the broader Esri Enterprise platform.
- SQL & SDE Experience.
- Strong working knowledge of legal land descriptions, PLSS, survey systems, and deed interpretation.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities without sacrificing quality.
- Clear, direct communicator who can translate spatial data into decisions others can act on.
- Strong computer, problem-solving, and organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
- AI integration / application experience preferred.
- Microsoft (Copilot Studio/Power Automate/etc.) or Odoo application experience.
- Proven experience leading sizeable virtual or distributed teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Required Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in GIS, Geography, Computer Science, Business, Natural Resources, or a related field.
- 6+ years of GIS application experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership capacity for larger scale teams.
- Demonstrated experience supporting land services: title, acquisition, due diligence, curative, land administration, etc. (across various industries).
- Multi-industry GIS experience: renewables, oil and gas, right-of-way, utilities, government, natural resources, or real estate.
- API development or management experience.
- GISP certification or equivalent professional credential.
- Experience integrating GIS with land management platforms (e.g., Quorum, LandFolio, or similar).
Western Land Services Benefits
Why WLS?
At WLS, our employees are the foundation of our success. Investing in our employees, means investing in our future, and it all starts with the recruitment and retention of talented individuals. WLS harbors a flexible, stimulating work environment that is family-oriented. We are recognized for employees who work hard, not because they have to, but because they want to. Hard work and dedication is noticed and rewarded, through advancement opportunities and incentives. As an Employee Owned Company, our employees also have the ability to share in the financial rewards of ownership. Every employee, regardless of position, contributes to our success. As a member of our team, you will get to experience:
Employee Stock Ownership
(ESOP)
Fully vested WLS employees are eligible to receive stock within the company.
Advancement & Cross Training
Opportunity's to grow and learn various operations within the company that fits you.
Annual Performance Reviews & Bonus Program
Receive annual performance reviews to stay at completive pay rates while also being eligible for our bonus program
Full-Time Employee Benefits
- Paid Holidays and Vacation Time
- BCBS Health Insurance & Supplemental Insurances at group rates
- Employer funded Health Savings & 401k Accounts with matching.
Wellness Program & Discounts
24/7 Access to our Wellness Program and Benefits.
Travel Opportunities
Experience both short and long term travel opportunities across the U.S.A.
Company Events
Enjoy the comradery of your coworkers during Golf Outings, Christmas Parties and other employee appreciation events.
Volunteer Opportunities
WLS is very engaged with local fundraisers/charity events, helping out our communities.