GIS TECHNICIAN na Knife River NW

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 West Region, you will report to the GIS Manager, supporting the development of location intelligence programs consistent with our competitive EDGE objectives.   Utilizing GIS and Unmanned Aircraft System(s) (UAS) technologies, this position assists with data collection, photogrammetry and LiDAR processing, mapping and spatial content development.     Additionally, you will support web-based GIS applications, providing user training and technical support to internal stakeholders across company locations in the Region.  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 and LiDAR processing, and data management.
  • Valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification with three years of UAS mission planning, execution and equipment maintenance.
  • Proven ability to analyze spatial data, identify trends, and communicate insights that inform business decisions.
  • Demonstrated experience with 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 MS Office suite of products and industry-related computer software.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication 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 and processing, data management, and project coordination.
• Experience with photogrammetry processing software (E.g. Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape or DroneDeploy), LiDAR software (such as LP360, DJI Terra, Cloud Compare 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: (summary of components that make up the job) An asterisk (*) indicates essential job functions that cannot be modified in order to fulfill the job requirements.

1.*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.

2.*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.

3.*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.

4.*Ensure Agility & 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.

5.*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.

6.*Develop and Support GIS Applications – Assist with the development, configuration, and maintenance of dynamic web GIS applications and mobile field apps to support business needs and increase user accessibility.

7.*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. 

8.*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.

9.*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.

10*Assist with SK-1300 Reporting Requirements – Support technical services and land planning teams by assisting in the preparing, organizing, and maintaining geospatial datasets required for technical report development and compliance.

11.*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.

12.Work independently or with a team on projects with limited and direct supervision. 

13.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: (types and extent of knowledge, skills or abilities an incumbent must possess to complete the job responsibilities satisfactorily)

• 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.

Work Environment:

• Indoor/ Outdoor- Traveling to conduct work, may be subject to seasonal hear and cold or adverse weather conditions.

Physical Demands:

• FLOOR TO WAIST–raising an object from floor to waist height (include upward pulling): 21-50 lbs
• WAIST TO EYE LEVEL–raising an object from waist to eye level height (include upward pulling): 11-20 lbs
• BILATERAL CARRYING–transporting an object, usually holding in hands or arms in front of body: 11-20 lbs
• UNILATERAL CARRYING–transporting an object, usually holding in hands or arms on side of body: 21-50 lbs
• PUSHING–exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the force: 51-110 lbs
• PULLING–exerting force upon an object so that object moves toward the force (include jerking): 51-110 lbs

Mental Demands:

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