Public Health Geographic Information Systems Specialist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Public Health Geographic Information Systems Specialist 
Job Title: Research Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Regional & Loc Dep Assoc Comm 
Posting Number: 8604 
Closing Date: 09/12/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Salary Range: $5,425.32 - $6,400.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 15% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0231,0531,4505,4591,8051,8825,8850,15AX,35F,38A,49A,683X,783X,IS,ISS,OSS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Serves as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) subject matter expert for the Division of Regional and Local Health Operations (RLHO). Works under minimal supervision for the Analytics and Information Management (AIM) Director with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs highly advanced (senior level) research and analysis work. Plans, develops, coordinates and oversees GIS research and the use of GIS analytic tools focused on RLHO projects. Assumes a response role during disasters and public health emergencies. Performs related work as assigned.

AIM’s mission is to analyze and transform public health information into insights that empower RLHO stakeholders to make data-driven decisions and improve outcomes.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Serves as Public Health Geographic Information Systems Specialist for the Division for Regional and Local Health Operations (RLHO).
• Determines appropriate use of GIS analytic tools for RLHO activities and initiatives and participates in strategic planning, implementation and evaluation efforts.
• Consults with and provides technical assistance to state, regional and local health department staff on the theory and conduct of quantitative, qualitative, and spatial research methods that use GIS applications. Educates agency and regional staff about spatial data and cartographic concepts.
• Actively participates during emergency response operations in the State Medical Operations Center, State Operations Center, regional and/or local operations centers, Continuity of Operations Teams, Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Responses (CASPER), and/or other teams during disaster response and/or recovery efforts and completes all training requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of scientific research design and methods.

• Knowledge of evaluation and measurement concepts and methods and their application to research analysis.

• Knowledge of database concepts (table design, relationships, indexing strategies and normalization).

• Knowledge of Java, VBScript, JavaScript.

• Knowledge of the basic concepts of public health.

Skill in:

• Skill in ESRI ArcGIS software applications.
• Skill in Geospatial data analysis and techniques.
• Skill in cartographic principles, techniques, procedures and map composition.
• Skill in collecting, analyzing and graphical and tabular presentation data.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Ability to organize and supervise tasks to complete projects.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, coworkers, colleagues, and the public.
• Ability to manage, manipulate and analyze complex databases.
• Ability to work in a team and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain confidential material.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and show initiative.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in geographic information systems and computer science is generally preferred. Five years of experience in planning and directing GIS research, planning, and work in health-related fields. Three years of experience using most of the following GIS software tools: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise Portal, and Mobile Apps, for multiple different kinds of GIS products and creating maps. Python experience is preferred.

Additional Information:

All applicants must complete the pre-screening assessment to be considered. Answers on the pre-screening assessment must be supported by details on the applicant's job application. Qualified applicants will be required to take a skills test prior to being offered an interview.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form