GIS Analyst

Job Description and Duties

On October 6, 2025 Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 484 which amends the Coastal Act to require the California Coastal Commission, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), to identify at least three local jurisdictions that do not have certified local coastal programs, where categorical exclusions could support the development of 100% affordable housing. SB 484 provides a pathway to increase affordable housing opportunities in the Coastal Zone by creating infill housing in developed communities, while balancing coastal resource protections. This position offers an exciting opportunity to participate in the evaluation, planning and regulation of categorical exclusion requirements in cities without certified local coastal programs. Working with Commission staff across multiple units, interagency partners at HCD, local governments and those interested in affordable housing development, this position is responsible for providing technical GIS analytical support for suitability analyses, cartographic and web-mapping design expertise to the SB484 team.

Under the direction of the Mapping Supervisor, the incumbent will perform technical and analytical work necessary to support the regulatory and planning activities and interagency coordination associated with SB 484.  The incumbent will routinely use spatial and geographic information as source materials to inventory, identify and overlay coastal resources, housing element and zoning designations, sensitive habitat areas, coastal hazards and fair housing indicators. The incumbent may also perform varied and complex technical and analytical planning and/or regulatory work directly related to the conservation and development of the coast.  Some special projects may be assigned.

The incumbent will be expected to:

• Understand, analyze, and define data requirements to inform policy objectives
• Provide technical support on GIS procedures for data development, collection, retention, suitability analysis and cartographic presentation
• Assist with establishing and maintaining a digital coastal zone geospatial data library
• Provide and interpret spatial data for Commission staff, HCD, local government partners and the public
• Analyze and research complex issues, evaluate alternatives and make sound independent decisions within established guidelines
• Demonstrate proficiency in GIS concepts and analytical techniques, software applications, digital mapping procedures, database management techniques and metadata development
• Demonstrate knowledge of QA/QC procedures to ensure accuracy, consistency, standardization, and completeness of data
• Demonstrate proficiency in ESRI ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Pro analysis, application development and deployment
• Organize, plan and complete projects efficiently
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Quickly learn new concepts
• Work collaboratively and effectively with multiple project teams
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position will report to either the San Francisco or Long Beach office. The California Coastal Commission is a hybrid workplace and offers telework for all employees. Telework is available for this position in accordance with the California Coastal Commission’s Telework Policy and Procedures with a minimum of four in-office days per week. This Telework Policy is subject to change.

Minimum Requirements

• RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II
• RESEARCH DATA ANALYST I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Department Information

Special Requirements

Application Instructions

• Knowledge of research methods and techniques housing policy, natural resource management, urban planning or a closely related field, principles and concepts of geography, cartography, and computer mapping; techniques of spatial analysis that involve map overlays and proximity analysis; familiarity with intranet/internet-based mapping applications using ArcGIS for Server, ArcGIS Online, and various standard development tools.
• Ability to read, track and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements of the California Coastal Act, Coastal Zone Management Act and other relevant California and federal environmental protection and resource management laws and programs.
• Ability to logically and creatively solve complex problems, analyze data, present ideas and information effectively, manage complex maps and applications, establish and maintain project priorities and apply GIS analysis and data interpretation to policy development and implementation.
• Ability to gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of others, effectively present the Commission’s position and professionally represent the Coastal Commission in coordination efforts with state agencies, local governments, affordable housing developers and the interested public.

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.