GIS Data Analyst II

Salary: $112,910.27 - $137,380.76 Annually

Location : 11615 Sterling Avenue, Riverside

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Information Services

Opening Date: 02/02/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

Do you love turning data into insights that actually matter? Join SAWPA and use your GIS skills to support regional water planning, sustainability, and collaboration across Southern California.

In this role, you'll work with spatial data, maps, and analysis that inform real-world decisions, supporting watershed planning, infrastructure projects, and innovative water programs. You'll collaborate with technical experts, planners, and leaders who value smart data and big-picture thinking.

Under general direction, the GIS Data Analyst II administers SAWPA's water resource information systems and performs advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) functions, including GIS programming and analysis. This role supports the development of technical reports and presentations, serves as a technical resource for GIS-related software applications, and performs Network Analyst functions. The position also collaborates with Information Technology staff to ensure GIS systems comply with authentication, access control, and security standards.

This role is part of a planned transition, with interviews anticipated in March and a target start window in early April 2026 to support continuity of GIS services.

Recruitment Timeline (Anticipated)

Job Announcement: Monday, February 2, 2026

Initial (Zoom) Interviews: Monday, March 9, 2026

Finalist Interviews: Monday, March 16, 2026

Target Start Window: April 1 - April 16, 2026Minimum Qualifications

Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or a closely related field.

Education equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in GIS, water resources, or a related discipline.

A combination of applicable experience and non-degree certification may be substituted for the required education.Highly Desirable Qualifications

GIS Professional (GISP) certification or GISP eligibility with four (4) or more years of qualifying experience.

Microsoft SQL Server and/or Azure database administration certification.

Professional licensure as a California Professional Geologist (PG), Civil Engineer (PE), or Land Surveyor (PLS).Skills and Abilities

Apply advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) concepts and analytical techniques using enterprise GIS environments, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, and related Esri tools.

Design, develop, and maintain GIS databases, applications, and data workflows using SQL, scripting, and related technologies.

Manage, analyze, and interpret water resource and geographic data in compliance with applicable quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) standards and regulatory requirements.

Lead GIS and database projects from requirements definition through implementation, testing, documentation, and user training.

Translate complex spatial and database analyses into clear maps, dashboards, and reports for technical and non-technical audiences.

Solve complex problems related to data collection, integration, transfer, and storage.

Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, and establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and partner agencies.To view the full job description, please click here.

About SAWPA

The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) is a regional Joint Powers Authority dedicated to collaborative water resource planning and management in Southern California. Formed in 1975, SAWPA brings together five member agencies, Eastern Municipal Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Orange County Water District, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, and Western Municipal Water District, to address shared water challenges through coordinated, data-driven solutions.

SAWPA supports a broad range of regional initiatives focused on water supply reliability, water quality, recycled water, groundwater and salinity management, and integrated planning across the Santa Ana River Watershed. Through partnerships with agencies, stakeholders, and communities, SAWPA advances innovative programs and long-term strategies that promote sustainability, resilience, and informed decision-making, helping ensure reliable and high-quality water resources for the region's residents, economy, and environment.

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Explore our Benefits Package for detailed information.

Compensation

Employees are eligible for merit-based salary increases based on performance evaluations. Cost of living adjustments are implemented in accordance with Commission approval.

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible to enroll in these benefits. SAWPA contributes up to predesignated limits toward the cost of medical, dental and vision insurance. Employees may choose between three medical plans:

Anthem Blue Cross PPO

Anthem Blue Cross HMO

Kaiser Permanente HMODelta Dental PPO and Vision Services plans provide dental and vision coverage for employees and their eligible dependents at no cost to the employee.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Administered by Anthem Blue Cross, the EAP is a no cost program that assists employees and their dependents with matters affecting their personal life and/or job performance. Topics include counseling, legal consultation, financial consultation, ID recovery, mental health, dependent care and daily living resources, and crisis consultation.

Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)

Available through Mutual of Omaha, this benefit provides coverage of 2x the annual salary (up to $250,000).

Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD)

Available through Mutual of Omaha, LTD provides up to 66 2/3% of the monthly salary for qualifying conditions.

Voluntary Life Insurance

Employees are eligible to purchase supplemental life insurance.

Flexible Spending (Healthcare and Dependent Care)

Employees are eligible to participate in a flexible spending plan, which provides the opportunity to pay for certain medical, dental, vision, and childcare expenses with pre-tax dollars, resulting in tax savings. Participation in the flexible spending plan is voluntary, with no employer contribution.

Holidays and Floating Holiday

Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday per year.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees will accrue one (1) day of sick leave per month. One day is equivalent to nine (9) hours.

Vacation

For the first five (5) years of employment, full-time employees accrued nine (9) hours of vacation for each full month worked. Vacation accrual increases occur as described below:

Public Employees retirement System

SAWPA contracts with the Public Employees Retirement System of the State of California (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits.

Classic Members shall be enrolled at 2% at 55. The employee pays 7% of their salary.

New Members (PEPRA) shall be enrolled at 2% at 62. Currently the employee pays 8% of their salary, subject to future increases as determined by CalPERS. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Reference the SAWPA Personnel Handbook for eligibility details.

Alternative Workweek Schedules: 9/80s and 4/10s

Remote work may be available, depending on the position

Educational Reimbursement: Up-to $5,250.00 per calendar year

Wellness Program: Up-to $150.00 per calendar year

Professional Memberships: up to $300.00 per fiscal year.

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