MDP – Geospatial Application Developer

• Geospatial Application Developer
• MDP Local Planning Assistance
• Recruitment #25-002589-0004
• Grade: 19
• Salary: $73,957.00 – $94,701.00/year with progression to $119,492.00/year
• Filing Deadline: 3/24/2025

Introduction

The Maryland Department of Planning’s Geospatial Data and Analysis Unit is seeking an innovative professional for the role of Geospatial Application Developer. This position, which reports directly to the manager of the GDA Unit, will be responsible for creating and managing state-of-the-art, web-based GIS solutions that support enterprise-level spatial analyses and ensure comprehensive geospatial data governance. In this role, interactive GIS applications and dashboards will be developed, deployed, and maintained, including an internal online intake system and a public-facing dashboard to track plan reviews and permitting processes for the Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council. A range of technologies, such as ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS API for JavaScript, Python, R, SQL, and ETL tools like FME, will be utilized to meet state and departmental standards. Advanced spatial analyses—including clustering, spatial regression, machine learning, and raster analyses—will be integrated into enterprise workflows. Complex spatial data models and queries will be designed and optimized within a Microsoft SQL Server environment, ensuring data integrity and performance while supporting the Department’s analytical objectives. This role will also serve as a technical bridge to government agencies and local stakeholders by coordinating interagency information sharing, communication, and cooperation. Requirements-gathering sessions will be conducted with internal and external partners to align geospatial products with evolving project needs and the Department’s strategic goals. Overall, this position offers an opportunity to contribute to Maryland’s planning landscape by supporting statewide initiatives with modern, data-driven solutions that advance operational efficiency, transparency, and accountability

LOCATION OF POSITION

MD Department of Planning

120 E. Baltimore Street, Suite 2000, Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

This position reports directly to the manager of the Geospatial Data and Analysis (GDA) Unit and works within the Web Application and Server Management subunit. The Geospatial Application Developer is responsible for developing and administering web-based GIS solutions, performing advanced geospatial analyses in an enterprise-level Microsoft SQL Server environment, and ensuring strong data governance practices. This position provides support to the Senior Analyst within the Analysis, Modeling, & QAQC subunit, as well as the Senior Analyst in the Production and Tech Support subunit, with respect to maintaining the Maryland Department of Planning’s (MDP) geospatial enterprise database.

POSITION DUTIES

GIS Web Application Development

Develop, deploy, and maintain interactive GIS web applications and dashboards using ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS API for JavaScript, and related frameworks, in particular the development and maintenance of an internal online intake system for the Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council. Utilize Python, SQL, and other programming languages (e.g., R where applicable) to automate workflows and integrate advanced analytics into web solutions. Ensure responsive design and compliance with State and departmental accessibility standards for public-facing platforms. Oversee ArcGIS Server and Portal for ArcGIS installations, configurations, and updates.

Advanced Geospatial Analysis

Perform a range of spatial analyses—including clustering, spatial regression, machine learning, and raster analyses—using Python and R, along with ArcGIS Pro. Design and implement database queries and stored procedures in Microsoft SQL Server to handle large, complex datasets supporting advanced geospatial analytics. Collaborate with the Analysis, Modeling, & QAQC subunit to embed analytical outputs into dynamic web tools, dashboards, and visualizations for stakeholders.

Project Management

Serve in a support role to the Permitting Council Project Manager for the Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council, developing and maintaining an internal online intake system and public-facing dashboard to track plan reviews and permitting processes. Establish processes that facilitate interagency information sharing, communication, and cooperation, ensuring timely responses and determinations for project plans and permits. Conduct requirements-gathering sessions with internal and external stakeholders, including local governments and external agencies, to integrate their needs into MDP’s geospatial products. Coordinate project timelines, deliverables, and resources, especially for high-impact web GIS and analysis projects. Database Integration Management Connect GIS applications to Microsoft SQL Server, designing and optimizing spatial data models, queries, and stored procedures for seamless integration. Monitor database performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements in coordination with the Database & Server Management subunit. Use Python, R, and SQL scripts, as well as ETL tools like Feature Manipulation Engine (FME) to migrate and transform data for enterprise GIS workflows.

Geospatial Data Governance

Establish and maintain standards for data stewardship, metadata creation, and lifecycle management of spatial datasets, ensuring integrity and accuracy. Develop and implement policies and procedures to protect sensitive or regulated spatial data in compliance with State IT security protocols and privacy regulations. Collaborate with relevant subunits and stakeholders to enforce data governance best practices, including version control, auditing, and proper data archiving.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Six years of administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university for five years of the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience developing interactive web-based GIS applications and dashboards, including tools and technologies utilized, intended audience (internal or public), and the resulting impact.

Experience performing advanced spatial analyses using ArcGIS Pro, highlighting specific techniques such as clustering, spatial regression, or machine learning.

Outline familiarity and experience with Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes, specifically using tools like Feature Manipulation Engine (FME), and successful completion of complex data migration or transformation tasks.

Experience illustrating optimization of spatial data models and development of efficient queries or stored procedures within enterprise-level database systems, such as SQL Server or Oracle.

Experience coordinating technical solutions across cross-functional teams, government agencies, or local stakeholders which involved explaining integration of these solutions into broader organizational strategies or initiatives.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS