The Scope
The Geospatial Engineer will be a key member of FSCs Information Technology unit responsible for developing implementing and maintaining scalable and interoperable Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing capabilities. These solutions will support the assessment monitoring and evaluation of forestry management standards ensuring highquality geospatial insights drive conservation efforts sustainable forest management and policy decisions.
This is a handson role that requires strong technical expertise in GIS remote sensing and spatial data engineering combined with the ability to interface with business stakeholders and external partners. The Geospatial Engineer will translate complex technical capabilities into practical applications promoting the broader use of GIS and remote sensing across FSC while ensuring seamless integration with enterprise systems.
As an integral member of the current GIS team within FSC this role will oversee the full lifecycle of geospatial solutions including agile design development automation and optimization of geospatial workflows and data pipelines. The Geospatial Engineer will drive efficiencies enhance interoperability and ensure that FSCs GIS products deliver value accuracy and quality for internal teams and external collaborators.
Main Roles & Responsibilities
- Design develop and manage GIS and remote sensing solutions for forestry management ensuring system flexibility scalability and interoperability.
- Build and maintain scalable loosely coupled data pipelines using ESRI technologies (ArcGIS Online ArcGIS Enterprise) to integrate forestry natural resource and operational datasets.
- Develop and maintain geospatial databases data models and schemas ensuring high data quality integrity and compliance with data governance standards.
- Ensure seamless integration of diverse geospatial data sources while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations (e.g. GDPR) and industry standards.
- Automate spatial data workflows to enhance data processing analysis and visualization supporting field data collection via GPS UAVs and mobile GIS applications.
- Conduct spatial analysis and modeling to support sustainable forest management climate impact assessments and biodiversity conservation.
- Integrate remote sensing technologies (satellite imagery LiDAR) to enhance geospatial analysis and monitoring capabilities.
- Develop custom mapping solutions and GIS applications ensuring compatibility with webbased and enterprise GIS platforms.
- Perform GIS data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) ensuring accuracy and reliability in spatial data products.
- Support crossfunctional teams by providing geospatial mapping visualization and reporting for internal stakeholders external partners and decisionmakers.
- Research and evaluate emerging GIS technologies data sources and algorithms to improve system capabilities and efficiency.
- Act as a technical liaison with business stakeholders external consultants and vendors (e.g. Esri GIS/remote sensing providers) to align GIS strategies with organizational goals.
- Create and maintain documentation related to GIS system architecture workflows and operational procedures.
- Train and support staff in GIS and remote sensing tools and methodologies fostering adoption and ensuring accessibility for nontechnical stakeholders.
- Develop business cases and present technical solutions for a global audience emphasizing GIS applications within FSC certification and sustainable forestry markets.
Your profile
Education and Training- Bachelors or Masters degree in GIS Geography Geospatial Engineering Forestry Remote Sensing Computer Science or a related field.
- Professional GIS certifications (e.g. Esri Technical Certification GISP) are expected and encouraged.
- Training and certifications in enabling technical product capabilities (e.g. Certified Scrum Product Owner Agile Product Owner) are a plus.
Working Experience Style and Skills
- Strong knowledge of remote sensing techniques and tools such as Google Earth Engine ENVI or ERDAS for satellite imagery and LiDAR analysis.
- Proficiency in spatial databases (PostGIS SQL Server) and experience managing scalable geospatial data pipelines.
- Experience with Python R or other scripting languages for automating GIS workflows and performing advanced geospatial analysis.
- Familiarity with web GIS technologies (ArcGIS Online and Enterprise OpenLayers Mapbox) and their integration into enterprise solutions.
- Experience integrating GIS with operational systems (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics Salesforce) using APIs ETL processes or middleware solutions to ensure secure and seamless data exchange.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex GIS concepts for nontechnical stakeholders and drive broader adoption of geospatial solutions.
Leadership- Ability to lead and support GIS initiatives within the technology unit and align them with business needs.
- Strong project management skills including task identification and prioritization budgeting and stakeholder coordination.
- Excellent communication and training skills to educate nonGIS professionals and promote GIS adoption.
- Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including scientists policymakers external collaborators technology teams and field personnel.
- Passion for forest conservation and sustainability efforts.
- Strong ability to encourage teams autonomy create clarity in expectations and empower team members to take ownership of their individual work contributions while aligning with related work streams to ensure high quality outcomes.
- Drive to ensure and insist that all GIS related decisions are made with a high degree of integrity aligning with the FSCs values and ethical standards.
Technical Skills- Expertise in GIS software particularly ArcGIS Environment (ArcGIS Pro ArcGIS Enterprise ArcGIS Online) with experience in QGIS or opensource GIS tools is a plus.
- Spatial data processing and analysis Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro ArcGIS Online QGIS and GRASS GIS .
- Remote Sensing Tools Experience with Google Earth Engine ENVI and ERDAS Imagine for satellite imagery LiDAR and other emerging technologies.
- Exposure to and experience with AI applications relevant to spatial and remote sensing capabilities are a plus.
- Programming & Scripting Strong proficiency in Python JavaScript and SQL for geospatial analysis automation and data processing.
- Spatial Database Management Expertise in PostgreSQL (PostGIS) SQL Server for managing and optimizing geospatial data.
- Custom Web GIS & Mapping Applications Familiarity with ArcGIS API for JavaScript ArcGIS API for Python Leaflet Mapbox and OpenLayers for developing interactive and webbased GIS solutions.
- CloudBased GIS Solutions Experience with Azure and Google Cloud for scalable GIS infrastructure data storage and processing.
- Enterprise & Operational System Integration Experience integrating GIS with Microsoft Dynamics Salesforce and other operational platforms using APIs ETL workflows and middleware solutions.
- GPS & UAV Mapping Handson experience with GPS and UAV (drone) mapping tools for field data collection and integration into GIS workflows.
- Data Visualization & Reporting Proficiency in ArcGIS Dashboard Business Analyst for creating geospatial reports dashboards and visualizations.
Language and Communication Skills- Fluency in English; proficiency in Spanish and/or French is a plus.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills capable of driving alignment and collaboration across diverse teams.
Others- Commitment to FSCs mission and values.
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity in a diverse global team setting.
Why us
Why Join FSC in Bonn Germany
- Be part of a globally recognized organization at the forefront of sustainable forestry and contribute to the mission to help protect the worlds forests.
- Play an active role in the FSC global community of 400 forest stewards who come together inperson at least once a year.
- Benefit from crosscultural collaboration and networking opportunities by working in a dynamic inclusive and diverse international culture with over 60 nationalities represented under one roof.
- Enjoy comprehensive benefits including relocation assistance if needed and investment in training and development opportunities (e.g. LinkedIn Learning Learning Lunches and more) to advance your career.
- Explore the vibrant federal city of Bonn home to Beethoven Haribo and the beautiful Rhein River promenade including many urban parks and close access to nature. As Germanys UN City and second capital Bonn is an international city with a rich cultural heritage recently celebrating its 2000th anniversary. Learn more about the city or take a virtual stroll.
- Embrace worklife balance: beyond Bonns borders unlock Europes wonders with 30 working days of vacation at your disposal. Whether its skiing in the Swiss Alps or basking in the sun on Mediterranean shores your European adventures await.
Ready to make a difference Join FSC and help shape a sustainable future. Apply now with your resume and cover letter showcasing your achievements and how you can contribute to FSCs mission.
The Fine Print
- Location: Bonn Germany.
- Working Hours: Full time 40 hours per week.
- Duration of Employment: Temporary contract 2 years (extension possible subject to satisfactory performance).
- Starting Date: As soon as possible.
How to Apply
Ready to make a difference Join FSC and help shape a sustainable future. Dont delay apply now!
- Please apply by submitting your CV in English.
- Please do not send any photos of yourself.
- The deadline for applications is 4May 2025.
For FSC inclusiveness and diversity are important values. As such we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds and are entirely committed to consider all qualified applicants regardless of race gender sexual orientation religion ethnicity age and disability.
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We are looking forward to your application! About us
Welcome to FSC!
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a globally recognized nonprofit organization at the forefront of promoting sustainable forestry. With over 150 million hectares of certified forests and a trusted reputation among NGOs consumers and businesses FSC is leading the way in ensuring the longterm health and resilience of the worlds forests.