GIS Technical Lead (Top Secret Clearance Required)

Ardent is seeking a GIS Technical Lead to join our team.  

This is an on-site position, located in Quantico, VA - all candidates must currently hold an active TOP SECRET Clearance.

Position Description:

Ardent is seeking a GIS Technical Lead to provide technical leadership across geospatial applications, data environments, and system operations for federal government programs. This role focuses on advanced ArcGIS platform administration, spatial analysis, and enterprise geospatial data management while guiding technical teams and supporting mission-critical initiatives. The lead will operate within secure environments requiring elevated access and will translate complex GIS concepts into actionable solutions aligned with stakeholder needs and program objectives.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Lead and support ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Pro environments.
• Perform advanced spatial analysis to support mission and operational requirements.
• Administer GIS servers and manage enterprise geospatial systems.
• Oversee SDE and SQL-based geospatial database management activities.
• Develop and maintain scripts using Python, R, and JavaScript for automation and analysis.
• Support and implement Field Maps and Survey123 solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to GIS team members.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to gather requirements and align GIS solutions to mission needs.
• Translate GIS concepts and technical outputs into actionable plans.
• Ensure data integrity, system performance, and reliability across geospatial platforms.
• Support elevated and administrative access functions within GIS environments.
• Document technical processes, system configurations, and workflows.

Requirements: 

• Active Top Secret Clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in Geography or Related field
• 5+ years of experience supporting GIS applications.
• 3+ years of relevant technical leadership or advanced GIS experience.
• Experience with ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Pro.
• Experience with GIS server administration.
• Experience with SDE and SQL database management.
• Proficiency in Python, R, and JavaScript.
• Experience performing advanced spatial analysis.
• Experience with Field Maps and Survey123.
• Ability to mentor technical teams and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Ability to translate GIS concepts into actionable plans.
• DCWF qualification required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• ESRI Professional Certification.
• Experience supporting federal or government geospatial programs.
• Experience working in secure or compliance-driven environments.

Due to the nature of the work we support, all candidates in consideration for this role must be willing to undergo the government issued background investigation process. We highly encourage all Veterans and those with disabilities to apply.

---

Ardent is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis protected by state, local, or federal law.