Senior Applications Specialist - Geospatial, CAD Engineering, and Construction

Description The Senior Applications Specialist for Geospatial, CAD Engineering and Construction Workflows will lead project delivery teams to develop, standardize and advance software technology and tools across the Environmental Services (ENS) Global Practice including partnering with the Water (WTR) and Transportation (TRN) on projects. This position will lead the development and implementation of enterprise GIS, CAD, AI and digital delivery initiatives aligned with key technology and data initiatives.

ENS business lines share a need for standardized enterprise GIS, CAD, AI, hardware and software vendor relationships, asset management and field data collection. This role will define and drive those standards while preparing our GIS and CAD workforce for a new era in data management, software development, construction project use, project management, and built-in AI in enterprise platforms such as Esri, open source geospatial, Autodesk and Bentley, supporting modern digital delivery offerings that differentiate us in the marketplace.

What you will do

Enterprise Standardization and Strategy

• Lead development of standards, reference architectures and roadmaps for enterprise GIS, CAD, AI, and supporting hardware and software.

• Coordinate between disciplines, business lines and Global Practices to develop software and technology that optimize business processes and deliverables, provide seamless integration, and improve data management.

• Serve as the technical lead for enterprise platform strategy, licensing models and governance, balancing standardization with the needs of individual business lines and projects.

• Review research on new software, platforms and emerging technology; evaluate and recommend adoption in support of corporate project delivery and data management initiatives.

Vendor and Partner Relationships

• Manage strategic relationships with software and hardware vendors (for example Esri, Autodesk, Bentley, Microsoft, and field data collection and positioning hardware providers), including enterprise agreements, licensing optimization, support escalation and roadmap engagement.

• Lead technical evaluations, pilots and proofs of concept for vendor products and recommend standard configurations.

Enterprise GIS, CAD and Data Management

• Lead design, implementation and administration of enterprise GIS (for example ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online and Portal), enterprise open source geospatial and CAD/BIM environments (for example Civil 3D, Autodesk Construction Cloud), including content, security and user management.

• Design geospatial data architectures and pipelines that connect GIS, CAD, asset, project and business systems, with attention to data quality, schema design, coordinate reference systems, and cloud-native and open formats (for example GeoParquet, COG and PMTiles) alongside legacy formats.

• Develop and promote spatial SQL, ETL and automation practices (for example Python, ArcPy, FME or equivalent, GDAL/OGR) to improve repeatability and scale.

• Establish data governance, versioning, metadata and QA/QC standards for spatial and engineering data.

Asset Management and Field Data Collection

• Lead standard approaches for asset inventory, condition assessment and asset management including integration with client asset management systems.

• Develop and support field data collection solutions (for example ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, mobile and high-accuracy GNSS, drone/UAS and reality capture) with standard workflows from field to enterprise database.

Construction and Digital Delivery Workflows

• Develop and implement workflows that use GIS, CAD and BIM data in construction projects, including model-based coordination, quantities, progress tracking, inspection, as-built capture and handover to client asset systems.

• Support the development of digital delivery offerings, such as dashboards, web maps, digital twins and data-rich deliverables, that differentiate ENS in the marketplace.

AI, Automation and Application Development

• Lead adoption of built-in AI capabilities in enterprise applications (for example Esri, Autodesk, Bentley and Microsoft platforms) and of GeoAI methods such as feature extraction, classification and imagery and point cloud analysis.

• Establish guidance for responsible, secure and effective AI use, including AI-assisted code generation, prompt practices, validation of AI output, and data privacy and client confidentiality requirements.

• Lead and develop solutions for applications, reports and dashboards for internal and external clients, including model-driven, canvas and portal apps, using platforms such as Microsoft Power Platform, specifically Power BI, and Esri ArcGIS tools.

• Lead implementation of security and automation flow routines within applications.

• Apply knowledge and experience to complex projects and find or develop non-standard technology solutions.

Workforce Enablement

• Prepare the GIS and CAD workforce for new ways of working by developing training, certification pathways, communities of practice, documentation and mentoring in data management, scripting and development, AI-enabled workflows and construction use of data.

• Provide expert-level support and mentoring to staff and project teams, and serve as an escalation point for complex technical issues.

Project Delivery and Client Engagement

• Lead project delivery teams; prepare and present project budgets and cost estimates; report project performance.

• Build effective relationships with existing clients and develop new business opportunities. Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in engineering, computer science, geospatial science or related degree and 8 years relevant experience.

• Consulting experience in the architectural, engineering and/or construction industries preferred, ideally in environmental, water and/or transportation infrastructure.

• Software development and programming experience required (for example Python, SQL, JavaScript or similar).

• Demonstrated experience administering and deploying enterprise GIS and/or CAD platforms (Esri, Autodesk, Bentley, open source geospatial or equivalent).

• Extensive experience with spatial databases and spatial SQL (for example PostGIS or enterprise geodatabases), data integration/ETL and cloud platforms.

• Experience with field data collection, asset management, and/or construction technology workflows preferred.

• Experience applying AI tools to technical workflows, and an understanding of their limits, preferred.

• Experience managing vendor relationships, licensing and technology procurement preferred.

• Understanding of software and hardware system architecture.

• Relevant certifications (for example FME, Esri, Autodesk, Bentley, Microsoft, PMP) are a plus but not required.

• Excellent analytical skills.

• Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; and the ability to clearly and effectively present complex information to all levels of employees, management, and clients.

• Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.

• Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.

Compensation

$125,000.00-195,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. Burns & McDonnell’s PTO program includes the paid sick leave entitlements provided under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Additionally, as part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Programming

Primary Location US-MO-Kansas City

Other Locations US-CO-Denver, US-GA-Atlanta, US-TX-Houston, US-MN-Minneapolis/St Paul, US-IL-Chicago

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Req ID: 265300

Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-GS #ENS