GIS Data Analyst II at Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) – Riverside, California

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 analyses 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 analyses. 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, 2026

Minimum 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.