GIS Project Manager

As a GIS Project Manager at Ardent, you will lead a team in delivering geospatial products, including critical infrastructure-focused analytics and mapping. Your role involves enterprise integration planning, managing project schedules, facilitating client communications, and ensuring successful project completion with your technical team. You'll also oversee the creation of geospatial solutions supporting disaster response and security analysis.

To qualify for the GIS Project Manager role at Ardent, you should hold a BS/BA in social sciences or a related technical field, coupled with at least five years of relevant project management and GIS experience. Familiarity with ArcGIS is essential, and candidates with an MS/MBA or government security clearances will be given priority. Strong communication skills and a passion for problem-solving are crucial for success in this role.

Yes, the GIS Project Manager position at Ardent is currently fully remote, allowing you the flexibility to work from anywhere. In the future, there may be the option to transition to a hybrid work model that includes some onsite work in the Washington, D.C. Metro area.

As a GIS Project Manager at Ardent, you will manage projects that involve complex geospatial tasks, such as enterprise systems integration, data migration, and geospatial analysis. Your projects may focus on creating products that address critical infrastructure, environmental hazards, and security events. These projects require strong technical oversight and project management abilities.

At Ardent, you'll find a culture that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to personal and professional development. We are dedicated to supporting our employees' goals and fostering a helpful working environment. As we embrace flexibility and encourage a service mindset, you'll be part of a team that genuinely cares about making a positive impact on our clients and communities.

When answering this question, focus on a project that highlights your ability to integrate geospatial analysis with project management. Discuss the project's objectives, your role in facilitating communication between stakeholders, and how you managed any challenges. Emphasize the successful outcomes and any positive impact it had on clients or the community.

Effective communication is key in project management. Share examples of how you set clear expectations, regularly update clients on project status, and encourage feedback. Discuss any tools you use for collaborative communication and how you adapt your style to meet different clients' needs, showcasing your customer service orientation.

Mention specific project management methodologies like Agile or Waterfall. Explain your familiarity with these approaches and discuss why you prefer one over the other based on your past experiences. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these methodologies in GIS projects and the benefits they brought.

Discuss techniques you use to foster open communication and resolve conflicts, such as encouraging dialogue and understanding different perspectives. Provide a specific example of a conflict you've successfully navigated, focusing on the outcome and what you learned from the experience.

Mention tools such as Microsoft Project, Trello, or Asana that you are familiar with. Explain how you use these tools for planning, tracking progress, and reporting on project schedules and deliverables. Highlight any specific features of these tools that enhance your project management efficiency.

Share your methodology for prioritizing tasks, such as assessing urgency, importance, and dependencies. Discuss any tools or frameworks you use, like a priority matrix, and provide an example of a project where your prioritization led to successful on-time delivery.

Discuss your approach to mentorship, emphasizing your commitment to fostering growth and supporting junior team members. Share specific techniques, such as regular check-ins, providing constructive feedback, and creating opportunities for hands-on learning experiences.

Demonstrate your commitment to professional development by mentioning platforms, communities, or conferences you engage with. Discuss any certifications or courses you've pursued to advance your knowledge in GIS technologies, particularly those related to ArcGIS and other innovations.

Describe your method for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in projects. Provide examples of specific risks you've encountered, how you addressed them, and the strategies you implemented to minimize their impact on project success.

The key here is to align your personal and professional values with Ardent's mission. Emphasize your interest in the unique challenges of geospatial projects, your enthusiasm for collaborating in a supportive culture, and how you believe your skills can contribute to Ardent's overall goals and the welfare of the community.