Ascension LLC is seeking a GIS-focused Technical Support Specialist who brings a strong blend of geospatial analysis, mapping, and technical production support to advance transportation planning initiatives. This role is critical to supporting planners, engineers, and program managers by transforming complex spatial and technical data into actionable insights, visual products, and decision-support tools.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, analytically driven professional with experience in GIS mapping, data visualization, and technical documentation who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced planning environment. This individual will play a key role in ensuring that transportation studies, reports, and stakeholder communications are supported by accurate, high-quality geospatial data and visualizations.

This position directly contributes to the client’s ability to develop data-driven transportation policies, plans, and programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, environmental considerations, and community needs.

Position Summary

The Technical Support Staff / GIS Specialist provides professional-level technical and geospatial support under the direction of Project Managers and Senior/Principal Planners. This role is responsible for developing, analyzing, and maintaining GIS data and mapping products that support transportation planning studies, environmental analysis, and program development.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Strong expertise in GIS platforms (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS)
• Experience supporting transportation, infrastructure, or urban planning initiatives
• Ability to translate technical data into clear, compelling visual formats
• Proficiency in CAD, web-based tools, and report production

This role requires a professional who is:

• Highly organized and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously
• Self-directed and comfortable working in ambiguous or evolving project environments
• Proactive in identifying issues and developing solutions
• Skilled in communicating technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

The candidate will support the development of maps, dashboards, reports, and communication materials that enable effective planning, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and maintain GIS datasets, maps, and geospatial analyses to support transportation planning studies
• Perform spatial data analysis to identify trends, patterns, and impacts related to transportation systems and infrastructure
• Support the creation of visual products including maps, infographics, and exhibits for reports and presentations
• Assist in the preparation and production of technical reports, planning documents, and briefing materials
• Utilize GIS and related tools to support environmental, land use, and transportation modeling efforts
• Integrate data from multiple sources to support planning analysis and decision-making
• Provide technical support for web-based mapping applications and dashboards
• Develop graphics and layouts for newsletters, brochures, and stakeholder outreach materials
• Collaborate with planners, engineers, and analysts to ensure data accuracy and consistency
• Apply CAD and other technical tools to support planning and design documentation
• Maintain documentation and workflows to ensure repeatability and data integrity
• Support quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes for all technical deliverables