GIS Specialist
Also known as: Geospatial Analyst
Analyses and visualises spatial data in a geographic information system, builds maps and spatial analyses for policy, planning or infrastructure.
The GIS specialist combines data analysis with knowledge of spatial systems and delivers maps and analyses on which policy or design is based. Unlike a regular data analyst, they work with coordinate systems and spatial relationships that require a different way of quality checking. Selection often looks at experience with a specific GIS package, while noticing that an incorrect projection invisibly distorts the outcome of a spatial analysis is the biggest risk in practice.
Competencies to measure
These are the behavioural and ability constructs in this profile. Each one shows which hrmforce questionnaire measures it.
| Competencies to measure | Target level | hrmforce instrument | Assessment method | Behavioural anchor at target level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical reasoning Knockout | N4 | Ability Scan | Cognitive ability test | Combines two data sources, calculates the development over time and explains which calculation step leads to which result. |
| Curiosity and exploring Competency (50-framework): Learning Ability | N3 | Big Fifty, 15PF, Motivation | Personality questionnaire | Gathers information on new methods outside the own team and brings findings into the work meeting unprompted. |
| Dealing with ambiguity Competency (50-framework): Flexibility | N3 | Big Fifty, Mental Resilience (4C), Competency Check | Situational Judgement Test | Formulates explicit assumptions when information is missing, proceeds on that basis and revises the approach once new data arrives. |
Short profile
The ten heaviest skills in this profile. The full profile with every skill, behavioural anchor and assessment method is in the download.
| T | Skill | Target level | Weight | Knockout | Assessment method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Numerical reasoning | N4 | 5 | yes | Cognitive ability test |
| V | Data analysis | N4 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| K | Basic statistical interpretation | N4 | 5 | yes | Knowledge test |
| V | Data modelling | N4 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Critical thinking and source evaluation | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Systems thinking | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Visual communication and data storytelling | N4 | 4 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Data visualisation | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Assessing data quality | N4 | 4 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Reporting and dashboard building | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
See all 24 skills in the full profile
Assessment instruments for this job
Work sample test
Representative work sample under standardized conditions
Knowledge test (client-specific)
Professional knowledge test, customized for each client
Competency Check
Behavioral-Level Competency Assessment
Portfolio
Evaluation of prior work against fixed criteria
Ability Scan
Aptitude Test: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning Skills
Structured interview
Behavioral interview with a fixed structure
Big Fifty
Personality questionnaire, 150 items, 25 factors
15PF
Personality Profile, a shorter alternative to the Big Fifty
Motivation
Drivers and sources of motivation
360 Feedback
Multiple assessments based on behavioral anchors
Mental Resilience (4C)
Mental Resilience According to the 4C Model
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