Senior Spatial Data Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The salary for this position is: $6,444 - $8,572 monthly.

Thurston County is seeking a highly motivated, reliable and qualified individual for the position of GIS Analyst II within the Information Technology Department GeoData team.

A GIS Analyst II serves as a technical representative to GIS clients and users and is responsible for complete, accurate, and complex applications involving spatial and non-spatial data analysis, spatial data capture, use and QA/QC. The position involves advising customers on feasibility, time estimates and appropriate usage and configurations. The incumbent must work independently and collaboratively as a technical expert providing leadership, guidance, technical support, and direction in spatial data capture, editing, use, analysis, and QA/QC. The incumbent must follow GeoData and Information Technology policies and procedures.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responsible for the management of GIS projects and applications to a variety of county offices and departments. In collaboration with staff, perform needs assessments, initial planning, staff and resource assessments. Sample projects include the following: emergency services mapping, enterprise data design and redesign, dashboard and web app development, complex spatial and non-spatial data analysis. 
• Assists other staff in solving technical application problems, debugging programming problems, resolving data issues and conflicts, troubleshooting hardware, software and network problems;
• Develop training procedures for staff and clients/users related to GIS and related custom applications.
• Installing and tracking GIS software for Thurston County GIS users;
• Performing data stewardship of various spatial data themes for which offices and departments are the data stewards in coordination with the GIS Database Administrator.
• Performs research and development to test and evaluate new GIS based technologies, applications, and technical solutions. Make recommendations to senior staff or manager
• Developing cartographic products, statistical, and informational graphics for planning projects and public outreach;
• Managing data sharing processes and agreements;
• Builds web map applications for public outreach, in coordination with GeoData;
• Providing direct customer support for the public, who are generally non-technical, with mapping and analyst services
• Providing support in the use of the County's GIS (GeoData) websites by the public and other County offices and departments
• Developing and providing documentation for GIS processes.

To view the full job classification, click here: GIS Analyst II 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment - Work is performed in an office environment, in Olympia Washington. The position requires the incumbent to sit for extended periods of time. Manual hand-dexterity to adequately manipulate computer components and operate a keyboard is essential. Sight is necessary to operate programs and systems and aid in diagnosing issues.
• Schedule - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., or similar.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Support of both Thurston County and public customers with GIS questions, in person, via online meetings, phone and email.

WHO WE ARE:

Information Technology provides desktop, network, application, telecommunication, and geographical information system (GIS) services to about 1200 employees in County offices and departments in various locations throughout the County. The GeoData team is responsible for GIS services including spatial data, mapping, and data analysis for County internal customers and the public. 

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person's talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation:  The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you'll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington's South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer's markets, kids' activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Associate's degree in computer science, management information, engineering, geography, or related field.   Bachelor's degree is preferred. Additional experience, which demonstrates progressive increasing responsibilities, may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
• Two years of experience with GIS mapping related field work or applied use of GIS technology responsibility. Experience must include a demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position:
  • Thorough knowledge of hardware including personal computers, network servers, communication devices, printers, plotters, etc.
  • Thorough knowledge of software including network and desktop operating systems, office automation, programming languages, database products.
  • Thorough knowledge of system and network security.
• Current Washington State Driver's License or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.
• Employment in this position is contingent upon passing a security background investigation.

DESIRED SKILLS: 

To be excel in this position, candidates will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to support GIS services and business needs in a multi-functional, multi-agency environment:

• Skilled with Esri GIS products including ArcGIS Pro 3.x and greater, installing and troubleshooting same, ability to use and create automated processes using model-builder and/or other automation tools.
• Experience data editing with traditional and branched versioned SDE database, creating and maintaining metadata in an ArcSDE environment, managing and administering spatial and non-spatial data including data development and data maintenance.
• Experience using Esri Parcel Fabric, reading legal descriptions, working with Linear Referencing System (LRS) and Esri Roads & Highways extension and asset management information systems.
• Experience supporting customers with various skills levels, including the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels within the organization.
• Cartographic skills and the ability to create and maintain maps and map products.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS Online and Portal is highly desirable.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups including customers in stressful situations; ability to work collaboratively with GIS and IT peers. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work successfully as a member of a self- directed work team and utilize the resources of other team members.
• Ability to conduct public presentations, GIS training, and tutoring.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines and to manage multiple projects and competing priorities successfully.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Austin Hildreth (IT Supervisor) at Austin.hildreth@co.thurston.wa.us

This position is:

• Represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items required for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• GIS Analyst II Supplemental questions - attach and upload as a separate document. See below for supplemental questions. 

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County's Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498.  Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.