Salary: $6,672.00 – $8,973.00 Monthly
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-06813
Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
Opening Date: 05/19/2023
Closing Date: 6/5/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

The applications developed and databases managed by this position are used to inform and display primary agency monitoring metrics and contextual Geographic Information Systems (GIS) layers related to WDFW monitored fish populations and as such are foundational for much of the work accomplished by the WDFW Fish Program. Serve as a technical expert on complex spatial datasets such us the agency’s corporate hydrography and spatial fish distribution datasets and will provide support for data management activities. Be responsible for developing modern processes and procedures for the geospatial environment using Python, ModelBuilder, and other tools to automate tasks and extend functionality.

This is an opportunity to design, create, and maintain map products, data analytics, reports, applications, and statistics using scripts, cartographic techniques, and GIS tools.

In this dynamic role, you will serve as a technical expert on complex spatial datasets such us the agency’s corporate hydrography and spatial fish distribution datasets.

You thrive on building collaboration and teamwork, interacting with professional staff within the agency to solve geospatial problems.

You are excited to design and develop web maps and web services for agency usage.

Duties
Our Geospatial Data Steward,

  • Design, implement, and maintain complex GIS datasets across a variety of data storage platforms.
  • Advise and assist in the conversion of datasets to meet user requirements and information needs.
  • Consult with internal staff to identify geospatial data needs, evaluate workflow, solve problems across multiple platforms, and assist in end-user support for applications.
  • Provide analytical advice and consultation to Agency staff and management regarding data design, appropriate data utilization, and the impact of requested changes to existing data structure.
  • Develop standards, methods and procedures for data development and maintenance.
  • Develop tools and automated routines to perform updates and analysis using programming languages, such as Python.
  • Develop, support, and maintain feature services, web maps, and apps in ArcGIS Online.
  • Use ArcGIS Server as needed in conjunction with ArcGIS Online.
  • Coordinate field data collection operations using spatial data collection software on various mobile devices.
  • Provide support for projects that require complex data applications, analysis, and modeling to produce high quality GIS products, including publication ready maps.
  • Plan and develop data entry, storage, and retrieval programs and routines supporting basic data compilation & manipulation to bring the data into standardized WDFW databases.
  • Design pipeline for data to move between environments; some environments are within the agency, while others are managed by third parties.
  • Design and implement Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) patterns and scripts to migrate data across systems.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work Setting, including hazards:
    • Duties are performed in a (work/home) office setting. The work site for this position is the Olympia Natural Resources Building headquarters office.
    • This position requires extensive computer use; involves siting/standing for extended periods of time
  • Schedule:
    • Duties are typically performed in an office setting within the core hours of business, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
    • Requires some flexibility in work schedule to perform IT system maintenance/testing activities or to respond to unforeseen system problems or outages.
  • Travel Requirements:
    • Occasional travel is required to attend/participate in training, meetings, and professional conferences.
  • Tools and Equipment:
    • Laptop or desktop, software, virtual server environments, mobile devices (tablet or phone).
  • Customer Interactions:
    • Contacts include Direct supervisor and other BDS staff; Science and Fish Management Division managers, biologists, and technical support staff; ITS support staff; IT, Wildlife & Habitat Program GIS staff; and professional colleagues outside of DFW that work on Coordinated Assessments.
    • The purpose of contacts is to ensure the project goals are being met, and that scientifically correct methods of collecting, processing, and summarizing of biological data collected are conducted.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Professional equivalent experience may substitute year-for-year for the education requirement, as long as that experience is in information technology and geographic information systems such as consulting, analyzing, designing, programming and/or maintaining complex spatial and tabular data systems, developing complex computer  applications, providing end-user and technical support, and managing and directing projects.

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Geographic Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, or closely related field.

And

  • Five (5) years of geographic information systems and information technology experience such as consulting, analyzing, designing, programming and/or maintaining complex spatial and tabular data systems, developing complex computer applications, managing and directing projects, and providing end-user or technical support.

And

  • Demonstrated professional experience in: relational database design, Structured Query Language (SQL), programming and scripting (Python, JavaScript, TypeScript), ArcGIS Pro, designing and managing services in ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online, and data access pattern designs.

Knowledge of:

  • Principles of computer programming logic, math, and computer concepts as they relate to Information Technology (IT) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) desktop, server, and cloud environments.
  • Current IT and GIS technology and industry trends and standards with respect to enterprise data management solutions (e.g., RDBMS, field data collection, interoperability, web services, etc.).
  • Software design, testing, implementation, and life cycle management best practices.
  • Project management principles/practices.
  • Research methods and techniques related to collecting, analyzing, and scientifically evaluating spatial data.
  • Best practices for IT customer service delivery to a wide audience of stakeholders (with variable IT/GIS expertise, skills, and level of interest).
  • Environmental issues related to biology, geology, geography, land use, and environmental management.

Skills and Abilities to:

  • Develop and maintain complex datasets using a variety of tool sets.
  • Write and maintain code to automate tasks and extend functionality.
  • Regularly exercise expert-level IT, geospatial, and mathematical reasoning in decision-making, largely independent of supervisor direction/guidance.
  • Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication of complex topics/processes, and as needed exercise.
  • superior conflict management and issue escalation best practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience in using principles and practices of linear referencing to manage event data tied to routed spatial data layers.
  • Knowledge of fish biology, ecology, and natural resource management.
  • Experience with use of mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) units, and other data logging devices) for designing and deploying custom field survey data collection solutions.
  • Professional experience preparing and presenting highly technical information, concepts, or IT applications to both technical and non-technical audiences.

To Apply
In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

  • A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
  • A current resume. 
  • Three professional references. 

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4050727/geospatial-data-steward-it-data-management-journey-permanent-06813-23

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