Working Title- GIS Data Engineer
Classification- IT Data Management – Journey
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – GIS Division
Duty Station- *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
*Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station located in Olympia, Washington as needed.  The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 4 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you an IT professional with experience in designing and developing databases?

With sustainability and conservation in mind, you will design, develop, and implement modern systems of record for storing and updating spatial datasets owned by the Wildlife Program.

This is an opportunity to enable the agency to manage geographic datasets more effectively at the enterprise level.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Design and implement systems of record that server as the authority for Wildlife Program owned data across the agency.

• Design, implement, and maintain complex GIS resource inventory databases across a variety of data storage platforms.
• Design relational databases using development tools for entity relationship diagramming, script generations, and workflow modelling. Applies appropriate data model changes to existing databases.
• Maintain source code for the databases and associated scripts in an organized repository.
• Use best practices for security and authentication for access to data.
• Identify nexuses with existing datasets to allow for improved interoperability between internal and external systems.
• Write documentation for the data models and databases before, during, and after development.

Design and implement automated data pipelines through scripting, replication, or other means and spanning a variety of environments.

• Design and implement Extract-Transform-Load (ETL) patterns and scripts to migrate data across systems.
• Ensure data validation procedures are complete when data is either imported or exported.
• Design pipelines for data to move between environments; some environments are under agency control, while others are managed by third parties.
• Maintain source code for ETLs and scripts in an organized repository.

Support legacy spatial data management systems and applications.

• Maintain and modify existing databases for domains such as the Private Lands Hunting System, Lands Information System, and legacy data management scripts.
• Design, develop, and implement enhancements to existing databases when necessary.
• Communicate changes to legacy systems to the appropriate users and stakeholders.
• Develop migration strategies when a system has been flagged for retirement.

Participate in technical analysis and system architecture design process.

• Coordinates with cross-program/division staff to address system and process dependencies.
• Makes recommendations on technologies used in the development of GIS systems of record.
• Evaluates new and emerging technologies to further improve/enhance desktop, web, and mobile data capture, management, and visualization.

Working Conditions:

Work setting: Duties are performed in an (work/home) office setting and extensive computer use.

Schedule: Typically, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Requires some flexibility in work schedule in order to perform IT system maintenance/testing activities or to respond to unforeseen system problems or outages.

Travel requirements: Some travel is required to attend/participate in training, meetings and professional conferences.

Customer Interactions: This position will interact with other WDFW staff, and will occasionally meet with external partners and stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major in Information Technology, Computer Science, Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Geography, or a closely related field.

And

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

Please note:  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, managing and directing projects, providing customer or technical support in spatial data.

Experience in/with:

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.

Developing custom database solutions (SQL Server, PostgreSQL, PostGIS) and customizing data collection platforms.

ArcGIS Enterprise, map and feature (web) services, web-based data entry and editing, Python scripting, and ArcGIS REST API, JavaScript API, and Python API.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Master’s Degree (MS) in Computer Science, Geography, Natural Resources or Wildlife Biology with emphasis in GIS and Remote Sensing or in a closely related field.
• 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.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WFSE:

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).   This recruitment may be used to fill positions in addition to those listed.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran).
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-05900.

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