Gis Analyst III

County of Thurston•Olympia, WA

About The Position

Thurston County is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of GIS Analyst Ill (GIS Ill) within the GeoData division of the Information Technology (IT) Department. The GIS Analyst Ill is assigned the highest, most complex demanding clients/users and works independently with only occasional progress checks. The successful candidate works as a professional, technical expert providing leadership, guidance, support and direction on projects ranging from single applications to multiple department deployments and Countywide. Plans, organizes and manages the technical installation, maintenance, enhancement and operation of computer software or system hardware for GIS business systems, potentially of a large or complex nature. Incumbents provide expertise in data capture, use and analysis; QA/QC of spatial and non-spatial data; development and integration of spatial analysis tools into department's business applications; analysis of workflow and daily business of spatial data; analysis and recommendations of optimal data structure; provide time and cost estimates; and determine appropriate hardware, software, and network specifications. Understands the business environment and requirements from the perspective of a businessperson and is conversant in the customer's business language. Serves as a technical mentor and coach to others. This position will be specifically responsible for GIS application development associated with various county systems and applications. Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Delivering GIS technical expertise in one or more of the following areas: Programming, web design and programming, systems development, business analysis, database administration, business application support, systems integration, application customization, custom map development, cloud-based and mobile GIS software and systems Hardware and network support, software support and training, GIS software on the desktop, mobile devices used for GIS applications Infrastructure support, server management, security, QA/QC Database Administration, development and maintenance, including integration of spatial and non-spatial data. Managing potentially large, complex technology projects and coordinating with other divisions for implementation. Coordinating Requests for Proposals (RFP) and other procurement instruments for new systems, data acquisitions and contractor support. Performing needs assessment, initial planning, resource identification and oversight. Assisting in managing project budgets, implementation, training and post-project evaluation. Assisting in budget preparation for assigned areas of responsibilities or projects based on resource requirements, cost estimates, division objectives and departmental goals. Assisting in development of overall GIS budget as needed. Recommending and monitoring standards for hardware, software and data. Recommend future directions or new GIS projects. Managing assigned areas for system security, access, including internal and external access and recovery standards and procedures. Providing senior level consultations to clients/users and other County departments to assess business processes, workflow and data requirements with respect to spatial and non-spatial applications of GIS technologies. Preparing and presenting information to management, IT steering committee, and/or other audiences. Provides technical advice and mentoring in GIS technology and related IT technology to Information Technology staff including other GIS Analysts and other departments on GIS and IT subject matters. Performing research and development to test and evaluate new technologies and database solutions. Analyzing the cost/benefit of software updates and/or hardware changes and the impacts on other software and equipment; recommends appropriate action to ensure cost-effective, efficient and continued GIS services. Evaluating, purchasing, configuring, and installing GIS technologies including database management, software, hardware and applications. Performing diagnostics on hardware/software components to isolate and resolve problems. To view the full job classification, click here: GIS Analyst III WORKING CONDITIONS: Work Environment – Work is performed primarily in an office environment. 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. Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or similar. During emergencies or special projects, this position may be required to work an irregular and changing schedule, which may include working extended hours to correct technical issues, attending early morning or evening meetings, working weekends and holidays and/or be available by phone to answer questions or be called in. Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings. Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County staff and sometimes the public. WHO WE ARE: The Information Technology Department provides a wide range of professional internal services to over 1,000 employees in County offices and departments in various locations throughout the County. Centralizing Information Technology services is an efficient and effective means of delivering service and providing access to internal expertise. The IT Department provides desktop, network, application, telecommunication, and geographical information system services. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in computer science, management information, engineering, geography, or related field.
Additional experience, which demonstrates progressive increasing responsibilities, may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
Three 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.

Nice To Haves

Minimum two years' experience as GIS Programmer/Analyst.
Experience with ArcGIS Enterprise or standalone ArcGIS Server implementation, development and administration.
Experience in delivery of enterprise systems with an emphasis on widely available applications in GIS and otherwise (ex. WebApps, FME, etc.).
Experience with VertiGIS suite.
Experience with SQL database usage including SQL programming and data management preferably in an MS SQL environment,
Experience with .NET technologies, Microsoft Azure DevOps (ADO), Python (Arcpy) and Git.
Experience in Systems Administration and server management including multi machine installation, maintenance, and management.
Experience with managing and implementing GIS-centric enterprise solutions.
Ability to manage complex GIS projects from inception through completion.
Demonstrated experience and willingness to develop team members and be a role model.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels within the organization and all technical levels.
Forward thinker with the ability to enable new ideas or improved methods for system efficiencies and work solutions
Ability to participate as a member of a self-directed work team and utilize the resources of other team members.
Experience with object-oriented design, coding, and testing patterns.
Experience with GIS and traditional engineering software platforms and data infrastructures. (ex. Python).
In-depth knowledge of the Microsoft platform (IIS, .NET, Web Services, SQL Server, Windows Server, Active Directory, Entra etc.)
Confidence in dealing with staff, managers, and partners across the organization.

Responsibilities

Delivering GIS technical expertise in one or more of the following areas: Programming, web design and programming, systems development, business analysis, database administration, business application support, systems integration, application customization, custom map development, cloud-based and mobile GIS software and systems Hardware and network support, software support and training, GIS software on the desktop, mobile devices used for GIS applications Infrastructure support, server management, security, QA/QC Database Administration, development and maintenance, including integration of spatial and non-spatial data.
Managing potentially large, complex technology projects and coordinating with other divisions for implementation.
Coordinating Requests for Proposals (RFP) and other procurement instruments for new systems, data acquisitions and contractor support.
Performing needs assessment, initial planning, resource identification and oversight.
Assisting in managing project budgets, implementation, training and post-project evaluation.
Assisting in budget preparation for assigned areas of responsibilities or projects based on resource requirements, cost estimates, division objectives and departmental goals.
Assisting in development of overall GIS budget as needed.
Recommending and monitoring standards for hardware, software and data.
Recommend future directions or new GIS projects.
Managing assigned areas for system security, access, including internal and external access and recovery standards and procedures.
Providing senior level consultations to clients/users and other County departments to assess business processes, workflow and data requirements with respect to spatial and non-spatial applications of GIS technologies.
Preparing and presenting information to management, IT steering committee, and/or other audiences.
Provides technical advice and mentoring in GIS technology and related IT technology to Information Technology staff including other GIS Analysts and other departments on GIS and IT subject matters.
Performing research and development to test and evaluate new technologies and database solutions.
Analyzing the cost/benefit of software updates and/or hardware changes and the impacts on other software and equipment; recommends appropriate action to ensure cost-effective, efficient and continued GIS services.
Evaluating, purchasing, configuring, and installing GIS technologies including database management, software, hardware and applications.
Performing diagnostics on hardware/software components to isolate and resolve problems.