GIS Analyst Position at Snohomish County (Everett, WA)

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/snohomish/jobs/3353809/gis-analyst

​Snohomish County Surface Water Management (SWM) is seeking a creative GIS Analyst to join our team.

SWM desires a well-qualified GIS analyst to support our service areas by providing essential GIS services to a dynamic group of engineers, scientists, planners and technicians.  We use GIS services applied to asset database management, floodplain mapping, flood control infrastructure, storm water infrastructure, wetlands and streams, and natural resource planning.
 
Successful applicants will have a background and experience in environmental sciences, geography, cartography and GIS. They will be able to work independently and as part of a team.  We value the ability to analyze issues, develop solutions using creativity and ingenuity and clearly communicate complex data to varied audiences.   Come join our team and build a career in the great northwest!

About Surface Water Management 
SWM is a stormwater utility that provides services to unincorporated Snohomish County. These services are funded primarily by service charges paid by property owners in the unincorporated county. SWM is the largest division in Snohomish County’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. With an annual budget of $35 million, SWM maintains 95 full-time positions filled by dedicated professionals in their field. SWM works in partnership with other local and regional agencies to improve Snohomish County now and for future generations. SWM provides a variety of programs and services for reducing road and property flooding and preserving and improving the health of Snohomish County's water resources and natural systems. We focus on four core areas of service:

• Drainage and road flooding;
• Clean water in rivers, streams and lakes;
• Salmon and marine habitat; and 
• River flooding 

You can find us responding to water-quality problems and complaints, monitoring river levels during flood season, maintaining drainage systems, managing habitat improvement projects and more. For further information on Snohomish County Surface Water Management's programs, please go to www.surfacewater.info. Our 2020 Highlights report is available here.   

About the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
The Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) includes the Division of Surface Water Management, the Division of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, the Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Office of Agriculture and aims to achieve high-priority environmental sustainability goals. Some of the greatest assets we have in Snohomish County are our unparalleled beauty and abundant natural resources. From the Puget Sound and five watersheds, to forestland, lakes, farms, ranches and parks, our quality of life, economic prosperity and future sustainability are dependent on protecting and improving our environmental resources. Visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources web page to learn more. 
 
About Snohomish County 
Snohomish County, north of Seattle, is located in northwest Washington between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The county has rich scenery, numerous activities and a thriving economy. Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. When joining SWM, you will work in an environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement is highly encouraged and supported.  We are proud to offer an outstanding benefit package to employees and their dependents. We are invested in your success and growth and offer competitive wages, job flexibility and stability, employer paid ORCA (transit) cards, and a friendly, diverse team atmosphere where employees are appreciated and make a real difference providing services for our citizens. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a lifelong career. Unfamiliar with Snohomish County? Learn more here. 
  
Declaration of Emergency
Snohomish County is currently under a Declaration of Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The County has put in place initiatives to protect the health of its employees, and as a result, this position may temporarily be assigned to telework. There may be occasions when this position may be required to come into the office to perform certain job duties. Safety guidelines in compliance with the state, CDC and Snohomish County Health District are required to be followed during those times.
 
Benefits
Snohomish County will be invested in your success and growth. We demonstrate this by offering a generous compensation package to our employees. Your salary is only part of your Total Compensation Package. Our benefits include:
  

• Retirement: County employees participate in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).  
• Medical benefits: The County offers a choice of three comprehensive medical insurance plan with low deductibles. The county’s contribution to this benefit is significant.
• Sick leave: You will accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.
• Vacation Leave: You will start out accruing two weeks of vacation a year. Your leave accruals increase based on your years of employment with the County.
• Holiday Pay: The County observes 10 paid legal holidays per year and provides employees with two floating holidays annually.
• Other benefits include wellness, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, long term disability, and more.
• Deferred Compensation: If you choose to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), the County will match your contributions up to 1 percent of your base monthly salary.
• Pay Increases: Each year you will be eligible for a step increase until you reach the top step. 
• Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): County employees typically receive yearly cost of living adjustments.  
• Flexible work schedules. 
• Career development training.  

Job Duties

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES 

1. Analyzes business needs of internal departments to define appropriate GIS products or services; designs and creates maps. 
2. Analyzes GIS application needs of departments by reviewing existing digital data and manually maintained data; identifies GIS digital data needs; performs complex or specialized data conversions, and determines type of work necessary to complete the project application. 
3. Designs and develops GIS project application procedures and custom programming as required; writes, tests, and executes those programs. 
4. Performs moderate to complex GIS analysis and geo-processing functions, including input, editing, manipulation, management, and analysis of spatial and tabular data; maintains data quality-assurance and quality-control standards. 
5. Performs and monitors spatial database processes, versioning, data backup, security, and archiving; monitors and tests data catalog for accuracy and usability; monitors system performance and maintenance. 
6. Prepares reports, maps, charts, and metadata to describe programming procedures, data requirements, and software functions. 
7. Assists with web map application configuration, interactive application development, user-acceptance testing, and training. 
8. Assists with the automation of repetitive geo-processing and map production tasks through the creation of automated workflow models. 
9. Trains staff and promotes the effective use of GIS products, datasets, and interactive-viewers; contributes to the development of training materials. 
10. Organizes data acquisition and coordinates enterprise-level GIS services, policies, standards, and procedures with County professionals and outside agencies. 
11. Operates GIS equipment, including large format printers, storage media, and viewing devices.
12. Assists with updating, revising, design, and maintenance of maps, surveys, plats, legal descriptions, codes, decisions, and reports. Supports in the interpretation, digitization, acquisition, and processing of remotely sensed data, aerial photography, and satellite imagery. 
13. Researches and collects data from county and non-county sources for applications, products, and services. 

STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES 

1. May lead project teams and/or coordinate production tasks of other GIS staff on a project specific basis. 
2. May collect field data using a Global Positioning System (GPS) or other equipment as needed. 
3. May be required to perform all the duties of subordinate classifications. 
4. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

     Bachelor's Degree in GIS, geography, computer science, engineering, planning, natural resources or related field; AND one (1) year of GIS or automated mapping experience; OR any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Must pass job related tests.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
     A valid Washington State Driver's license may be required in some divisions for employment.

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
 
 Knowledge of: 

• current GIS technologies and industry trends
• analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
• visual communication and data mapping theories
• GIS application development, programming, and/or GIS related technologies 
• GIS production of complex cartographic and other spatial data displays
• GIS web-mapping applications served to internal and external users
• project management, planning, organization, and customer service skills
• database techniques to process and analyze geo-spatial datasets
• scientific research and data collection techniques
• User Acceptance Testing, metadata, hardware/software configurations, and GIS standards

 Ability to: 

• communicate effectively by oral, written, and by other graphical means
• read, understand, and apply technical manuals and procedures
• maintain required records and prepare necessary reports
• independently analyze problems and assist others in GIS analysis
• apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to business needs
• learn new programs, platforms, and tools to finish specific analysis and tasks
• complete multiple competing projects and meet deadlines
• effectively function as a team member
• analyze customer needs and business systems
• convey technical information to non-technical users
• train users in GIS products and promote GIS solutions
• work with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds
• understand disciplines of the assigned department and its divisions

 SUPERVISION
 
     Employees receive supervision from a supervisor or manager, while team members provide guidance. The employee carries out assignments on his/her own initiative and receives additional, specific instructions when relevant. Work is performed with considerable independence and may be checked to assure adherence to instructions and conformance with established departmental policies, procedures, and quality assurance standards.
 
WORKING CONDITIONS
 
     The work is performed in an office environment with some field trips to locations throughout the county for the purpose of data collection, quality control, and to increase understanding of projects. Prepares for and provides GIS support during emergency situations including floods, earthquakes, and storms. When on call, employees may be required to carry a County mobile phone, have connectivity and be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
 
Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
EEO policy and ADA notice