About the Position
The Public Works Water Resources (WR) line of business is seeking a temporary GIS Program Specialist to assist with program planning, database management, infrastructure mapping, and spatial analysis. WR plans and maintains the City’s storm and surface water, wastewater, and drinking water infrastructure. The GIS Program Specialist will performroutine to moderately complex geo-processing, detailed research, analysis, and program plan mapping that supports the line of business’ needs and goals.
The successful candidate should be a skilled individual with academic and employment background in computer science, natural science, and data management. The position will work closely with engineers, planners, program specialists, operations/maintenance staff, administrative staff, and consultants. Specific experience should include processing and managing various types of data for mapping and analysis, employment using ESRI’s Desktop GIS software (preferably 10.2), and familiarity with researching complex infrastructure and natural science issues.
This is a temporary grant-funded position. The position is projected to start January 4, 2016 and to run through December 2016.  Generally, work hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Two years experience using ESRI GIS software (preferably 10.2)
  • Geodatabase design and creation skills
  • Geo-processing skills
  • Cartographic production skills
  • Technical competence with experience in urban water resource management.
  • Familiar with ESRI story maps and on-line/website embeddable map templates.
  • Technical and concise writing skills.
  • Strong organizational skills in planning and prioritizing work.
  • Ability to interpret construction plans, drawings and legal descriptions.
  • Enjoy working with a team of planners, engineers, educators, and technicians on complex environmental and infrastructure problems.

To Apply

  • Submit a resume and cover letter by attaching them to your electronic application.
  • The cover letter must be no more than two pages long and include specific examples of how you meet the Ideal Candidate Profile (above).
  • Submit your application by 5:00 pm December 15, 2015.
  • Only electronic applications are accepted.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, Contact Eric Christensen, Water Resources Engineering and Planning Manager, at (360) 570-3741 or via email at echriste@ci.olympia.wa.us
 Examples Of Essential Duties:
The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:

  • Provide data assessment and mapping support as needed to the Utilities.
  • Perform routine to moderately complex GIS analytical and geo-processing functions, including input, editing, manipulation, management, analysis and output of spatial and tabular data sets within ESRI’s ArcGIS software.
  • Create and maintain web-based map focused on educational resources for public access.
  • Collect data from a variety of archived sources including engineering construction plans, microfilm, and field books and organize into electronic format.
  • Analyze existing utility GIS data to determine processes for achieving mapping needs.
  • Assist in the maintenance of data quality assurance and quality control with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Prepare written reports, documentation and metadata that describe application
    procedures, data requirements, software functions, and the work that will be performed or that has been completed.
  • Provide field research and data collection to obtain and verify GIS data.
  • Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.
 Typical Qualifications:
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Demonstrated experience with ESRI’s ArcMap (preferably 10.2); geodatabase, database management and editing experience.
  • Competence with Microsoft Office; emphasis on Excel and Word.
  • Experience communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Technical and precision writing and editing skills.
  • Constructive problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Self-starter, able to work independently, multi-task and prioritize, complete tasks on time and produce quality, detail-oriented work.
  • Ability to prepare complex maps and graphics.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, vendors, associates, public officials, representatives from other agencies and the general public.
  • Knowledge and understanding of municipal storm water, wastewater, and drinking water infrastructure and how it functions.

Experience/Education:

  • Four year college or university degree preferred.  Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Geography, Computer Science or a closely related field.
  • Two years experience using ESRI GIS software preferred.
  • GIS Certification is desirable.

Special Requirement:

  • Possession of a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
 Supplemental Information:
Contacts:

  • Frequent and successful contact/interaction with others in a variety of roles and representing various levels of authority both inside and outside the organization is critical to job and program success.
  • Contacts will include representatives of the business community, civic and community groups, schools, local government, state agencies, media and the general public.
  • Contact will be for the purpose of communicating program goals and gaining support for identified goals.
  • Diplomacy, professionalism, enthusiasm and strong communication and interpersonal skills are required to gain cooperation and motivate others.

Supervision:

  • May supervise assigned clerical, programming, and operations staff or volunteers including completing performance evaluations.

Accountability:

  • Accountable for the quality and effectiveness of assigned programs and events.

Working Conditions:

  • Works in an office environment majority of the time sitting or standing at a computer terminal.
  • Mobility sufficient  for attendance at various meetings or to promote program activities is required.
  • Field work may be necessary, depending on program assignment, requiring bending, stooping, climbing, walking over rough terrain, and exposure to weather conditions.
  • Physical ability to carry or otherwise transport heavy boxes, displays, etc. may be necessary.
  • There is occasional stress related to meeting project and event time lines.

The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.