GIS Specialist, IT Application Developer - Entry
State of Washington
IT, Software Engineering
Kittitas County, WA, USA
USD 6,521-8,769 / month
Posted on Aug 27, 2025
Description
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GIS Specialist, IT Application Developer - EntryWork Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Recruitment #2025-8-6782
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)
Location: Southeast Region, Ellensburg, WA
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $6,521.00 - $8,769.00 Monthly
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Southeast Region as a GIS Specialist. In this role, you will serve as the IT professional in application development and coding for the SE Region IT and GIS section, producing custom applications, extending the function of applications, implementing workflows when accuracy requirements are subjective or data involves many variables, and conducting research in collaboration with IT Division, other region GIS staff, Wildfire Management Division, and professional code resources. You will also assist the Forest Practices and Regulation Program by providing GIS support for the SE and NE Regions. You will provide mapping and geospatial support (extracting, transforming, and loading geospatial data) for the Forest Practices and Application Review System for environmental review. You also play a key role in supporting wildland fire management operations by providing timely and accurate spatial information about developing and ongoing incidents. Duties
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Responsibilities:
- Provide guidance to management on the adoption of cutting-edge GIS technologies and modernization efforts that align with organizational goals.
- Foster collaboration, partner engagement, and staff development to enhance the Region’s GIS capabilities and ensure strategic alignment with organizational goals. This position is responsible for coordinating GIS activities across programs and prioritizing GIS workload effectively.
- Support the Region to develop, implement, and maintain critical systems that support business goals and initiatives. Program staff, management, partner agencies, and the public depend upon these complex geospatial information systems to accurately identify, examine, and reflect the conditions of the Region.
- Provide IT customer support to the Region staff. Assist in LAN, phone, and desktop support initiatives like infrastructure refreshes, service and network availability, business continuity, deployment of business-critical hardware and applications, and availability of business communication systems that may significantly impact Region operations and public services.
Qualifications
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Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer sciences, or related field, with an emphasis in Geographic Information Systems, AND one year of relevant experience;
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Experience using geographic data and proficiency in database management.
- Experience in cartography and understanding map concepts.
- Experience in performing analysis and conveying data (spatial & tabular) to users in a meaningful format.
- Proficiency with the Python scripting language.
- Proficiency with various GPS devices and associated software, and experience providing GPS user support.
- Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
- Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
- This position’s assigned duty station is the region office. The work is performed in an office setting with occasional trips to the field as needed. The position does not come in contact with any hazardous chemicals other than standard surface cleaners, ink, and adhesives.
- This position requires occasional travel (5%) to field offices, field sites, and to attend out-of-office meetings
- Accustomed to innovative and forward-thinking in a fast-paced, changing technical environment.
- Experience working with, managing, and/or analyzing parcel GIS data.
- Knowledge of DNR programs and wildfire management principles (e.g., ICS, jurisdictional boundaries, interagency partners).
- Ability to Work Well in a Team
- Adaptability to Changing Needs/Flexibility
- Customer Focus
- Effective Communication Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- A Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer sciences, or related field, with an emphasis in Geographic Information Systems, AND one year of relevant experience;
Supplemental Information
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Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact dnrrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
- Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
- References: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. You may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
- Complete all supplemental questions.
- Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:- Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
- Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
- Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
- Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.
- Commitment to organizational health and wellness
- Work/life balance
- DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
- Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
- Leadership that empowers and supports employees
- Professional development opportunities
- Educational and career development aid
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
- Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
- A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources 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 with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
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