Salary : $90,096.00 - $121,176.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-SEAP1333-05893
Department: Dept. of Ecology
Division: Shorelands and Environmental Assistance
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionKeeping Washington Clean and EvergreenThe Department of Ecology is hiring a
Shoreline Management Act GIS Specialist (IT Data Management Journey) within the
Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program.
Location: - Headquarters Office in
- Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.
Schedule: - This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
- You may telework most of your work time with occasional in-person meetings and activities.
- Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Please Note: This is a project position with funding through
June 30, 2027, with the potential for further extension based on legislative appropriation.
Application Timeline: - Apply by July 24th, 2026.
- Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
DutiesThis IT Data Management Journey position provides an essential opportunity to lead the SEA Program's geospatial data management, spatial database administration, and GIS application development efforts that support statewide shoreline, shorelands, and coastal hazard work. In this role, you will manage and modernize the program's spatial data infrastructure-designing database schemas, administering enterprise geodatabases, automating ETL workflows, and delivering authoritative datasets that underpin regulatory decisions, environmental analyses, and Coastal Atlas functionality. You will serve as the program's primary technical authority for spatial data systems, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and interoperability across Ecology, local governments, Tribes, and federal partners.
You will also develop and maintain Coastal Atlas applications and data services, conduct advanced spatial analyses, and support coastal and environmental models that inform statewide planning and regulatory processes. By building tools, documentation, training, and data workflows, you will strengthen staff and partner capacity to use geospatial information effectively and promote consistent, defensible environmental decision making. As the SEA Program's primary geospatial specialist, you will play a central role in shaping data standards, improving workflow efficiency, and enhancing the accessibility of critical shoreline and coastal data used by planners, regulators, researchers, and the public.
What you will do: Design, administer, and maintain the SEA Program's enterprise spatial databases, ensuring high-quality, well-documented, and reliable geospatial data that support shoreline permitting, policy development, environmental review, and Coastal Atlas updates.
Develop and maintain Coastal Atlas web applications, map services, and automated geoprocessing tools that provide statewide access to authoritative shoreline photos, hazard layers, habitat information, and other critical datasets.
Conduct advanced spatial analyses and develop automated spatial modeling workflows using Python, R, and ArcGIS tools to support coastal hazard assessments, ecological analyses, regulatory decisions, and resilience initiatives.
Lead the design and implementation of ETL workflows that integrate multisource datasets from local governments, Tribes, federal agencies, scientific models, and enterprise systems, ensuring seamless, accurate, and standardized data delivery.
Provide technical assistance, guidance, and training to SEA staff, local governments, Tribes, and partner agencies on the use and interpretation of spatial datasets, Coastal Atlas tools, and geospatial workflows.
Coordinate with Ecology GIS/IT teams, shoreline subject matter experts, and external agency partners to align data standards, resolve technical issues, and support shared coastal and shoreline initiatives.
Maintain comprehensive documentation, metadata, file structures, and records that meet agency and statewide standards for data transparency, continuity, accessibility, and Public Records Act compliance.
Communicate data design decisions, QA/QC results, system changes, and application updates to program staff, managers, and external partners to promote consistent understanding and effective use of geospatial information.
QualificationsFor detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our
Required Qualifications:Five (5) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which includes the following:1.Geospatial Data Management: Ability to maintain enterprise spatial datasets, perform QA/QC, document metadata, ensure data accuracy, and support program-wide environmental and regulatory workflows.
2.Spatial Database Design: Ability to design spatial database schemas, create data models, define entity relationships, and ensure geodatabase structures support analytical, regulatory, and program needs.
3.Enterprise GIS Administration: Ability to administer geospatial database systems such as ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcSDE, and SQL Server; manage versioning and replication; monitor performance; and troubleshoot geospatial data issues.
4.Advanced Spatial Analysis: Ability to conduct complex spatial analyses using ArcGIS Pro, Python, R, and spatial statistics; synthesize findings; and generate analytical products that support environmental, regulatory, and planning decisions.
5.ETL Process Development: Ability to design automated ETL workflows that integrate and standardize spatial and tabular data from multiple sources such as local governments, Tribes, federal partners, scientific models, and enterprise systems.
6.GIS Application Development: Ability to develop, publish, and maintain web maps, data services, map layers, and geoprocessing tools that support internal staff, external partners, and public users accessing program datasets.
Education: involving a major study in Computer Science, GIS Applied Science, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), or closely related field.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 5 years of experience.
- 4 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
- 3 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree).
- 2 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
- 1 years of experience AND a Bachelor's degree or higher.
Desired Qualifications:Demonstrated ability to use Web GIS (ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise) and ArcGIS Pro.
Supplemental InformationEcology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit
Our Commitment to DEIRDiversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations. We believe that DEIRis both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
Application ProcessEcology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to ApplyClick "Apply" at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
- Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
- Resume
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see resume" may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information, please visit our
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
- Please contact us at or
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-.
Questions?- For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Arati Kaza d at
- If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at
About the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program The mission of the SEA Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.
About the Department of EcologyAs the State of Washington's environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington's environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: , , *, *, , , & , , , , , , , *
Click here for more informationTo learn more about Ecology, please visit our , explore , check out our , and connect with us on , , , , or our
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology 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, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
#LI-Hybrid
More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional LeaveLeave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
How did you hear about this job?
- Community Based Organization
- Community / Technical College
- Ecology Employee
- Ecology Recruiter
- Ecology Jobs Page
- Facebook
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- LinkedIn
- Newspaper
- Other State Agency
- Other Website
- Professional Association
- Twitter
- University Job Board
- WorkSource
- Other
02
If you selected Community Based Organization, Community / Technical College, Job Board, Job Fair, LinkedIn Group, Newspaper, Other State Agency, Other Website, Professional Association, University Job Board, WorkSource, or Other, please share which one.
03
Have you ever worked for the Department of Ecology in any capacity including: Permanent, Non-Permanent, Project, Intern, or Volunteer?
04
How many years of experience do you have related to the duties of this position? Please include any experience gained through employment, internships, and/or volunteer positions. Note that experience gained from academic coursework, class projects, or other degree requirements is assessed in later questions.
- One year
- Two years
- Three years
- Four years
- Five years or more
- None of the above
05
Please provide additional details to support your response above. The following information is needed: position title(s), specific duties, and periods of employment. Make sure your response specifically addresses the qualification above. An incomplete answer, including "please see resume" may remove you from further consideration.
06
What is your level of education?
- 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits
- 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate's degree)
- 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Ph.D.
- None of the above
07
If you have college credits or a degree, please list your major(s) or field(s) of study and any degree(s) earned. If you don't have this education, put N/A.
08
The State of Washington and the Department of Ecology, play a vital role in fostering a Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Respectful (DEIR) workplace and contributing to equitable outcomes for the communities we serve. We view DEIR through a broad lens including: race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. We believe it is everyone's job to contribute to a DEIR workplace. What experiences have you had working with people whose backgrounds are very different from your own? What impact did those experiences have on how you worked?
09
Which level best describes your experience maintaining enterprise spatial datasets, performing QA/QC, documenting metadata, and ensuring data accuracy in support of environmental or regulatory workflows?
- None - I have no experience performing geospatial data management tasks.
- Foundational - I have basic awareness or limited exposure through coursework and can perform introductory data management tasks with direction.
- Intermediate - I perform geospatial data management tasks with some guidance and have practical experience through coursework, a GIS certificate, or professional work.
- Advanced - I independently maintain spatial datasets, perform QA/QC, and document metadata with consistent competence in a professional or research setting.
- Expert - I am recognized as a subject matter authority in geospatial data management and independently create, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise spatial datasets while mentoring others.
10
Which level best describes your experience designing spatial database schemas, creating data models, and defining entity relationships to support analytical or regulatory needs?
- None - I have no experience designing spatial database structures.
- Foundational - I have basic familiarity through coursework and can contribute to simple schema or model design with direction.
- Intermediate - I design spatial database components with some guidance and have practical experience through coursework, a GIS certificate, or professional work.
- Advanced - I independently design spatial schemas, data models, and entity relationships to support program or organizational workflows.
- Expert - I am recognized as a subject matter authority in geodatabase design and independently create complex spatial data models, advise others, and set data design standards.
11
Which level best describes your experience administering enterprise GIS environments such as ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcSDE, or SQL Server, including tasks like versioning, replication, performance monitoring, or geospatial troubleshooting?
- None - I have no experience administering enterprise GIS systems.
- Foundational - I have limited exposure and can complete basic administrative tasks with direction.
- Intermediate - I perform administrative tasks with some guidance and have practical experience through coursework, a GIS certificate, or professional work.
- Advanced - I independently administer enterprise GIS systems, manage versioning and replication, and troubleshoot data issues in a professional setting.
- Expert - I am recognized as a subject matter authority in enterprise GIS administration and independently manage complex systems, resolve advanced issues, and mentor others.
12
Which level best describes your experience performing complex spatial analyses using tools such as ArcGIS Pro, Python, R, or spatial statistics to support environmental, regulatory, or planning decisions?
- None - I have no experience conducting spatial analyses.
- Foundational - I have basic exposure through coursework and can conduct introductory spatial analyses with direction.
- Intermediate - I perform spatial analysis tasks with some guidance and have practical experience through coursework, a GIS certificate, or professional work.
- Advanced - I independently conduct complex spatial analyses, synthesize outputs, and generate analytical products in a professional or research setting.
- Expert - I am recognized as a subject matter authority in spatial analysis and independently perform advanced analyses, develop analytical workflows, and mentor others.
13
Which level best describes your experience designing automated ETL workflows using tools such as Python, R, SQL, or ArcGIS geoprocessing tools to integrate and standardize multisource spatial or tabular data?
- None - I have no experience developing ETL workflows.
- Foundational - I have limited exposure through coursework and can build simple ETL processes with direction.
- Intermediate - I develop or maintain ETL workflows with some guidance and have practical experience through coursework, a GIS certificate, or professional work.
- Advanced - I independently design automated ETL workflows and routinely integrate multisource datasets in a professional setting.
- Expert - I am recognized as a subject matter authority in ETL development and independently create complex, scalable workflows while advising others on best practices.
14
Which level best describes your experience developing, publishing, or maintaining web maps, data services, map layers, or geoprocessing tools for internal staff, external partners, or public users?
- None - I have no experience developing GIS applications or services.
- Foundational - I have basic exposure through coursework and can create simple maps or services with direction.
- Intermediate - I develop GIS applications or services with some guidance and have practical experience through coursework, a GIS certificate, or professional work.
- Advanced - I independently develop and maintain web maps, geoprocessing tools, and data services in a professional setting.
- Expert - I am recognized as a subject matter authority in GIS application development and independently create advanced applications and tools while mentoring others.
15
For all six competency ratings you selected in Questions 9-14, please describe the reasoning behind each of your choices. For every competency, explain the experiences, responsibilities, or accomplishments that support the level you selected. For example, if you selected "Advanced" or "Expert," describe what makes you confident in that assessment. Your responses will help us better understand the context for your self-evaluation.
16
I understand that Ecology does not use the E-Verify system and is unable to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Required Question
Never miss an opportunity! Create an alert based on the job you applied for.