Temporary GIS Technician

Note: This position is temporary with an anticipated end date of 12/31/2026.
The City of Kirkland's Information Technology is looking to hire a Temporary GIS Technician!

Why Kirkland?

• Follows standards and procedures for ongoing enterprise geodatabase data creation and feature editing, data quality control and maintenance, basic data analysis, and cartographic design and mapping. Provides technical support to internal customers.
• Supports data management tasks such as geodatabase and shapefile creation, coordinate system projection, metadata creation, simple data manipulation tasks, and generating basic queries and reports for distributing data to internal customers.
• Supports data maintenance, data conversion, quality control, data loading, conversion preparation, source compilation, digitizing, versioned editing, ensuring data integrity and accuracy, acceptance testing, basic data manipulation and troubleshooting to ensure data integrity, accuracy, and currency.
• Produces and provides mapping services for all City departments and for public presentations.

• Reviews and makes routine interpretations of data sources and uses basic GIS software functions to enter, edit and update GIS spatial data, including points, lines, polygons, and attribute data into databases or layers, following standard procedures.
• Collects, compiles, reviews, and digitizes geospatial and tabular data to produce maps and related products.
• Performs basic spatial analysis of data themes to support business decision-making processes.
• Follows City Technology standards and policies.
• Is available to perform technical GIS-related tasks (after hours if necessary) in support of systems and related services.
• Provides high-quality, timely and user-friendly geographic information to staff for basic information requests.
• Maintains rudimentary knowledge of current GIS methods, applications and database technologies through professional literature, product research, continuing education, or conferences and seminars.
• Maintains detailed, up-to-date documentation of GIS procedures and designs, including metadata development, and training guides.
• Work as part of a team to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and management
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.
• Serves as backup to other staff performing GIS functions in the organization to ensure the continuity of all services and support across systems and applications.
• Assists the City's IT department with software testing and validation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the principles and best practices of GIS data creation, maintenance, manipulation, map creation, and database design.
• Moderate familiarity with the principles of relational database design.
• Knowledge of ESRI software products including ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Enterprise.
• Basic knowledge of the operation of client/server computer systems and networks in a Microsoft Windows environment.
• Working knowledge of data technology concepts such as data communication and security as they relate to GIS products and integration with other systems.
• Introductory-level familiarity with AutoDesk software products and various data formats.
• Knowledge of the mapping sciences, including land surveying, photogrammetry, GPS, remote sensing technologies, and cartography.
• Excellent organization, time management, problem solving and planning skills.
• Introductory level ability to use SQL, Python, and/or Arcade statements to query geodatabases and GIS feature classes for creating data filters and manipulate symbology.
• Basic knowledge of spatial and statistical analysis techniques.
• Ability to evaluate spatial data integrity and quality.
• Ability to use Visio or similar software to create flowcharts and other informational figures.
• Knowledge of the functions of municipal departments and interdepartmental working relationships.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with GIS team members, staff, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to communicate concisely and clearly, both orally and in writing, including the ability to effectively convey technical information to non-technical audiences.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Associate degree in Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Geography, or related field.
• Experience: 1 or more years of information technology/GIS experience.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

• Strong technical experience with geographic database design, GIS data conversion processes, basic spatial data analysis and modeling, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

• Incumbent is typically required to reach, stand, walk, type, talk, hear and perform activities requiring repetitive motions.
• Work is typically light work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls require exertion of force greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated as light work.
• Work is conducted in an open office environment with constant distractions.

Selection Process

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 711.