AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

The Opportunity:
The Animal Health Program promotes the economic vitality of the livestock industry by minimizing exposure to animal diseases. The program conducts active surveillance and respond to disease outbreaks. Engaging with stakeholders through education and outreach while promoting planning and preparedness to ensure continuity of business in the event of a disease outbreak.

The GIS Analyst develops, processes and supports the development of the Geographic Information System (GIS) databases, and tools. This position maintains existing and new GIS services, and trains staff on use of GIS tools and databases used to accomplish its work. 

Important Notes

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time non-permanent GIS Analyst position within the Animal Services Division. This position is approved for a home duty station, but must be located in Washington State. This is a non-represented position.

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range for this position is: $60,132 Step A - $78,912 Step L annually. 

Support development of innovative GIS tools and database systems for management of spatial data across multiple program areas:

• Recommend and identify database requirements from program staff to support the development of updated GIS systems and tools. 
• Use existing program data collection and management tools to create streamlined and automated field data collection forms, robust analysis tools, and simple reporting platforms for processes. 
• Use ESRI ArcGIS Online and Pro web-based software to design, quality assurance and control, and publish to users' forms needed for various field assessments, surveys and inspection purposes. 
• Conduct research and support development into new and emerging technologies related to both data collection and data management. 
• Provide suggestion and recommendation to the Program Manager and Operations and Compliance Supervisor for implementation. 

Maintain GIS databases and effectiveness of spatial data tools for program workflows. 

• Maintain and perform complex spatial statistics and analysis on datasets to determine meaningful and effective feedback for current activities as well as improvements for future projects. 
• Perform data acquisition and manipulation of outside sources datasets to adhere to WSDA and federal cooperative agreement data standards. 
• Create automation tasks that aid in the synthesizing and reporting of survey efforts and data requests. 
• Work independently with Program scientific staff for quality assurance and control data from both internal and outside cooperators to determine dataset requirements are met. 
• Research, edit, and maintain database metadata documentation. 
• Ensure adherence to data standards for both server and ArcGIS online databases. 
• Provide final data formatting and uploading to federal databases to determine dataset manipulation and formatting requirements. 
• Build and maintain knowledge of Animal Health business use cases, spatial data requirements and field based GIS capability requirements. 

Provide end-user training and troubleshooting to ensure quality and complete data collection, storage and analysis. 

• Work with deployed field staff statewide to train on how to utilize field data collection software and hardware.
• Provide training and troubleshooting assistance virtually or with limited travel throughout the state of Washington in support of field operations. 
• Develop digital help documentation to be utilized by both internal field, supervisor, and management level users. 
• Provide technical advice and expertise in order to ensure operational and process requirements are being satisfied. 
• Gather and synthesis feedback and improvements suggested by end user and reported back to the Program team members to improve upon business, data collection, and data management processes. 

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

Option 1:

• A bachelor’s degree involving major study in cartography, geography, photogrammetry, geographic information systems, computer sciences, remote sensing, land survey, civil engineering, natural resources or closely related field that includes at least one course in computer sciences or geographic information systems.

Option 2:

• One (1) college level course in cartography and one college level course in either computer sciences or geographic information systems 
• Any combination of four (4) years of:
  1. Related undergraduate college education 
  2. Full-time experience in technical cartographic or geographic information systems production

One (1) year of professional experience in cartographic or geographic information systems production.

In addition to the above qualifications, the following knowledge, skill and abilities will make a candidate highly desirable:

• 1-3 years of experience with ARcPro and ArcGIS Online with proficiency in feature service data management, field maps, survey 123, and storymap creation and editing
• At least one (1) year of experience working on geospatial projects
• Experience with writing custom ArcGIS-based Python scripts or Model Builder 
• Interest and experience with natural resources and/or agriculture 
• Experience with web and mobile data applications editing
• Certified UAS pilot and/or drone experience  

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
• WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation; click here for more information.
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

How to apply:

You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:
   

· A resume detailing experience and education

· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position

· Three professional references 

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
 
Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.

WSDA uses a I-9 form (Download PDF reader) to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual’s ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Equity at WSDA  

The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

 
Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.
 
Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
   
The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
     

Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. 

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.