GIS Program Assistant



GIS Program Assistant

Salary

$2,799.00 - $3,701.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2021-DAHP-007

Department

Archaeology & Historic Preservation

Opening Date

12/03/2021

Closing Date

12/19/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

~ This position is assigned to our Olympia location; however, all positions are currently teleworking daily for the foreseeable future due to the COVID-19 pandemic.~
 
A little bit about us:
The cultural and historic resources of a community tell the story of its past, a past that makes any single community distinct from all other places.  From lumber mills to schools, sacred landscapes to archaeological sites, rustic cabins to office towers, our historic and cultural resources provide everyone with a tangible link to persons and events that have shaped our communities and ourselves.  Preserving these physical reminders of our past creates a sense of place, the result being an environment that instills civic pride and community spirit.
 
By preserving significant cultural and historic resources, we are able to learn from past achievements (as well as mistakes) in order to improve, enrich, and even enliven, the Washington State that is passed to future generations.  To learn more about the vision and role of historic preservation in the State of Washington, download our current Statewide Historic Preservation Plan.
 
What you will be doing:
You will be supporting the geographic information system (GIS) program that enables the agency to meet its state and federal statutes. You will be performing work requiring knowledge and experience that is specific to cultural resource preservation and GIS. The GIS Program is a specialized program area with specific complex components and discrete tasks which distinguish it from the main body of the agency. You will provide stakeholders with information and interpretation of activities and perform specialized technical duties in support of GIS Program activities that may also include legacy cultural resource recordation projects, GIS quality control projects, and other assigned GIS projects.

Why you would want this job:
In addition to a comprehensive benefits package we also offer a flexible work environment.  In addition, you will get a chance to travel our beautiful state and engage with people who share your passion for historic preservation.
 
If you are passionate about Pacific Northwest history, grass-roots community development, social currency and historic preservation, this may be the job you've been waiting for!

Duties


Some of what you will enjoy doing includes:

  • Use spreadsheet and geospatial data base software to develop and maintain records. 
  • Use graphics desktop publishing software (e.g. as GIS, and Adobe software). 
  • For specific stakeholder organizations, review archaeological inventories, surveys, historic property inventories, cemetery inventories, traditional cultural property inventories, register nominations and other GIS datasets, assess data against DAHP reporting standards and guidelines, request more information from inventory authors when needed to meet standards, record inventory data within DAHP’s central repository, and map locational data. 
  • Provide data entry for SEPA reviews, cemetery inventories, tax credit program, and permits. 
  • Point of contact for projects related to GIS Program projects and maintains regular updates to GIS Program stakeholders regarding assigned project activity progress. 
  • Compose correspondence and informational material related to assigned GIS projects, procedures and operations.
  • Compile and distribute information relative to program activities, confer with other DAHP programs and outside agencies. 
  • Interpret statistical data, historical activity reports, and other materials in the functional area. 
  • Coordinate arrangements for program activity meetings and collaboration sessions. 
  • Schedule and set up video conferencing and may include note taking and meeting minute distribution. 
  • Schedule appointments and meetings. 
  • Prepare narratives and statistical information regarding program operations within monthly project performance reports. 
  • Perform complex word processing tasks such as merging and sorting, integrating text with graphics, spreadsheet and data base files, uploading and downloading and creating footnotes and outlines. 
  • Work collaboratively with agency staff and GIS Program Manager to appropriate project parameters, deliverables, establish completion dates and work plans specific to funding organization. 
  • Maintain and monitor assigned GIS project budgets and inform supervisor of status.

Qualifications


REQUIRED:
A Bachelor's degree in historic preservation, cultural anthropology, archaeology, cartography, geography, photogrammetry, geographic information systems, computer sciences, remote sensing, land survey, civil engineering, natural resources or closely related field
AND
Includes at least one course in cartography and one course in computer sciences or geographic information systems.
  
OR 
 
A Bachelor’s degree in a non-related field
AND
Completion of a GIS Certificate program.
 
*Experience may substitute for education
 
Competencies - Incumbent must be able to:

  •  Independently manage time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals. 
  • Develop creative solutions to difficult problems. 
  • Be responsible for the quality and timeliness of work, and achieve results with little oversight and direction.
  • Make timely, informed decisions that take into account the facts, goals, constraints, and risks.
  • Examine data to grasp issues, draw conclusions, and solve problems. 
  • Convey ideas and facts orally and in writing using language the reader will best understand as well as grasp the meaning of information written in English, and apply it to work situations. 
  • Be flexible with staff and search for solutions to staff issues. 
  • Partner with stakeholders to identify and resolve complex and sensitive problems. 
  • Earn trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions. 
  • Diligently attend to details and pursues quality in accomplishing tasks. 
  • Identify, collect, and organize data for analysis and decision-making. 
  • Resolve difficult or complicated challenges. 
  • Use mathematical techniques to calculate data or solve practical problems. 
 PREFERRED/DESIRED:
  •  Two years of experience in GIS. 
  • Knowledge of archaeology and historic preservation for the following laws as well as understanding of the regulatory consultation workflow: National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106, Section 304, Executive Order 11593 (Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment), Executive Order 13006 (Locating federal Facilities in Historic Properties), Executive Order 05-05, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (WAC 25-12), Abandoned and Historic Cemeteries and Historic Graves (RCW 68.60), Washington State Historic Building Code (RCW 19.27.120), Heritage Barn Program (RCW 27.34.400), State Historical Societies - Historic Preservation (RCW 27.34), Archaeological Resource Protection Act of 1979, Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Archaeological Sites and Resources (RCW 27.53), Archaeological Excavation and Removal Permit (WAC 25-48), Abandoned and Historic Cemeteries and Historic Graves (RCW 68.60), Registration of Historic Archaeological Resources on State-Owned Aquatic Lands (WAC 25-46), Aquatic Lands - In General (RCW 79.90.565), and Archaeological Site Public Disclosure Exemption (RCW 42.56.300).

Supplemental Information


Please provide the following documents in order to be considered, failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

  • A letter of interestdescribing why you are the best candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;
  • A current resume, detailing experience, and education;
  • A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)
NOTE:  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.  A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application.  Please do not refer to resume for detail, or your application may be disqualified. 
 
Conditions of Employment: 
  • COVID Vaccination Requirement: Per Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader), state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation. Please do not attach your vaccination verification to your application as it will be removed. Details on how to proceed with verification or accommodation will be provided once a conditional offer has been made

The DAHP celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that 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 will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
 
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
 
Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
 
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or jobs@des.wa.gov.

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 Benefits
Employees 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 Compensation
State 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 Security
All 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 Forgiveness
If 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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 Leave
Washington 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, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
What is your level of education?
  • Some or no college
  • 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits)
  • Associate's degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits)
  • 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits)
  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) in historic preservation, cultural anthropology, archaeology, cartography, geography, photogrammetry, geographic information systems, computer sciences, remote sensing, land survey, civil engineering, natural resources or closely related field
  • Bachelor's degree in a non-related field
02
Does your coursework include at least one course in cartography and one course in computer sciences or geographic information systems? (If this does not apply to you, indicate "no" in this space.)
  • Yes
  • No
03
Have you completed GIS Certificate program?
  • Yes
  • No
04
How many months of relatable experience do you have? (Please refer to the "duties" section of this posting)
  • 0-11 months
  • 12-23 months
  • 24-35 months
  • 36-47 months
  • 48 months or more
05
Check any/all you have knowledge or experience with regarding archaeology and historic preservation for the following laws as well as understanding of the regulatory consultation workflow:
  • National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and Section 304
  • Executive Order 11593 (Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment)
  • Executive Order 13006 (Locating federal Facilities in Historic Properties)
  • Executive Order 05-05
  • Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (WAC 25-12)
  • Abandoned and Historic Cemeteries and Historic Graves (RCW 68.60)
  • Washington State Historic Building Code (RCW 19.27.120)
  • Heritage Barn Program (RCW 27.34.400)
  • State Historical Societies - Historic Preservation (RCW 27.34)
  • Archaeological Resource Protection Act of 1979
  • Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974
  • Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act
  • National Historic Preservation Act
  • Archaeological Sites and Resources (RCW 27.53)
  • Archaeological Excavation and Removal Permit (WAC 25-48)
  • Registration of Historic Archaeological Resources on State-Owned Aquatic Lands (WAC 25-46)
  • Aquatic Lands - In General (RCW 79.90.565)
  • Archaeological Site Public Disclosure Exemption (RCW 42.56.300)
  • None of these apply
06
Indicate what GIS applications you have previous experience with. If you do not have this experience, indicate "n/a" in this space.
07
How did you hear about this job posting?
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • College Job Board
  • Friend
  • Job Fair
  • Job Board
  • Linkedin
  • Other
08
We would like to know where you heard about this position. If you selected College Job Board, Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
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