Geographic Information System Data Steward/Cartographer - IT Data Mgmt - Entry - Perm - 2026-01598

Full Job Description

Title- Geographic Information System (GIS) Data Steward/Cartographer

Classification- IT Data Management – Entry

Job Status- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program- Wildlife Program – Science Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

Remote Employment- This position may include telework options up to 4 days per week, at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Sandhill cranes – Photo Credit: Alan Bauer

Step into a role where your GIS expertise directly supports the mission of the Wildlife Program.

As a GIS Data Steward, you’ll serve as a key partner in delivering enterprise data management, cartography, and GIS consultation.

In this role, you’ll maintain and improve data systems, develop cartographic standards to ensure a consistent look and feel across maps, create publication-quality maps for reports and presentations, streamline data workflows, contribute to software system enhancements, and advocate for the use of GIS to support the program’s mission.

Your work will directly enable WDFW staff to make data-driven decisions, improve efficiency, and produce high-quality geographic products.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the GIS Data Steward/Cartographer will,

Operate and maintain enterprise-level datasets to support the Wildlife Program’s business needs:

• Apply best business processes and practices for managing enterprise data in a timely, accurate, and consistent manner.
• Support the maintenance of metadata and consistently update documentation for feature classes, map documents and portal content to ensure the authoritative metadata is always current, relevant, complete, and accurate.
• Ensure the compliant application of information security and quality assurance policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of data management services.
• Assist in planning and developing database management systems and solutions for the collection, storage, reporting, and visualization of geospatial and tabular data.

Provide mapping support for a variety of programmatic activities and services, and participate

in the development of cartographic standards and design:

• Design eye catching cartographic symbologies, color schemes, and map layouts that adhere to agency branding standards and apply consistent design principles across multiple products and mediums.
• Curate a collection of ArcGIS Portal items and layer files with standardized map symbolizations for staff use, ensuring all items are well documented and properly attributed.

Provide GIS end-user support, consultation services, resources, and training to Wildlife Program staff:

• Provide documentation, basic consultation, and training for staff on functionality and use of enterprise data systems for collection, analysis, visualization, mapping, and reporting.

Participate in new or emerging IT/GIS projects:

• Participate in the design and user-acceptance testing of new or enhanced applications and tools.
• Participate in opportunities to learn new technologies and/or expand depth of knowledge in GIS tools and/or best business practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:

Work is performed in an office setting.

Schedule:

Typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Flexibility may be required in work schedule in order to perform IT system maintenance/testing activities or to respond to unforeseen system problems or outages.

Travel Requirements:

Some travel may be required to attend training, meetings, and conferences.

Customer Interactions:

Customer interaction and service delivery is integral to this position’s success.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Option 1 – All of the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS, IT, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in GIS technology (database design, data management, analysis).
• Experience with all of the following:
  • Managing GIS datasets in various formats, coordinate systems, and tools.
  • Implementing cartographic design principles and solutions.
  • Designing map layouts and templates using either ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro.

Option 2 – All of the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• Associates degree or completion of an accredited vocational training program in GIS, IT, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in GIS technology (database design, data management, analysis).
• Experience with all of the following:
  • Managing GIS datasets in various formats, coordinate systems, and tools.
  • Implementing cartographic design principles and solutions.
  • Designing map layouts and templates using either ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro.

Option 3 – All of the following (experience may be gained concurrently):

• Five (5) years of experience in GIS technology (database design, data management, analysis).
• Experience with all of the following:
  • Managing GIS datasets in various formats, coordinate systems, and tools.
  • Implementing cartographic design principles and solutions.
  • Designing map layouts and templates using either ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• Formal coursework or certification in natural resource management, land management, or wildlife science.

Experience with:

• Writing and/or modifying SQL statements to retrieve and summarize data from relational database management systems.
• Linear referenced data systems.
• Python scripting language.
• Adobe Creative Cloud suite of tools.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and concepts of database design, relational database management systems, and data manipulation tools.
• Geographic data principles, coordinate systems, and how to store and retrieve geographic data.
• Technical components and functionality of the ArcGIS platform (e.g. ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Server).
• Cartographic principles and graphic design principles.
• Effective methods for data visualization and communication.
• Current trends in information technology software, business systems, hardware, networks, and communications.

Include the items below with your application materials:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Additional Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note:

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work.

If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States.

For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union- WFSE:

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). This recruitment may be used to fill positions in addition to those listed.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.

Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.

All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

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

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Ashley.Lee@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-01598.

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