Senior GIS Applications Engineer

Summary The King County Information Technology (KCIT) GIS Center is looking for an experienced Senior GIS Applications Engineer to join the Geo Engineering team. You'll build and modernize the GIS applications and automated workflows that King County departments depend on, across application development, spatial analysis, and data development and maintenance. The systems this team builds get used across nearly every part of county government. Your first major project will involve a full redesign of legacy GIS workflows for one of our King County agencies, partnering with another senior engineer to understand current processes, interfaces, and database structures, then rebuilding them into clear, automated workflows a junior analyst can operate day-to-day while you own and evolve these systems over time. You'll then work on migrating our ArcGIS Enterprise environment from on-premises to Azure which includes applications, services, and databases. It isn't a lift-and-shift, but a thoughtful re-imagining of how our GIS infrastructure should work. The King County GIS Center has earned national recognition, winning Esri's Enterprise GIS Award in 2025 for more than three decades of GIS leadership, as well as Exemplary Systems in Geospatial awards from the Geospatial Professional Network for work ranging from our Aerial Imagery Program to an AI-assisted SEPA response letter generator. You’ll join a collaborative team of ten, working in small project groups using Agile practices, leading meaningful initiatives while working closely with experienced engineers and GIS professionals. We invest in professional growth through an annual training budget and regular conference attendance, including the Esri Developer and Technology Summit and the Esri User Conference. Strong GIS fundamentals and solid Esri experience are the key foundations we're looking for, along with the drive to keep learning. If you do your best work with people to review your approach, share the hard parts, and build on each other's thinking, you'll like it here. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we want to hear from you. We’re excited to hear from candidates who bring different strengths and perspectives. About King County Department Of Information Technology (KCIT) King County is committed to being the best-run government in the nation, and King County Information Technology (KCIT) is helping lead that transformation. KCIT harnesses the power of technology to modernize operations, advance digital equity and social justice, and deliver innovative solutions that engage, empower, and serve our residents, businesses, and community partners. Recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for excellence in vision, strategy, innovation, and collaboration, KCIT is focused on delivering smart, secure, and customer-centered technology services that strengthen county operations and support thriving, resilient communities. As the technology business partner to all 18 County departments, KCIT provides the foundational systems and services that power many of the region’s most essential functions. We work side-by-side with our partners to design and deliver technology solutions that enhance customer experience and advance King County’s mission. Learn more about KCIT at: http://kingcounty.gov/depts/it.aspx. This recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies that may occur. Job Duties Develop critical and complex systems and applications using Python, other languages and tools, and vendor-managed platforms including ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Experience Builder, and ArcGIS Solutions. Build documented, automated workflows on a SQL Server backend using Python and other scripting, replacing manual and undocumented processes. Produce the documentation and training that lets analysts run those workflows day to day. Design approaches that align with requirements, architecture and design, technical, and end-user documentation standards. Acquire and incorporate relevant spatial and tabular data for project themes. Where that data doesn't already exist internally or externally, develop it yourself. Keep all project-related GIS data up to date as new or improved information becomes available. Perform and report on detailed research and spatial analysis to meet business requirements, and design, produce, and deliver the maps, tables, and other graphic products that communicate those findings. Apply AI-assisted tools to GIS development and automation work, and help the team figure out where they genuinely earn their place in a workflow. Contribute to the development of governance, group charters, and agreements. Build and maintain effective working relationships with clients and stakeholders. Consult with them as needed to assess results, identify any necessary refinements, and revise products and services to reach a satisfactory outcome. Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Subject Matter Skills Four (4) years of applied professional experience in the application and use of GIS technology Applied professional experience with current and emerging GIS technologies Strong programming skills building GIS applications and data integrations Advanced skill producing complex maps and spatial data visualizations, and running spatial analysis Software Skills Applied professional experience with Esri Extensions, Python, Model Builder, and Arcade Applied professional experience with current versions of ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, and ArcGIS Solutions Experience building web applications using modern frameworks Working knowledge of relational databases, particularly SQL Server General Skills Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills Ability to balance and prioritize a workload of multiple competing priorities Strong customer service skills Skill in analyzing customer business needs and translating them into technical requirements Excellent oral and written communication skills Skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds Collaborative, with a good work ethic, a cooperative spirit, and creative thinking, able to take initiative and move work forward inside a team while guiding and assisting others as needed Willing to question whether the existing approach is still the right one, propose something ambitious, and adjust when it doesn't pan out Eager to pick up unfamiliar tools and put them to work, and to bring new approaches to the team rather than waiting for direction Skill in capturing undocumented processes and turning them into clear, usable documentation and training for others Desired Bachelor's degree in Geography, or in a science or technology field with significant GIS application, or an equivalent combination of GIS experience and knowledge Hands-on experience applying AI tooling to real technical work, such as code generation, automation, or data processing Applied experience with ArcGIS Experience Builder Developer Edition, or building web applications with React, TypeScript, the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript, or similar tooling Experience working in a cloud environment such as Azure or AWS GISP certification Supplemental Information Hybrid Work: KCIT works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is the King Street Center - 201 S Jackson St, Seattle, Washington. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Work Schedule: The normal workweek for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alternative work schedules may be considered by your manager. This position will participate on the After-Hours Support (AHS) team rotating across a pool of 12 to 15 staff (24x7, 7-day rotation Monday-Sunday). FLSA Status: This position is FLSA Exempt and is not eligible for overtime pay. Classification: IT Engineer-Senior (job code: 741301) Union: PROTEC17 - Information Technology Who May Apply: This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants . We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all background to apply. Application Process Applicants Must Complete The Online Application To Include Employment history going back at least seven years if possible (or more to include all relevant experience). A resume including all relevant experience. A cover letter detailing how you are an excellent fit for this position. If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Angelia Remolana at [email protected] King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us. King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here . King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation. Benefits King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs: Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan Transportation program and ORCA transit pass 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays Generous vacation and paid sick leave Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves Flexible Spending Account Wellness programs Onsite activity centers Employee Giving Program Employee assistance programs Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position Training and career development programs For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page. This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass. For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting. 01 The person hired for this position must successfully pass a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) background check. Are you willing to undergo a background investigation prior to an offer of employment? This will include reference checks with previous employers, and a detailed criminal background check including fingerprinting. Yes No 02 Are you authorized to work in the United States? Yes No 03 Does your authorization require sponsorship now or in the future from an employer or other source? (This does not preclude you from being considered for this position.) Yes No 04 Tell us about a work-related failure. Why did it fail, what did you learn from it, and what would you do differently? 05 Are you applying to this position as an eligible Priority Placement Program Participant who is a current or previous King County Employee impacted by layoff? AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position? Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one. No. 06 If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff Required Question