GIS Program Assistant (Project)

GIS Program Assistant (Project)

Salary

$3,565.00 - $4,767.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Project (limited duration)

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-DAHP-004

Department

Archaeology & Historic Preservation

Opening Date

10/05/2026

Closing Date

10/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This position is expected to last thru June 30, 2027

(or longer provided funding)

Schedule and Salary: Office hours are 8AM-5PM, Monday-Friday. Hybrid/Telework schedules are available; there can be flexibility in start time, however because of DAHP's information technology solution, there are some technical limitations to performing assigned job duties virtually. As a result, DAHP requires at least one day in-office per week.

The annual salary range of compensation for this position is dependent upon qualifications, although the expected hiring salary will be less than the top of the range, to allow for growth and development movement.

What you will be doing:

Under general supervision, you will perform work requiring knowledge and experience that is specific to cultural resource preservation and geographic information systems (GIS). The agency's geographic information system is a specialized program area with specific complex components and discrete tasks which distinguish it from the main body of the agency. You will perform specialized technical duties in support of GIS Program activities; including, but not limited to, GIS data implementation and assessment of cultural resource recordation to DAHP reporting standards, carrying out assigned GIS Data Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program tasks, communicating information related to the progress and implementation of GIS related projects with the general public, tribal governments, state, local and federal level stakeholders, providing backup to GIS/IT Unit staff, granting access to DAHP cultural resource repositories, testing agency GIS applications as well as performing other assigned GIS projects.

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. (Download PDF reader).

Duties

What you will enjoy doing:

• Review and perform quality control on archaeological inventories, surveys, historic property inventories, cemetery inventories, traditional cultural property inventories, register nominations and other GIS datasets for accuracy and completeness.
• Assess data against DAHP reporting standards and guidelines and request more information from inventory/report authors when needed to meet standards.
• Enter and review for completeness data within DAHP's Washington Information System for Architectural and Archaeological Data (WISAARD) system related to the above datasets, and map locational data. Use GIS software to perform basic tasks, such as georeferencing maps and pinpointing locations.
• Track emails to shared support inbox from staff and outside stakeholders related to WISAARD, respond to emails, and forward emails to the appropriate staff if needed. Answer DAHP mainline as needed to back up the Administrative Assistant, answer general questions, direct callers to places on DAHP's website, or properly direct callers to staff members.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

Required Skills and Competencies -

• Strong customer service skills
• Independently manage time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals.
• 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.
• Earn trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions.
• 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.
• Be flexible with staff and search for solutions to staff issues.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify and resolve complex and sensitive problems.
• Diligently attend to details and pursue quality in accomplishing tasks.
• Identify, collect, and organize data for analysis and decision-making.
• Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful and inclusive workplace.
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.
• Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment.
• Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization or community.
• Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.

These skills are generally associated with:

• Two (2) years of experience with geographic information systems (GIS), assessing datasets for accuracy and completeness, collecting, editing, managing, or analyzing geographic data, or performing other related GIS functions

OR

• Two (2) years of education in computer sciences, GIS, or closely related field.

OR

• A combination of education and relevant experience totaling two (2) years.

Equity Competencies

State of Washington Employees contribute to ensuring services, programs, workplaces, and interactions are responsive, respectful, accessible, and effective to the people and communities we serve. Employees are expected to:

• Take action to learn and Grow: Demonstrate a willingness to learn from new experiences, seek feedback, consider different perspectives, and continuously improve knowledge, skills, communication, and approaches to work.
• Take action to meet the needs of others: Seek to understand the needs and experiences of customers, coworkers, and communities. Identify barriers to access and participation and address them before they become obstacles for the people we serve, providing support that is respectful, timely, and effective.

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 interest, describing why you are the best candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;
• A current resume or vita 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 or supplemental questions of the application. Please do not "refer to resume" for detail, or your application may be disqualified.

NOTE: This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Opportunity for All:

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.

If you have questions about 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. Thats 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026

01

What is your level of education?

• Some or no college
• 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits)
• Associates degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits)
• 2 years of education in computer sciences, GIS, or closely related field
• 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits)
• Bachelors degree (or higher) in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), computer sciences, or closely related field
• Bachelors degree or higher in an unrelated field

02

How much experience do you have with geographic information systems (GIS), assessing datasets for accuracy and completeness, collecting, editing, managing, or analyzing geographic data, or performing other related GIS functions?

• 0-11 months (less than 1 year)
• 12-23 months (at least 1 year)
• 24-35 months (at least 2 years)
• 36 months or more (3 years or longer)

03

From the question above, briefly describe the experience. If this does not apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space.

04

Also from the question above, state what job(s) this experience will clearly be found. If this doesnt apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space.

05

How did you hear of this job posting?

• Careers.wa.gov / Governmentjobs.com
• Friend
• Indeed
• Job Board
• LinkedIn
• Other

06

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

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov