INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST 5 *04356W



INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST 5 *04356W

Salary

$4,542.00 - $6,575.00 Monthly

Location

Spokane County – Spokane, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2015-04356W

Department

Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Opening Date

05/07/2015

Closing Date

6/2/2015 11:59 PM Pacific

Description


The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to protecting native fish and wildlife, and providing sustainable fishing, hunting, and wildlife, viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors. Working throughout the state, WDFW’s employees: field biologists, enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, customer service representatives and others – manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species, maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands, provide opportunities for recreational and commercial fishing, wildlife viewing and hunting, protect and restore habitat and enforce laws that protect fish and wildlife resources. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

 

Information Technology Specialist 5 In-training

(Permanent)

 

This recruitment is to fill a full-time permanent position within the Wildlife Program Science Division and is stationed at the Region 1 Office, located at 2315 Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, Washington. First review of applicants applying today will be May 29, 2015.

 

This recruitment for the wildlife program may be filled as either an ITS5 or an ITS5 “in-training” position depending on the skills and abilities of the top candidate. If the candidate is offered the position as an ITS5 “in-training”, the position will be filled as an ITS 4. After successfully completing a 12 month training plan, the employee will be promoted to ITS5. The training plan will be based upon the skills and abilities of the successful candidate and may focus on 1 or more of the following duties of the position; development of programming skill in application and database design including advanced software and database development activities (object oriented programming, Microsoft .NET, Python, advanced data modeling) or data management and statistical programming (SAS and or Program R). Note: If the employee completes all elements of the training steps in a shorter amount of time, we may waive the remainder of the time required at that training step. 

 

Serves as an expert level data/GIS support analyst on high risk/high impact agency wide wildlife data systems projects. Participates in design, development, and maintenance activities on Wildlife Survey Data Management databases, applications, and analytical routines including the generation of annual big game harvest summaries and projections. Provides primary cartographic and analytical support for east-side regional data and GIS projects.  Working within the science division, this position provides data management and analytic expertise that is based upon best available science to drive protection, preservation, management, or restoration wildlife.

 

Performs work under the guidance of State and Federal regulations, agency policies and procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.  This position reports to an Information Technology System/Applications Specialist 6 and interacts with other agency personnel, other government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the general public. Work is assigned both in writing and verbally depending on the assignment. Employee is responsible for devising own work methods for analyses performed for regional personnel the majority of the time (70%).

 

Provides data and geographic information system (GIS) products to Olympia and regional staff which are used in public presentation and meetings.  Quality and accurate data products are key to ensure success and public confidence in decision making. Provides primary cartographic, analytical and programming support for east-side regional data and GIS projects. Acts as a facilitator in bridging the data exchange and communication gap between regional staff and Olympia headquarters; clear communication directly impacts key internal and external decision making. Serves as an expert level data and GIS support analyst to high risk/high impact agency-wide wildlife data systems projects. Participates in design, development, and maintenance activities on Wildlife Survey Data Management databases and applications as well as serving as the primary data management lead on harvest data analysis, presentation, and reporting.  Working within the Science Division, this position provides data management and analytic expertise that is based upon best available science to support protection, preservation, management, or restoration of wildlife in Washington State.

Duties

This position will be responsible for:

  • Designs, develops and maintains geospatial, tabular and statistical database and software applications.
  • Performs technical analysis and consulting activities on high risk/high impact projects to the agency
  • Serves as project leader for wildlife data development and analysis.
  • Develops standards, methods, policies, and procedures for management of Wildlife Program data systems. 
  • Provides programming and data modeling support for data system redesign and data outreach projects. 
  • Conduct training and support of database and software applications.
  • Travels to regional offices in eastern Washington, establishes presence and availability in the regional office, and conducts onsite work.
  • Provides onsite consultation, training, planning, assessment, and other project work better facilitated through onsite visits.

Qualifications

  • A Bachelor’s degree including 9 semester or 15 quarter hours of computer science courses and four years of experience analyzing, designing, or programming computer systems applications or databases.

OR

  • An Associate’s degree or completion of an accredited vocational training program in an information technology or related program AND five years of experience analyzing, designing, or programming computer systems applications or databases.

OR

  • One year as an Information Technology Applications Specialist 4 or equivalent.
  • Experience analyzing, designing, or programming computer systems applications or databases will substitute for education on the basis of one year of experience for two years of education.
  • A Master’s degree will substitute for one year of experience except for the specified Information Technology Applications Specialist 4 requirement.
  • Four years of information technology experience such as consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications, hardware, telecommunications, or network infrastructure equipment; directing projects; providing customer or technical support in information technology; or administering or supervising staff who performed work in any of these information technology disciplines.

Knowledge of:

·     Data analysis.

  • GIS software.
  • Personal computer hardware and software (MS/Office, GPS Units, mobile computing platforms, smartphone devices).
  • Contract development and implementation.
  • Information systems development.
  • Data base management.
  • Systems analysis.

Ability to:

  • Manage workloads.
  • Manage projects.
  • Provide consultation.
  • Plan.
  • Reason mathematically.
  • Facilitate others.
  • Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
  • Analyze wildlife or spatial data.
  • Develop computer applications.

Behavioral Competencies:

  • Customer focus.
  • Team leadership.
  • Results orientation.
  • Creative and innovative thinking.
  • Judgment.
  • Adaptability.
  • Problem solving.
  • Ethics and integrity.

A valid Washington or other State Driver’s License

 

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Quantitative Ecology, Computer Science, Wildlife Biology, or a related field with emphasis in GIS and Remote Sensing.
  • Demonstrated experience in relational database design and structured query language (SQL) including the use of Microsoft Access and SQL Server (minimum 5 years of experience)
  • Expert knowledge of ArcGIS Desktop and personal, file-based, and enterprise geodatabases (minimum 5 years of experience).
  • GIS application development and customization experience using Visual Basic .NET, C#, Python, and/or ArcObjects (minimum 2 years of experience)
  • Demonstrated experience developing geoprocessing scripts in Python using ArcPy and/or the geoprocessor (minimum 2 years of experience).
  • Expert level skill in using SAS and/or R (minimum 5 years of experience)
  • Ability to present data in a user-friendly report.
  • Experience with GPS field data collection and developing custom forms on mobile devices, data loggers, and/or smartphones.
  • Experience with ArcGIS Server, map and feature services, web-based data entry and editing, and JavaScript.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to conduct oral presentations to both technical and non-technical audiences including managers, technical experts, and the general public.
  • Ability to work independently on multiple assignments and coordinate tasks and priorities with supervisor remotely.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of customer service during one-on-one and group consultation.
  • Ability to be reliable and on time and to attend and actively participate in meetings.
  • Work effectively in a team as a leader or member, think creatively and with innovation, and exercise good judgment.
  • Experience with ecological and biological data sets and analyses.
  • Experience with widely used data collection protocols and survey and analytical techniques for wildlife data.
  • Experience with Software as a Service (SaaS), Application Platform as a Service (APaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) including environments such as Salseforce.com, Service Now, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily indoors in an office environment with low noise levels and occasional field or offsite visits. The typical work schedule is 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work and/or travel. Less than 10% of your time is expected to be spent in travel status.

 

Union
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), which contains a "union security" provision. This means that, as a condition of employment you must either join the union and pay union dues, or pay the union a representational or other fee within 30 days of the date you are put into pay status.

 

How to Apply:

To apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

 

·         A cover letter describing how you meet the qualification of this position (generic cover letters will not be accepted)

·         A current resume (please make it succinct)

·         Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional references)

 

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification.  E-mailed documents will not be accepted in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.

 

Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail.  You will then be notified via e-mail of your status during the process.  In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov.  Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online process and avoid calling for information.   

 

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, and ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (360) 902-2207.

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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and 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.
 
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.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to twelve* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Juneteenth
June 19

Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
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.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
What best describes your level of education:
  • Associates degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Ph.D.
  • None of the above
02
What is your major area of study? If multiple degrees, please list each degree and major.
03
Select the answer below that best describes your technical knowledge and skill designing, developing and maintaining large-scale, multi-user Relational Data Management System (e.g., Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle,) using Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software?
  • Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn).
  • Developing (working knowledge).
  • Skilled (working knowledge, uses software frequently).
  • Expert (exceptional knowledge, recognized as expert user).
04
Select the answer below that best describes your technical knowledge and skill in using Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to create professional, publication quality maps, conduct scientifically sound geospatial analysis, and design geodatabases?
  • Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn).
  • Developing (working knowledge).
  • Skilled (working knowledge, uses software frequently).
  • Expert (exceptional knowledge, recognized as expert user).
05
Select the answer below that best describes your technical knowledge and skill using Relational Data Management Systems (RDBMS; Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL) to develop large-scale, multi-user, enterprise systems?
  • Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn).
  • Developing (working knowledge).
  • Skilled (working knowledge, uses software frequently).
  • Expert (exceptional knowledge, recognized as expert user).
06
Select the answer below that best describes your technical knowledge and skill in application development using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Visual Basic .NET, C#, and/or ArcObjects?
  • Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn).
  • Developing (working knowledge).
  • Skilled (working knowledge, uses software frequently).
  • Expert (exceptional knowledge, recognized as expert user).
07
Select the answer below that best describes your technical knowledge and skill in ArcGIS scripting using Python/ArcPy and ModelBuilder?
  • Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn).
  • Developing (working knowledge).
  • Skilled (working knowledge, uses software frequently).
  • Expert (exceptional knowledge, recognized as expert user).
08
Select the answer below that best describes your technical knowledge and skill using statistical software (SAS and/or R)?
  • Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn).
  • Developing (working knowledge).
  • Skilled (working knowledge, uses software frequently).
  • Expert (exceptional knowledge, recognized as expert user).
09
Select the answer below that best describes your experience with analyzing animal and habitat data (e.g., land cover analysis, home range delineation, habitat suitability analysis, resource selection) and presenting the results to a wide variety of audiences (managers, technical experts, and the general public)? NOTE: question emphasis is on presentation of results to a variety of audiences.
  • Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn).
  • Developing (working knowledge).
  • Skilled (working knowledge, uses software frequently).
  • Expert (exceptional knowledge, recognized as expert user).
10
Select the answer below that best describes your technical knowledge and skill in implementing web technologies (map services and features services, using ArcGIS Server, JavaScript) for capturing and publishing spatial data.
  • Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn).
  • Developing (working knowledge).
  • Skilled (working knowledge, uses software frequently).
  • Expert (exceptional knowledge, recognized as expert user).
11
Please describe and quantify your experience in designing a large-scale or enterprise data system using a detailed example from a previous project or position. What steps did you take to ensure user's needs were met? What technologies were implemented for the data structure, user interface, and reporting? How many users was the system designed to support? What is the current status of the system?
12
Please detail a project in which you integrated multiple software packages and data sources to accomplish a complex analysis or data design need. For example, using both ArcGIS and R in tandem to conduct an analysis of animal space use or using SQL and SAS together to assemble datasets to conduct a harvest or population analysis?
13
Please provide detailed description(s) of your experience and role(s) in implementing web-based ESRI feature services and/or map services. Please describe your specific role and quantify your experience in designing, implementing and managing web-based map services and/or feature services. Also, characterize the system architecture and technologies used; the utility of the service(s) provided, and the consumers/users of the service(s). What is the current state or status of these services?
14
Please discuss in detail, your experience in independently providing GIS technical support, mentoring and consultation to a wide variety of GIS data users and service consumers who possess varying degrees of skill.
15
Please discuss in detail your experience with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and custom data entry forms on mobile devices, smartphones, data loggers and/or ruggedized and/or consumer-based tablets?
16
Do you have a valid Washington State, or other state, driver's license? (If selected for an Interview, you may be asked to furnish your license and driving record.)
  • Yes
  • No
17
Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony within the past ten (10) years? (Conviction of a misdemeanor or felony does not necessarily bar you from employment.)
  • Yes
  • No
18
Please verify that you have included the following information in your online application: 1) A chronological resume OR a completed online profile that includes education and employment history 2) A detailed cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications for this position. 3) Detailed responses to all supplemental questions. 4) Three professional references.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact