Description
Spatial Research Assistant (COM2)
At the Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places. Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact. Let’s build what’s next, together.
The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the capacity of all forms of local government and community-based organizations to fund and develop critical services for their residents. The division provides leadership in local government finance and statewide infrastructure initiatives that help create and retain jobs. It also provides grants, loans, and planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities.
This position will work within the Climate & Ecosystem Section of LGD's Growth Management Services Unit. The Spatial Research Assistant will support the ongoing Growth Management Act (“GMA”) research projects that are led by senior spatial analyst staff. Their primary task will be to support updates to the Washington State Zoning Atlas (WAZA), which are crucial for policy analysis at the state and local levels. They will also support other spatial analysis projects that respond to GMA topics as assigned. Their work will include gathering land-use and zoning information from local governments, normalizing spatial data, accurately entering zoning information in accordance with a prescribed methodology, and producing spatial graphics for a wide variety of audiences.
Duties
- Assist with Spatial Research Projects:
- Support research on key GMA topics, including the Washington State Zoning Atlas (WAZA), housing, and climate policy.
- Collect land use data from local governments, under the general direction of the project supervisor, to update unit products such as WAZA, ensuring deadlines are met.
- Enter spatial data accurately and consistently using the prescribed methodology.
- Produce static maps, web maps and other spatial visual materials that meet agency standards and clearly convey GMA topics.
- Assist with internal and external project meetings by coordinating schedules, taking notes, and ensuring timely follow-up on action items.
- Assist with Legislative Research:
- Utilize WAZA and other existing spatial analysis tools to respond to research requests on GMA topics such as land use, housing, and climate for the legislature.
- Support Growth Management Unit staff who are developing bill analysis or fiscal notes during the legislative session with multiple iterations of spatial and data analysis that are often requested with a short turnaround timeframe.
Qualifications
Required Position Qualifications:
Four (4) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:
Experience working in urban planning, public policy, or geography in two or more of the following areas:
- Competence with ArcGIS focused on urban planning or land use planning subject areas
- Conducting data collection and analysis
- Analyzing and reviewing public policies or land use laws utilizing spatial analysis tools
Education involves land use planning, urban planning, public administration, public policy, or related fields. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.
Examples of how to qualify:
- 4 years of experience
- 3 years of experience and one year of education
- 2 years of experience and two years of education
- 1 year of experience and three years of education
- No experience and four years of education
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with Washington State planning and plan implementation procedures.
- Knowledge of local planning practices, and comprehensive plan regulation adoption processes.
- Familiarity with local governance structures and land use zoning.
Required Position Competencies:
- Familiarity with Washington State’s Growth Management Act (GMA), 36.70A RCW, and basic principles of land use planning
- Proficiency using desktop GIS software (ArcGIS Pro preferred) to create and update spatial databases, perform basic spatial analysis functions, georeference non-spatial data for use in GIS software, and produce high-quality static maps.
- Confidently utilizes office and online meeting software such as the Microsoft Office Suite products, Teams, Zoom, and Outlook.
- Advances GIS skills and knowledge of topics related to Washington's Growth Management Act through trainings, readings, and other educational materials
- Ability to take action to learn and grow
- Ability to take action to meet the needs of others
To be considered for this position, the following are needed:
- A complete and detailed online application.
- A cover letter (enter online).
- At least three professional references (enter online).
- For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov - please reference the job number