Lidar Data Manager, IT Data Management Journey

Salary : $85,764.00 - $115,344.00 Annually

Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type : Project (limited duration)

Job Number : 2025-2-P435-01038

Department : Dept. of Natural Resources

Opening Date : 02 / 06 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 27 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

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

Description

Lidar Data Manager, IT Data Management Journey Recruitment #2025-2-P435

Full-time, Project, Represented position

Anticipated Project is March 2025 - June 2027

Location : Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA

Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered Salary : $7,147.00 - $9,612.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 2 / 13 / 25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Washington Geological Survey Office as a Lidar Data Manager, IT Data Management Journey . Lidar data (light detection and ranging) has revolutionized natural resource science in Washington and has value in just about every corner of society : geology, hazard management, fisheries, forestry, urban development, transportation, hydrology...the list goes on! In "light" of this, the Lidar Program is expanding and covering new ground. If working with such a beneficial and far-reaching remote sensing dataset interests you, keep reading!

The Washington Geological Survey Lidar Program is looking for a highly motivated, innovative, skilled data management and Geographic Information Sciences professional to join our team. Lidar is big data at its best, and our team works on a wide range of tasks from project conception, collection, data quality assurance, storage and management, GIS solutions, data development, and distribution on the Washington Lidar Portal! In particular, this position will be primarily responsible for data management and development of the Washington Lidar Portal, including publishing data and GIS services, management of web-based maps and applications, scripting, and data management techniques to continue to innovate and improve our data distribution methods, and helping us delve into the waters of bathymetric lidar and other advances in elevation data. Our small team is dedicated, dynamic, and nimble, keeping pace with an ever-changing technological landscape and helping our users navigate the lidar horizons. We'd love for you to join our group!

This opportunity is currently a project position with funding through June 2027 and the Lidar Program is actively working on getting continued funding to make this a permanent position. The value of lidar data is expanding, and we are committed to expanding our team to best serve the people of Washington.

Duties

Responsibilities :

• Develops, implements, and maintains databases and schemas for the Lidar Program public applications
• Designs, tests, and implements data retrieval methods for internal and external access
• Independently designs, implements, and tests custom Python scripts for database development, custom lidar-based products, and data management
• Provides database support and troubleshooting for users of both internal and external distribution systems
• Performs quality assurance analysis on incoming lidar data deliverables
• Develop products, such as cloud-optimized point clouds or geotiffs, for greater public accessibility
• Uses datums and coordinate systems to ensure lidar data is updated to new datum standards
• Works with internal and external customers of lidar data to consult or solve access and use issues
• Effective time management, documentation skills, and ability to work independently on assigned tasks
• Good communication, teamwork, and a positive, diligent work ethic

Qualifications

Required Qualifications :

OR an equivalent combination of education and / or experience.

Geospatial programming (Python, VB, JSON, JavaScript, etc.)

Personal Accountability

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment :

Desired Qualifications :

Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position - If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at A note to potential candidates : Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don't hesitate to apply!

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements :

Questions? Please contact Abigail Gleason at , 360-764-0799 or e-mail us at

Persons needing accommodation in the application / testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington's lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Vision - Our actions ensure a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Our Mission - Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Core Values :

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include :

Additional Information :

This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer : The Washington State Department of Natural Resources 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, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email

Check us out on : | | | | |

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. 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 (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 (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 (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 , 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, are entitled to three (3) 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

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.

Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.

Please describe your experience working with raster or other large spatial datasets within a GIS database.

Please describe any experience you have working with lidar (light detection and ranging data) data, any analysis or derivative products that you have used or made from lidar data.

Do you have a bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Geographic Information Systems / Science : geography, geology etc., or other closely related field?OR an equivalent combination of education and / or experience?

Do you have four years of relevant professional IT experience in database design and management to include 2 or more years of the following : Geospatial programming (Python, VB, JSON, JavaScript, etc.) AND Working with Esri ArcGIS software, including publishing services and management of GIS databases?

Do you have experience working with large data storage and retrieval methods?

Do you have experience working with geographic map projections, datums, geoids, and transformation methods?

Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States? DNR is not an E-Verify agency.

Where did you originally hear about this job posting?

If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.

Required Question

Salary : $85,764 - $115,344