Spatial Research Assistant (COM2)

About the Department

Position 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.

Minimum 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: [email protected] - please reference the job number in your message.

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

Other Qualifications

• Work from Anywhere in Washington State This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days. Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at [email protected] . Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity The Washington State Department of Commerce 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 or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at [email protected]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.

Benefits

• 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 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

Supplemental Questions