GIS UTILITY SPECIALIST

Salary: $34.73 - $44.31 Hourly
Location : City Hall, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Technology Services Department
Division: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Opening Date: 10/07/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 1191

Description
FIRST REVIEW DATE: October 23, 2026

NATURE OF POSITION
Assist in maintaining the Geographic Information System (GIS) and support the GIS operations for the City; supply related GIS information to internal and external customers.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
General direction and oversight are provided by the GIS Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City's core values: Service - Integrity - Collaboration - Equity - Leadership - Community
2. Research and prepare, digitize, and input information into the GIS system.
3. Create, maintain and update GIS utilities information by gathering data from as-builts, record drawings, field inspections, Engineering staff and other sources.
4. Assist the GIS Supervisor with coordination and promoting use of GIS systems and products among field and office personnel throughout City departments.
5. Improve and document processes to assist in the development and support of GIS.
6. Utilize system computers, software, and programming skills to support and maintain the GIS environment; respond to requests for GIS support from other Divisions.
7. Basic to mid-level GPS skills to collect City assets in the field using GPS equipment and software.
8. Create reports, maps and other products for agency departments using GIS system technology; provide information and support for GIS users.
9. Respond to and assemble sewer, storm, water, planning services, and related GIS information requests from the public, contractors and other agencies; assemble, evaluate, and interpret information to assure compliance to the customer requests.
10. Ability to read and accurately draw (using COGO tools) or digitize from legal descriptions into the GIS environment.
11. Audit and maintain standards for various databases associated with GIS. Ensure that GIS data created is in sync with the City's enterprise geodatabase versions and other enterprise systems.
12. Ability to manage and accurately report on multiple projects.
13. Utilize GIS analysis tools to support City business needs and develop efficiencies.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance which is essential for successful job performance.
2. Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
3. Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes, work independently and effectively with little direction.
4. Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
5. Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
6. Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Geographic Information System concepts, programs, methodology, and implementation. Editing and geo-referencing in an ESRI GIS versioned environment.
• Computer-aided drafting software and hardware, e.g., Autodesk Map 3D or Civil 3D.
• Municipal code and standard plans for the City; laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities; City/County organization, operations, policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Principles and practices of civil engineering, field surveying, field-to-office data collection using GPS or Collector app, computer-aided mapping, and computer-aided design.
• Methods, techniques, and instruments used in engineering drafting, surveying and mathematics including algebra and geometry.
• Read, review, and understand engineering plans and specifications; interpret plans and survey notes.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; develop written reports; maintain records.
• Maintain the GIS maps and database and records of GIS source documents.
• Examine requests for mapping products and determine method used in GIS. to meet the request.
• Understand and utilize data conversion tools from CAD to GIS and vice-versa.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Develop methodology, analyze user needs and produce special data products.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
GIS software (ESRI ArcGIS Pro 3.x or higher), ArcGIS enterprise database (SQL Server) in a versioned environment, Computer-aided drafting software (Autodesk Map 3D), Microsoft Office 365 suite, Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Systems (Elements XS), and GPS equipment (Trimble).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Sitting and standing for extended periods of time; seeing, hearing, and speaking to exchange information; repetitive hand movements; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard; intermittently stand, walk, kneel down, stoop, bend at the waist and lift up to 20 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Indoor environment; driving a vehicle to conduct work; subject to seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in GIS technology or related field. Four years of increasingly responsible experience with GIS, GPS, and CAD technology, including mapping GIS utility assets and networks. Demonstrated knowledge interpreting legal descriptions and converting to COGO. Consideration may be given to any combination equivalent to training and/or job experience that provides the required knowledge and skills. Valid State driver's license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with application support, enterprise asset management systems, database analysis (SQL), and understanding of relational databases. Bilingual in Spanish.

Note: Remote interview can be coordinated however final candidates will be required to have an in-person on site ArcGIS Pro intermediate level proficiency test.

Summary of Benefits

The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by full-time AFSCME 1191W (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees) City of Walla Walla employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through the City Council or administrative action, contracts or changes mandated by state and federal law.

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Employees are eligible the first of the month following the first day of employment.
Employees and all eligible dependents are covered for Medical, Dental, and Vision for only $231.03/month.
Medical - 4 plans to select from:
Low-Deductible Plans:

1. Regence Blue Shield HealthFirst 250
2. Kaiser (HMO) 200

High-Deductible Plans - eligible for H.S.A (City annually contributes $750 for an individual and $1500 for a family)

1. Regence Blue Shield High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
2. Kaiser High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) HMO

Dental - Delta Dental of Washington PPO. $2,000 per year max; Class I, II and III no deductible. Orthodontia paid at 50% max lifetime payment of $1,500 per covered member.
Vision - VSP and AWC Plan B. Well Vision Exam every 12 months - $0 copay. Prescription glasses $10 copay, plus various allowances for frames, lenses, and contacts.

Hartford Life Insurance

Employees are eligible the first of the month following the first day of employment.
City paid: $50,000 Basic Life Insurance and $50,000 AD&D coverage.
Employee Voluntary: Supplemental Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability coverage available at low premiums.
Deferred Comp
Employees are eligible with their first paycheck upon enrollment. No vesting requirements.
The City will match an employee's monthly contribution up to 3.5% of the employee's monthly base rate of pay. Three options include Baker Boyer Bank - BPAS, MissionSquare, or the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). Employee contribution options for pre-tax and Roth.
Retirement Plan
AFSCME employees (except for Emergency Services Dispatchers) are members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City and the employee both contribute toward the plan. PERS provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. Rates effective as of 07/01/2025. ()
PERS

Employee Contribution Rate

Employer Contribution Rate

Plan II

5.38%

5.58%

Plan III

Employee Choice

5.58%
(6 available options)
Emergency Services Dispatchers, hired after June 1, 2024, will be enrolled into Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) Plan 2 retirement program through DRS.

PSERS Employee Contribution Rate Employer Contribution Rate
Plan II 6.91% 7.11%
Paid Holidays
On January 1, each employee is eligible for 11 paid holidays per yearas outlined below. Employees hired during the year are eligible for any remaining holidays following their start date.
New Year's Day

Labor Day

Martin Luther King Day

Veterans Day

President's Day

Thanksgiving Day

Memorial Day

Day after Thanksgiving Day

Juneteenth

Christmas Day

Independence Day
Floating Holiday Hours

On January 1, each employee shall be granted thirty-two (32) floating holidays. Employees hired during the year shall receive prorated floating holiday hours following their start date. Floating holidays must be used by year-end or will be forfeited.
Vacation Time
Full-time employees earn vacation leave in increments as outlined below. Vacation leave may be used as accumulated after completion of the initial (6) six months of employment. As of December 31st, no employee shall have an accumulated amount of vacation leave in excess of 240 hours. Additionally, employees may elect to cash out up to forty (40) hours of vacation time each year, provided the employee has taken forty (40) hours of vacation during the preceding calendar year.

Vacation Accrual per Month

0 - 4 years

5 - 9 years

10 - 15 years

16+ years

6.67 hours

10 hours

13.33 hours

16.67 hours
Sick Leave

All full-time employees earn 8 hours of sick leave per month to a maximum accrual of 960 hours. The City also offers a Sick Leave Cash-out policy of 25% of hours over 960 at year-end, and a Sick Leave Conversion policy as outlined below:
Sick Leave Balance

Hours Earned Converted to Vacation

480 Hours

1.33 Hours per Month

720 Hours

2.67 Hours per Month

960 Hours

4.00 Hours per Month
Longevity Pay

AFSCME employees will be paid longevity pay as outlined below:
5 years of service

$40/per month

10 years of service

$50/per month

15 years of service

$60/per month
An employee's longevity shall be adjusted for periods of leave of absence without pay. Longevity shall be determined by continuous employment. Continuous employment shall be recognized as a period of employment without a break in service. All credit toward longevity shall terminate upon the employee's termination from City service, except for vacation accrual if an employee is rehired within one (1) year of separation.
Wellness Program
The City has received the AWC WellCity Award since 2014, which provides a 2% reduction in health insurance premiums. The City's Wellness Committee promotes healthy lifestyles, wise consumption of health care services, and mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. This committee sponsors numerous activities to encourage personal and professional health.
Employee Assistance Plan
An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by the City to assist you and family members, providing counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.
Safety Statement

In an effort to ensure all employees work safe and go home safe, we expect our employees to comply with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH/WISHA regulations and by the City's Accident Prevention Plan. This includes but is not limited to actively identifying and correcting potential hazards that may affect coworkers and public safety. All employees are expected to lead by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday actions. The City of Walla Walla is committed to providing a work environment that:

1. Is free of all recognized hazards.
2. Promotes safe and healthy tasks and workplaces.
3. Values and encourages worker input in all jobs regarding task/facility enhancements.
4. Is insistent on the full reporting and investigation of all incidents, i.e., injuries/ illnesses, property accidents and all near misses.
5. Is performed by workers and supervisors, who are trained in all operational safety aspects of their jobs, (both mandated by the applicable Washington State requirements and those of the City of Walla Walla's policies and procedures).

Other Benefits Offered (may be subject to waiting periods or testing)

• Bilingual Ince