GIS Data Specialist

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington’s Taskar Center for Accessible Technology seeks a GIS Data Specialist to lead geospatial tool development and data integration. You will build interactive dashboards, shape data workflows, and collaborate with planners and communities to produce accessible, policy-relevant insights.

This role blends full‑stack web development with GIS analysis, using technologies like React, Scala, and Node to deliver robust tools atop the Transportation Data Exchange.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/Info Science or related field with 2+ years software development experience in geospatial/urban planning.

Responsibilities

• Web GIS Tool Development: design and build interactive geospatial dashboards and decision-support tools (eg. Safe Routes to school, ADA Transition Plan).
• Data Integration & Standardization: ingest, clean, and harmonize spatial datasets; develop workflows to transform data into standards-based formats; programming with Scala, Node, js.
• Technical Architecture: architect scalable, secure web stack infrastructure; develop interfaces for internal/external users; web development with React, Angular, Cue, Node, UX Design.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: work with planners, advocates, and community members to reflect lived experience and policy needs.
• Interfaces and External Tooling: develop data-sharing interfaces; evaluate data management solutions; data management for SQL/NoSQL; integrate with existing backend APIs.

Skills

Full-stack development

Geospatial analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

UX design

Web GIS

Open-source GIS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Information Science or related field

Tools

QGIS

GeoServer

Turf.js

React

Node

SQL/NoSQL databases

Job description

Job Description

The Taskar Center for Accessible Technology has an outstanding opportunity for a GIS Data Specialist (Research Scientist/Engineer 2) to join their team.

About this Opportunity

The GIS Data Specialist will lead the development of geospatial tools and dashboards that support TCAT’s and the Transportation Data Exchange’s public-facing and internal initiatives. This role is central to transforming complex spatial datasets into actionable insights through interactive web applications. The specialist will architect and implement tools such as the Safe Routes to School prioritization platform, ADA Transition Plan dashboards, and internal data-sharing interfaces, all built on top of the Transportation Data Exchange. The position bridges geospatial analysis, full-stack web development, and participatory design to ensure tools are technically robust and community-responsive.

Key Responsibilities

Web GIS Tool Development (40%)

• Design and build interactive geospatial dashboards and decision-support tools (eg. Safe Routes to school, ADA Transition Plan)

Data Integration & Standardization (20%)

• Ingest, Clean, and harmonize spatial datasets from transit agencies, DOTs, and community sources.
• Develop workflows to transform unstructured and semi-structured data from the web into standards-based formats.
• Programming with Scala, Node, js

Technical Architecture (15%)

• Architect scalable, secure, and maintainable web stack infrastructure for Observatory tools.
• Develop interfaces for internal and external customers to vet, edit, and save mobility data.
• Web Development: React, Angular, Cue, Node, Ux Design

Stakeholder Collaboration (10%)

• Work with planners, advocates, and community members to ensure tools reflect lived experience and policy needs.

Interfaces and External Tooling (10%)

• Develop data-sharing interfaces for staff and partners, including in-browser data exploration and export features.
• Evaluate and develop data management solutions.
• Data Management for: SQL, NoSQL, (MySQL or PostgreSQL or SQL Server or DB2); NoSQL (memcache, Redis, Elasticsearch).
• Integrated interfaces with existing backend APIs and databases.

Documentation and Training (5%)

• Create technical documentation and provide training/support for tool users and collaborators.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Science, or related field, and at least two years of previous experience with software development in the areas of geospatial, urban planning, geography, or related field.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Preferred Qualifications

• Contribute to and apply software engineering best practices in a team environment, based on experience in full-stack development
• Any Graduate training or Degree in GIS, Data Science, or Urban Informatics
• Experience with open-source geospatial tools (e.g., QGIS, GeoServer, Turf.js)
• Familiarity with accessibility standards and equity-focused planning
• Experience working with OpenStreetMap data and community
• Strong understanding of data privacy and governance in public sector contexts

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$85,836.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$100,980.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 (https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/) .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail] .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Seattle, WA

Full time

REQ-0000138539