GIS Data Specialist

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

Job summary

The University of Washington is seeking a GIS Data Specialist (Research Scientist/Engineer 2) for the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology in Seattle. You will lead geospatial tool development and build dashboards transforming complex spatial data into actionable insights, including Safe Routes to School and ADA Transition Plan tools.

Responsibilities include web GIS tool development, data integration, architecture, and collaboration with planners, advocates, and community members to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Science, or related field, and at least two years of software development experience in geospatial, urban planning, geography, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and build interactive geospatial dashboards and decision-support tools (e.g., Safe Routes to School, ADA Transition Plan).
• Ingest, clean, and harmonize spatial datasets from transit agencies, DOTs, and community sources; develop workflows to transform data into standards-based formats.
• Architect scalable, secure, and maintainable web stack infrastructure for Observatory tools and interfaces for internal and external users to vet, edit, and save mobility data.
• Collaborate with planners, advocates, and community members to ensure tools reflect lived experience and policy needs.
• Develop data-sharing interfaces for staff and partners, including in-browser data exploration and export features.

Skills

Full-stack development

Software engineering practices

Geospatial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

QGIS

GeoServer

Turf.js

Job description

## GIS Data SpecialistApply: Seattle, WA: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: December 4, 2026 (28 days left to apply): REQ-0000138539**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.To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail] 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.