Senior GIS Engineer

King County; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

King County’s Department of Information Technology (KCIT) seeks a Senior GIS Engineer to lead modernization of GIS applications, services, and data platforms into cloud environments. You will work on transforming legacy systems and building scalable pipelines, with focus on ArcGIS Pro/Enterprise/Online, Python scripting, and AI-assisted development.

The role emphasizes collaboration across the GeoData Team to deliver data-driven decision support for County programs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressively responsible GIS data platform experience.
• Advanced knowledge of ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, and ArcGIS Online.
• Experience with AI-assisted development tools to write and maintain code.
• Proficient in Python for scripting and automation (ArcPy).
• Experience with ETL and database platforms (Azure SQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL).
• Ability to navigate cloud migrations and modernize GIS applications.

Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and enhance enterprise GIS data systems and automated workflows.
• Acquire, process, and maintain spatial datasets used across County programs.
• Design and implement cloud-native spatial data pipelines and migrations to the cloud.
• Develop and support spatial databases per organizational standards.
• Coordinate GIS services and standards across County departments.

Skills

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Enterprise

ArcGIS Online

AI-assisted development

Python

ArcPy

FME

Tools

Azure SQL

SQL Server

PostgreSQL

Job description

King County Department of Information Technology (KCIT) is seeking a Senior GIS Engineer to join the award-winning King County GIS Center. Our team provides enterprise GIS data services that support every County department, advancing data-driven decision-making, operational efficiency, and innovative public service delivery.

As a key member of the GeoData Team, you will help lead a major modernization effort to migrate and re-engineer our GIS applications, services, and data platforms into cloud-based environments. This work includes transforming legacy systems, streamlining workflows, and improving reliability and scalability in alignment with King County’s cloud strategy. This isn't a lift and shift. We're modernizing as we migrate, reimagining our applications rather than rebuilding them as they were, and taking a hard look at current practices to make them more efficient.

Why Join King County GIS Center? The GIS Center has earned national recognition, including Esri’s 2025 Enterprise GIS Award and multiple Exemplary Systems in Geospatial industry awards. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to innovation, service excellence, and delivering geospatial solutions that directly support King County residents. If you’re energized by modernizing systems, building practical GIS solutions, and shaping the future of geospatial services in public government, we’d love to hear from you.

About King County Department of Information Technology (KCIT)

King County is committed to being the best-run government in the nation, and King County Information Technology (KCIT) is helping lead that transformation. KCIT harnesses the power of technology to modernize operations, advance digital equity and social justice, and deliver innovative solutions that engage, empower, and serve our residents, businesses, and community partners.

Recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for excellence in vision, strategy, innovation, and collaboration, KCIT is focused on delivering smart, secure, and customer-centered technology services that strengthen county operations and support thriving, resilient communities. As the technology business partner to all 18 County departments, KCIT provides the foundational systems and services that power many of the region’s most essential functions. We work side-by-side with our partners to design and deliver technology solutions that enhance customer experience and advance King County’s mission. Learn more about KCIT at: http://kingcounty.gov/depts/it.aspx.

• Build, maintain, and enhance enterprise GIS data systems and automated workflows.
• Acquire, process, and maintain spatial datasets used across County programs.
• Apply AI tools and techniques to improve spatial analysis and data processing.
• Monitor GIS platforms to ensure secure, reliable, and high-performing operations.
• Provide technical guidance and responsive support to King County staff and partners.
• Develop and support department and countywide spatial databases and configurations per organizational standards.
• Develop and maintain scripts and automation (Python, ArcPy, or equivalent) to support data processing, quality control, and platform operations.
• Design and implement cloud-native spatial data pipelines.
• Key contributor in developing, planning, advising on, communicating, and implementing migration of on premise GIS resources to the cloud, including SQL Server geodatabases, ETL workflows, and legacy systems and applications.
• Key contributor in developing, planning, advising on, communicating, and implementing AI standards and practical AI use cases within GIS platforms and workflows.
• Provide quality assurance, quality control, and user acceptance testing using established methodology and best practices.
• Administer various county-wide platforms such as ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Server, and geodatabases.
• Develop and support department and countywide spatial databases and configurations per organizational standards.
• Coordinate enterprise-level GIS services, policies, standards, and procedures with other County professionals.

• 5 years or more of increasingly responsible professional experience in GIS technological data platform.
• Advanced knowledge of GIS software and platforms: ArcGIS Pro and extensions, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online.
• Advanced knowledge of geodatabase and relational database platforms (e.g., Azure SQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL).
• Advanced knowledge in complex spatial data management, system administration, spatial ETL processes with custom python and/or FME, and infrastructure migrations to cloud environments.
• Experience using AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, or similar) to write, review, refactor, and maintain application code and scripts.
• Advanced experience in both raster and vector processing from source data to product.
• Advanced programming knowledge developing cross-platform, multi-function, interactive applications, and data integrations for end-users.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues, track, resolve, and document system problems and issues requiring a broad understanding of a complex system.
• Experience developing standards and operating procedures for GIS products.
• Effectively communicate and maintain a strong rapport with cross functional team members and maintain the principles and strategy within KCIT.
• Ability to follow established change management processes.
• Facilitate complex system changes; identify, analyze, and prioritize system change requests; assess potential system-wide impacts of proposed module configuration changes.
• Convey technical information to non-technical system users.
• Perform duties as assigned.

Hybrid Work:

KCIT works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is the King Street Center - 201 S Jackson St, Seattle, Washington.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Work Schedule:

The normal workweek for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alternative work schedules may be considered by your manager. This position will participate on the After-Hours Support (AHS) team (24x7, 7-day rotation Monday-Sunday).

FLSA Status:

This position is FLSA Exempt and is not eligible for overtime pay.

Classification:

IT Engineer-Senior (job code: 741301)

Union:

PROTEC17 - Information Technology

Who May Apply:

This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all background to apply.

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.