Geographic Information Systems Technician II

About the role

Performs complex technical work in maintaining and supporting departmental geographic information systems and databases, including data creation, manipulation, and output.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex spatial data processing work utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) software and hardware to digitize and enter data.
• Performs field checks and compiles facilities data using field methods.
• Creates, maintains, updates, queries, and views GIS data to provide easier access and retrieval of processed information.
• Performs quality control checks and ensures data accuracy.
• Provides technical support assisting GIS users with questions or problems in retrieving GIS information.
• Generates maps from data in order to provide information regarding different infrastructure systems.
• Converts hardcopy-engineering drawings into electronic formats.
• Verifies, corrects, and updates GIS data layers and databases utilizing coordinate geometry and graphics to correspond with the information on design drawings, maps, plans, and reports and prepares and maintains metadata for all spatial data layers and databases.
• Assists and provides interested parties with specific processed spatial data including reports, maps, and charts.
• Acts as a liaison between user groups and the Information Technology unit to communicate problems and possible solutions.
• Maintains technical procedures, documentation, operational instructions and/or project or work order status.
• Reads and understands technical or other complex materials required for the job.
• Provides basic training and guidance to users of GIS software and data.

Minimum Qualifications

Open-Entry Requirements:

• Education: Associate degree from an accredited college or university in geographic information systems, geography, engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Experience: Two years of GIS-related IT experience.
• Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply.
• Licenses and Certifications: A valid driver’s license is required, to be maintained throughout employment.

Examination Details

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of the following:

• Training and Experience Evaluation: 50%
• Multiple Choice & Short Answer: 50%

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library. Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on September 16th, 2026. The testing window is September 17th – 21st. Please note: The email will come from City of Spokane (info@governmentjobs.com)

Multiple Choice Possible Subjects Covered in the Examination

• ArcGIS Software
• Cartography
• Data Editing and Geoprocessing
• Geodatabase
• Map Projections and Scaling
• Spatial Analysis

Short Answer Items

Short answer items are open-ended and require test takers to create their own responses, typically in one word, a phrase, or a few sentences. Unlike multiple-choice items that offer ready-made options, or essay items that call for extended writing, short answer items ask test takers to express specific knowledge, skills, and/or abilities directly.

Training & Experience Evaluation

A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education.

Benefits

• Compensation Value: In addition to a salary, The City of Spokane provides a generous benefits package valued between $24,902 - $34,218.
• Insurance Benefits Eligibility: Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment.
• Eligible Dependents: Spouse or Domestic Partner, birth, adopted children or children placed for adoption, Domestic Partner's children, step-children who live with employee, and any child for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are eligible.
• Medical: Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options; a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) administered by Kaiser Permanente or a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) administered by Premera Blue Cross. The monthly premium varies dependent upon plan and coverage level selected.
• Vision: Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected. Costs for eye exams and hardware; lenses, frames or contacts varies depending on the medical plan selected.
• Dental: Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington. The City pays the monthly premium in full for employee and eligible dependents.
• Life Insurance - Employee Only: Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at one-and-a-half times the employee's annual base salary to a maximum of $150,000. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
• Life Insurance - Eligible Dependent(s): Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at $5,000 for spouse/domestic partner and $2,000 for each child. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
• Flexible Spending Account: The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code.
• AFLAC Supplemental Insurance: Optional and provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.
• AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit: Optional. The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs.
• LegalShield/ID Shield: Optional prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs. These programs pay for a limited number of documents to be reviewed, limited trial defense representation, the preparation of a standard will, identity theft consultation, restoration and monitoring according to terms of contract.
• Pet Insurance: Optional plan in which City of Spokane Employees can enroll.
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance: Optional and provided through The Standard Insurance Company and is subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their spouse/domestic partner. Dependent children can be insured for up to $10,000 each. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.
• Continued Medical/Dental Insurance: Employees separating from City service have the option to continue medical and/or dental insurance benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium in addition to a small monthly administrative fee.
• Retirement Benefits: Spokane Employees' Retirement System (SERS) is a defined benefit pension plan covering non-uniformed, permanent employees. As a participant, you contribute 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Contributions and earnings are tax-deferred. The City also contributes 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2015 become vested (eligible for a monthly benefit at retirement age) at seven years of service.
• Deferred Compensation: Enrollment in the City-sponsored 457 Deferred Compensation Plan administered by MissionSquare Retirement allows participants, on a voluntary basis, to defer a portion of their salary on a before or after tax basis. Contributions and associated earnings contributed on a before tax basis are eligible to receive City matching contributions and are tax deferred (not taxed until taken out). You can also choose to participate in the 457 Roth (after tax) contribution option. You may enroll in the 457 plan or change your contribution at any time. Minimum contribution is $15 per paycheck up to and is subject to the IRS annual limitations. The City will match employee contributions up to $120/month.

Paid Time Off

• Official Holidays: The City observes seven official holidays as paid. An official holiday that falls on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday. An official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be observed on the Monday immediately following. The City observes Martin Luther King Jr's birthday but has not declared that day as an official holiday. For this reason, employees hired before the third Monday of January receive an additional eight hours of floating holiday time to be used in accordance with Local 270 Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.
• Floating (Personal) Holidays: Up to 48 hours administered throughout the year. Floating holiday hours may not be carried over into the next year and any unused hours will not be paid at termination.
• Vacation Leave: Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue vacation leave. The amount of vacation earned depends on the employee's length of service - from 12 days per year for a new employee to 27 days per year after 20 years of employment. Unused vacation hours carry over each year.
• Sick Leave: Sick leave accrues at a rate of six (6) hours per biweekly pay period. Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue sick leave. There is no maximum accumulation and unused sick leave hours carry over each year.
• Other Leaves: The City also provides several other paid and unpaid leaves, such as bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave, maternity leave, jury duty, and military duty leave.

Work/Life Programs

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A referral and counseling service administered by Deer Oaks. It provides a myriad of services to employees and their household members. Services include receiving confidential assistance for personal issues, such as managing stress, depression, parenting, alcohol/drugs, grief, etc. Each household member is eligible to receive up to eight counseling sessions per issue per year at no charge. There is also a benefit relating financial or legal concerns in addition to Worklife/Convenience services and online tools.
• Employer Sponsored Bus Pass (ESBP) Program: The City of Spokane encourages employees to use alternatives to driving alone to work and participates in the ESBP Program offered by Spokane Transit.