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GIS Graduate Staff Assistant (Seattle)

The Position

Job Title: GIS GSA

Location/Department: Seattle

Salary: UAW Contract Schedule 1: $3612-$3984 based on academic status

Hours: 50% FTE appointment; hours to be determined

Positions available: 1

Date posted: May 15, 2026

Closing date: May 31, 2026

Notification and acceptance dates: June 15, 2026, June 22, 2026.

Dates of appointment: September 16 2026 – June 15 2027 with option for summer extension

Overview

Under the general supervision of the Geospatial Data and Maps Librarian, this position will assist library users and staff with GIS software, data discovery and manipulation, computerized mapping and data products; maintain GIS data discovery tools provided by the Libraries; staff the Libraries’ GIS Lab and coordinate activities of GIS Lab Assistant.

This position requires the performance of varied and complex duties involving a high degree of responsibility and judgment. This position requires significant experience or training with GIS software applications and data manipulation. Specific projects will be negotiated based upon the skills and interests of the candidate.

Enrollment in a UW graduate program (10 credit hours minimum Fall, Winter and Spring Quarter) is required.

Duties

  • Offer consultation services with Library users and staff regarding geospatial data manipulation, analysis, and methodologies.
  • Work with users in-person , on the phone, over email, and remotely (via Zoom, etc.) to locate, retrieve, and format data for GIS projects.
  • The software in use in the Libraries includes ESRI’s ArcGIS and other ESRI products; support includes installation, usage of analysis tools and general trouble shooting.
  • Help create and maintain the Washington Geospatial Data Archive (WAGDA) and the Libraries Geospatial Data Resources Guide.
  • Help staff the 21-seat GIS Lab
  • Work with the Geospatial Data and Maps Librarian and Libraries Information Technology Services to maintain desktop software image in a 21-seat computer lab for GIS software access and instruction.
  • Prepare brief documentation and/or recommend signage for spatial data products installed on lab PCs.
  • Work with the Geospatial Data and Maps Librarian, Libraries Information Technology Services, and campus constituencies to develop interfaces to facilitate GIS data discovery and delivery. This would involve utilizing the geodatabase capabilities, web-based interactive mapping applications, ArcGIS Server applications provided by ESRI software to update or expand WAGDA, and/or other open source software applications for discovering geospatial content.
  • Enhance user support by directing users to support resources from ESRI or other sources on topics including file format conversion, information on data types, data projection conversion, geo- referencing, geo-coding, data discovery, etc.
  • Perform related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

  • Competency with ArcGIS Desktop 10.x and ArcGIS Pro; Windows compression tools; GIS data conversion and manipulation.
  • Experience with and/or desire to learn open-source GIS software applications.
  • Experience with and/or desire to learn Census products; various electronic atlases, etc.
  • Advanced cartographic skills.
  • Research design using GIS data and analysis methods appropriately scaled for undergraduate, graduate and faculty levels.
  • Familiarity with uses and/or creation of geospatial metadata.
  • Familiarity with MS Office applications, especially Excel.
  • Basic HTML and web skills.
  • Ability to explain and document complex technical procedures in person and in writing.
  • Public service skills; success working with diverse clientele.

Desired Qualifications

  • Database / information systems background.
  • Experience with and/or desire to learn about ArcGIS Server.
  • Experience with and/or desire to learn about ArcSDE spatial data servers.
  • Experience with and/or desire to learn programming and customization of ESRI products, particularly Java, Python, etc.
  • Demonstrated ability to work successfully in teams or collaborative environments.

How to Apply

The following supplemental materials are required. A single PDF file containing both items is preferred.

Please name your file using the following format: LastName_FirstName
• Cover letter. In your cover letter describe a GIS project you worked on recently, either professionally or as part of your academic course of study. How did you identify, acquire, and utilize data needed to complete the project?
• Resumé

Apply Now!

Upload your cover letter and resume to the form above with your student NetID.

Equal opportunity and accommodation information

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 [email protected].