GIS Data Specialist 1

Job Description

This position will support the Transportation Data Equity Initiative project sponsored by the USDOT program for the Taskar Center for Accessibility (TCAT). This innovative data infrastructure project, with a broad partnership among state departments of transportation, transportation service providers, industry and community partners, seeks to enable mobility equity by creating an interoperable, shared data infrastructure to fill in gaps in current transportation data and ultimately, provide travelers needed information they can trust. Detailed, accurate data about pedestrian networks, travel environments (transit facilities, etc.) and on-demand travel services is crucial for any trip planner, trip concierge, wayfinding, or exploratory mobile application, in particular applications and mobile experiences serving the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, veterans, suburban and rural populations.

The GIS Data Specialist will lead the development of geospatial tools and dashboards that support TASKAR Center for Accessibility (TCAT) 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. This position reports to a Technical Applications Engineer.

Duties/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 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

• 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

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

Interfaces and External Tooling

• 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

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

Minimum Requirements:

• 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.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Desired 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:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

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 dso@uw.edu. 

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.