GIS Cartographer & Map Designer

King County Metro Transit is seeking an experienced GIS Cartographer & Map Designer to lead the design, development, and maintenance of transit map products for one of the nation’s largest public transportation systems. This position uniquely blends advanced GIS technical expertise with professional graphic design skills to create map products that are accurate, accessible, and visually compelling for our diverse ridership.

The ideal candidate will have deep proficiency in GIS technology combined with a sharp design sensibility and understanding of cartographic principles. You will be responsible for producing a wide range of transit map products including system maps, route maps, wayfinding materials, digital applications, and print publications. Your work will directly serve the public, requiring thoughtful consideration of accessibility, equity, and user experience in every design decision.

This role requires both technical GIS competency to manage complex spatial data and creative design skills to translate that data into clear, beautiful, and functional map products. You will work with multiple stakeholders across Metro and collaborate with communications, planning, operations, and accessibility teams to ensure map products meet the needs of all riders, including those with disabilities.

Job Duties

GIS & Spatial Analysis

• Perform advanced GIS analysis using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and related ESRI tools to support production of a wide variety of transit and transit-related map products.
• Develop and maintain basemaps for import into Adobe Illustrator or related design software.
• Acquire, develop, maintain, and update spatial and tabular data related to transit routes, stops, facilities, service areas, and regional transportation networks. Data is both internal and external from multiple agencies and jurisdictions.
• Conduct spatial research to assess current conditions, respond to upcoming changes and emergent map needs and optimize transit map products for a variety of needs.
• Work with King County GIS Center to develop and maintain web-based mapping applications using ArcGIS Online, ESRI Experience Building, and ESRI Instant Apps Perform spatial data stewardship duties for transit-related GIS datasets, ensuring accuracy and currency.
• Create workflows and automation tools using Python, R, Model Builder, and ArcGIS geoprocessing to improve efficiency.

Cartographic Design & Map Production

• Design and produce transit maps and cartographic products applying professional design principles, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
• Create and or maintain system maps, route maps, rider guides, wayfinding signage, and other public-facing map materials for print and digital platforms.
• Apply industry-standard cartographic conventions and transit map design best practices.
• Fluently navigate Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) to refine and finalize map products.
• Streamline mapmaking process utilizing plugins, such as ArcGIS Maps for Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Establish and maintain cartographic and design standards for King County Metro map products to ensure consistency and quality.
• Manage design files, version control, and production workflows for multiple concurrent map projects.

Accessibility & Equity

• Design maps with accessibility as a primary consideration, including colorblind-friendly palettes, appropriate contrast ratios, legible typography, and clear visual hierarchy.
• Apply King County’s Equity and Social Justice principles to map design, ensuring products serve all communities including limited English proficiency populations and riders with disabilities.
• Research and implement emerging best practices in accessible map design and information visualization.

Project Management & Collaboration

• Lead map production projects from concept through completion, managing timelines, stakeholder input, and deliverables.
• Collaborate with communications staff, planners, service development teams, operations staff, and external partners to identify map needs and requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other staff on GIS and cartographic design topics.
• Coordinate with vendors and consultants on specialized map production and printing projects.
• Present map concepts, designs, and technical information to diverse audiences including senior leadership and community stakeholders.
• Other duties assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Cartography, Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Urban Planning, or related field with significant GIS and design application, OR equivalent combination of education and professional experience. 

GIS Technical Experience

• Minimum three years of applied professional experience in GIS technology and spatial analysis.
• Three years of applied professional experience with GIS Software, specifically ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online. Demonstrated experience with Spatial Analyst, Network Analyst, Python scripting, R Tools, Model Builder. Proficiency in spatial data development, maintenance, and stewardship for complex datasets and Geodatabases.

Graphic Design & Cartographic Experience

• Minimum three years of professional graphic design experience with demonstrated cartographic and map design expertise.
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and InDesign for map production .
• Strong portfoliodemonstratingprofessional map design work, including transit maps, wayfinding materials, or similar cartographic products.
• Deep understanding of design principles including typography, color theory, visual hierarchy, layout, and composition.
• Knowledge of cartographic conventions, symbolization, generalization, and map production workflows.
• Experience designing for both print and digital media, with understanding of file preparation, color modes, and production requirements.

Accessibility & Equity Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles, particularly for individuals with visual impairments and colorblindness.
• Understanding of ADA requirements and WCAG guidelines as they apply to information design and wayfinding.
• Commitment to equity-focused design that serves diverse communities, including multilingual audiences.

Professional Skills

• Excellent project management, planning, and organizational skills.
• Superior analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and work under deadline pressure.
• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision while also contributing to team efforts.
• Leadership skills with ability to mentor others and provide technical guidance.

Desirable Qualifications

• GISP (GIS Professional) certification.
• Interactive online mapping.
• Experience specifically with transit map design and transportation planning.
• Knowledge of transit industry standards and best practices for passenger information.
• Experience with data visualization tools and techniques beyond traditional cartography.
• Background in universal design and human-centered design methodologies.
• Experience developing web mapping applications and online GIS solutions.