Manager - Drafting, Editing, and GIS Systems

Closes:

December 18, 2025

Job Description

The Manager, Drafting, Editing, and GIS Systems is accountable for the timely editing of GIS (Geographic Information System) features and delivery of drafting services. This role is also responsible for ensuring that the GIS system is performing optimally, setting a technology roadmap and business architecture for the GIS System, Editing, and Drafting. Collaborate with others in technology, drone department, utility intelligence and business units to optimize the methods of collection, storage, and accessibility of electric and gas system data, imagery and GIS information. This manager oversees Drafters, Reproduction techs, Designers, GIS Editors, and GIS Analysts.

The Manager also collaborates throughout the organization to ensure that designated projects are supported and completed in a timely fashion. Responsible for maintaining adequate service levels, ensuring timely delivery, and upholding quality control. Responsible for planning, organizing, training, and supervising the drafting/editing group, overseeing tasks such as image production and storage, mapping editing for gas and electric construction, and drawing distribution. Understand relevant industry best practices to ensure that modern solutions and techniques are being applied.

Principal Accountabilities

- Provides leadership and direction to personnel by assigning work based on experience, knowledge and expertise. Provides on-the-job training and assistance and recommends outside training. Mentors and develops direct reports to meet current position requirements as well as progression proficiencies.

- Reviews qualifications of various consultants and maintains communications with those having desired qualifications. Retains consultants, drafters, editors or other technical help where necessary to enhance existing staff, perform specialized technical tasks, or maintain capital construction schedules. Specifies terms and conditions, rates, deliverables, and timeframes. Inspects and approves deliverables.

- Establishes drafting/edit standards in practice, methodology, accuracy, and quality. Maintains service level agreements with customers and assures compliance. Prepares reports to reflect status of projects, backlog, and work completion. .

- Develop and implement a comprehensive technology roadmap and business architecture for Editing, Drafting, and the GIS system aligned with the company’s vision and business goals. Identify opportunities for leveraging technological advancements, automation, and data-driven insights to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and internal customer experience.

- Prepares and recommends capital and O&M budgets and purchase requisitions. Administers the group's O&M and non-construction Capital budgets and actively manages budgets to plan. Identify and implement cost-saving measures.

- Lead operational excellence initiatives by championing the adoption of emerging technologies and innovative solutions across the drafting, editing, and GIS departments. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and digitalization of infrastructure systems.

- Responsible for ensuring consistent drawing formats, standard library symbols, and procedures for filing drawings.

- Manages personnel including hiring, performance management, coaching, employee engagement, continuous education, training, and development.

- Develops and implements work plans, standard operating procedures, program improvements, and best practices; responsible for instituting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.

- Ensures activities, services and/or products are compliant with applicable regulations, rules, policies and procedures.

- Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes inclusion and belonging in the workplace; and contributes to an environment of mutual respect.

Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in a related field

- 7+ years demonstrated experience in senior level drafting or editing; computer aided design/drafting/editing; GIS Systems, technical design or support - 5+ years of supervisory or management experience

- Technical expertise or certification in a directly related field preferred

- Demonstrated proficiency in work management, technical communications, and team building

Other Combinations Of Education And Experience May Be Considered.

*Hiring Range: $109,815 - $144,406* Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Spokane, Washington Mission Campus at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with additional day(s) determined by the manager. To Apply

We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have multiple levels to account for an incoming employee’s various knowledge, skills, and experience.

Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile

. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review.

No documents can be attached after you click "Submit".

Total Rewards

At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That’s why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team members and their families.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include:

- Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage

- Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match

- Incentive and bonus programs rewarding performance and contributions

- Generous paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation

- Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind

- Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health

- Education and development support including tuition assistance

- Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact

- Many other elective benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more

To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/.

We are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse, skilled, and engaged workforce.

In compliance with state laws, we provide the full salary range for each position, along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $109,815 - $178,999. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to humanresources@avistacorp.com

. Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.

Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at humanresources@avistacorp.com if you would like assistance.