Gis/Cartography work in Seattle area (price, to move, company)

[dmoore228]

So I currently reside outside richmond, va and am looking to pursue a career in GIS/Cartography. I have had zero luck with finding something entry level in northern va mainly because I don't have clearance(its a catch 22 up there). I haven't stopped applying, but I feel that's the trump card.

I'm looking to find somewhere to move that has a good amount of those options available so I can get situated there then apply away. I feel that some of the companies out there would definitely like local hires more than someone 2500+ miles away.

Are there any gis/cartography companies in Seattle other than these(below) I am missing? I am flying out there on the 28th and plan to visit as many of these as I can.
Kroll Map Company
Sgsi
Integral gis
Metsker maps(they're retail, but I wouldn't mind doing that until I find something)

I also might try amazon and Microsoft as options in case gis doesn't work out.

Also good that UW has a geography masters. I would just like work in that field before I jump into a graduate program

[sean98125]

Don't forget about local governments, too. A friend of mine works for the county on their GIS systems.

[dmoore228]

So, city of Seattle and king county. Not too familiar with the other surrounding counties. I'll check those out. Thanks!

[Xeon1210]

King county GIS is one of the top in the nation because they make a lot of data available to the public in easily digestible format. They also have an internal services department that can do a lot of hardcore stuff for clients including private sector. That's why you might not find very many dedicated GIS firms in the area. Because KCGIS will scoop up that work with brand recognition.

Now getting in with them depends on ur skillet. You have to know your craft and be comfortable around ESRI tools. Can you map? That's nice. Do you also have database experience. Ok we're a little more interested. Oh, you can create custom mapping applications with something like VBStudio? Ok, name your price. The UW turns out plenty of graduates with lots of carto skill but they are very very light on the programming side. The straight mapping guys are Dime a dozen. The ones who are picked up have the GIS knowledge with the CS Twinge so you can go from static maps to dynamic applications with extreme value to the end user.

[dmoore228]

Definitely done database work. Only problem is outside of my certificate program I have a whopping six weeks of professional experience in GIS. I'd love to find something entry level(junior analyst, technician, apprentice, whatever) then move from there and tackle python and possibly pursue higher Ed.

I am also eyeing companies outside the GIS realm for entry level work. History undergrad and about a year of management experience at a gym, but hoping to find something worthwhile. Sales, marketing, etc.