"Geospatial/Remote Sensing Data Specialist"

About the Job

The Geospatial/Remote Sensing Data Specialist performs advanced remote sensing and geospatial data analytics and provides technical and user support to researchers, scientists, and logistics personnel utilizing PGC geospatial resources and services.

Geospatial Data Analytics

Design, develop, and maintain robust geospatial software tools for automated processing of satellite imagery and other remote sensing data. This includes implementing algorithms for geometric corrections, radiometric calibrations, and image enhancements, as well as generating orthorectified imagery, mosaics and digital elevation models. Ensure software integrates with existing infrastructure and make system architecture decisions independently. (35%)

Manage multiple geospatial data projects simultaneously by collaborating with team members (including students). Plan and execute projects with little oversight and make recommendations on Center resource allocation. Ensure project deliverables meet quality standards (15%)

User Support and Client Services

Serve as the single point-of-contact for clients using remote sensing and geospatial data to advance their research. Assess user needs and recommend or design appropriate solutions regarding geospatial data access and utilization, processing capabilities, and technical specifications. This role is a primary technical liaison to numerous clients. The person is expected to be able to act with little oversight in this function. (25%)

Integrate requirements from scientific and logistical users to understand evolving needs and make recommendations for data infrastructure and client support improvements. Design user training sessions and create tutorials for geospatial tools and workflows. (10%)

Author cartographic products and figures for various applications and consumer media. (10%)

Administrative and Professional Development

Contribute to PGC’s engagement efforts and represent PGC to the public at conferences/workshops and outreach opportunities. Maintain current knowledge of geospatial technologies and polar research applications. (5%)

Qualifications

Requirements

Education: Advanced degree with one or more years of research training or professional experience.

Technical Skills

Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS, QGIS and other geospatial software platforms

Familiarity with command-line geoprocessing software like GDAL

Experience with satellite imagery processing and geospatial data analysis

Knowledge of coordinate systems, map projections, and geodetic concepts

Familiarity with Git or other version control systems for collaborative development

Programming skills in Python for geospatial applications and data processing

Professional Skills

Strong visual communication skills for presenting geospatial information

Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including presentation skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

Customer service orientation with experience supporting technical users

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of statistical analysis and data interpretation

Experience with community outreach or stakeholder engagement

About the Department

The Polar Geospatial Center (PGC) is a part of the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences in the College of Science & Engineering. PGC provides geospatial support, mapping, and GIS/remote sensing solutions to researchers and logistics teams in the polar science community and worldwide. We collaborate with scientists to complete their research goals in a safe, timely, and efficient manner by providing a service which most groups do not have the resources or expertise to complete. Our goal is to introduce new, state-of-the-art techniques from the geospatial field to effectively solve problems in the least mapped places on Earth. PGC is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, NASA, the US Forest Service, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Pay and Benefits

Fixed Pay Rate: $95,680 annually (for a 100%, 12-month appointment)

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off; Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs; Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans; Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts; University HSA contributions; Disability and employer-paid life insurance; Employee wellbeing program; Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution; Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity; Financial counseling services; Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.