Subject Matter Expert in GIS for Environmental Crime Analysis

About Unity:

At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance Education, Sustainable Ventures, Unity @ Pineland). We prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering a variety of modalities, including hybrid, in-person, hyflex, and online. Our innovative and inclusive culture prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders who can make a positive impact on our world.

Our Mission:

We are dedicated to delivering quality education and experiences that produce outstanding environmentally competent professionals and inspire individuals from all walks of life to steward sustainable ecosystems.

The Opportunity:

Unity Environmental University Career Edge seeks enthusiastic and experienced individuals to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to support the development of undergraduate courses within our Workplace Readiness curriculum. These courses are part of Unity’s innovative, workforce-aligned academic model and are delivered in five-week terms as asynchronous, online courses designed for diverse learners.

SMEs will collaborate closely with an academic dean and a learning experience designer to shape course content, learning activities, and assessments that are engaging, applied, and accessible to undergraduate learners.

Course to Be Developed

GISC 2010 Digital Mapping and GIS for Environmental Investigation

This course introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a tool for environmental crime detection and investigation. Students learn to collect, visualize, and analyze spatial data to identify crime patterns, monitor ecosystems, and support enforcement decisions. Emphasis is placed on practical geospatial applications, data interpretation, and evidence-based decision making.

Students will:

• Describe the role of GIS in environmental crime analysis and investigation
• Create and interpret digital maps to support investigative decision-making
• Apply spatial analysis techniques to identify environmental crime patterns
• Evaluate the reliability of geospatial data

Role Responsibilities

• Advise on course scope and specific learning outcomes
• Select and/or design content that supports student mastery of foundational GIS concepts and applications
• Translate geospatial analysis practices into accessible, student-facing instructional materials
• Develop applied assignments involving mapping, spatial analysis, and investigative case studies
• Collaborate with academic leadership and learning designers in an iterative development process
• Ensure content reflects current GIS technologies and best practices
• Incorporate authentic environmental and enforcement-related examples that demonstrate practical GIS applications

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Geospatial Science, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience using GIS software and spatial analysis tools
• Strong understanding of geospatial data collection, management, visualization, and analysis
• Ability to explain technical GIS concepts clearly and accessibly for undergraduate learners
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to create clear, student-facing instructions
• Ability to meet deadlines and work collaboratively in a remote environment
• Proficiency with standard computer applications (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel) and familiarity with modern productivity tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching, training, or mentoring adult or undergraduate learners
• Background in online or distance education
• Familiarity with ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar geospatial platforms
• Experience applying GIS to environmental management, conservation, law enforcement, compliance, or resource monitoring
• Personal commitment to sustainability, workforce development, and Unity’s environmental mission