Geospatial/Remote Sensing Data Specialist

The Geospatial/Remote Sensing Data Specialist preforms 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%)

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

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.

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

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

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 supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• 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

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 and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).