GIS & RS Technician / Analyst w/ University of Alaska (Fairbanks, AK)

https://careers.alaska.edu/cw/en-us/job/518161/gis-rs-technician-analyst

Summary:
As our GIS & Remote Sensing Analyst, you’ll help the Toolik Field Station (TFS) provide logistical, operational, and scientific support to visiting scientists conducting Arctic research. Every day we’ll rely on you to collect high precision GPS data (GNSS), collect imagery through drone flights, process data, and create new products and tools for the research community. To thrive in this role, you must have experience in GIS & Remote Sensing as well as knowledge of GIS concepts, software installation and management (ESRI products and Google Earth).

​Duties:
Data Maintenance and Analysis (15%)
Assist the GIS & RS Analyst 3 with maintaining GIS datasets and imagery contained within ESRI geodatabases. Provide quality assurance and quality control of departmental spatial data and metadata. When possible, automate the analytical processing of spatial data using batch processing techniques and/or computer programming/scripting languages (eg. R, Python (ArcPy), teqc). Employ a variety of spatial data analysis and modelling techniques (eg, image classification (various types), ESRI geostatistical analysis tools) to create products in support of Toolik research or administration. Search for and use available satellite remote sensing products (eg, LandSat, SAR, SMAP) to support Toolik research projects.

Updating and Maintaining GIS Equipment, Instrumentation, and Technology (15%)
Conduct web-based research to identify GIS and Remote Sensing equipment and software to support TFS research (eg, UAS sensors, UAS platforms, GNSS/GIS equipment, cloud-based image processing developments). Occasionally prepare specifications and forward equipment or software quotes to GIS & RS Analyst 3 and SEDC Manager for equipment/ supplies such as UAS camera/ sensors/ platforms, bathymetric units, or GNSS equipment. Keep software licenses and equipment firmware current. Troubleshoot all equipment problems and report issues and resolutions to appropriate SEDC staff.

GIS Products (20%)
Prepare field maps with research site coordinates Produce GIS products which include orthophotographic maps, surface elevation models, watershed delineations, area calculations, viewshed analysis, and bathymetric maps. Serve as departmental lead in creating, maintaining and archiving metadata records As needed, assist SEDC Manager and GIS & RS Analyst 3 with new research site selections. Produce final site map(s) and site coordinate(s) for Toolik researchers to support their research permit applications with land management agencies. In support of Toolik research projects, produce publication-quality maps, figures, 3D models, and/or graphs for use in conference presentations, student theses, research grant applications, and/or peer-reviewed scientific journal publications.

Survey and Technical Support (50%)
Collect GNSS survey data with mapping-grade and survey-grade instruments. Process GNSS survey data using Trimble Business Center software and online GNSS toolsets from the National Geodetic Survey. Serve as FAA licensed Pilot in Command for UAS missions. Coordinate all aspects of UAS missions: select appropriate UAS platform, flight planning, safe flight execution, image processing, and metadata collection and archival. Collect and process bathymetric data (GNSS and sonar data). When necessary, work with TFS researchers to design and implement project-specific tools, systems, and procedures to collect and/or calibrate quantitative spatial data. Train researchers on how to use mapping GNSS equipment With weekly oversight from the GIS & RS Analyst 3 and/or SEDC Manager during the summer field season, plan and coordinate activities of the GIS seasonal technician and intern(s) to fulfill summer work requests.

Toolik Field Station (TFS) is a research station operated and managed by the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). TFS provides logistical, operational, and scientific support to visiting scientists conducting Arctic research. The field station population ebbs and flows throughout the year with a minimum population of 4 in the winter and up to 150 in the summer. While remote, TFS is like a small village during the summer months.

TFS is seeking a full time GIS & Remote Sensing Analyst to join our team. This position will be based out of Fairbanks at UAF with summers spent at TFS. Typical duties entail collecting high precision GPS data (GNSS), collecting imagery through drone flights, processing data, and creating new products and tools for the research community. This position will work with the GIS & RS Analyst 3, seasonal technicians, and interns.
In addition to the technical duties, engaging and interacting with the TFS community is a large part of the job of everyone who works at TFS.Toolik Field Station is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment to everyone at the station. Each member of our staff is committed to working to build and sustain an equitable and inclusive work environment where cultural diversity is celebrated and valued. We believe diversity benefits and enriches the TFS community.

Position details:
This is a full-time, Grade 77, $21.81 hourly, DOE, 12-month position complete with a competitive salary and UA employee benefits package. UA employees receive excellent benefits including participation in State of Alaska PERS retirement, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.

Term Position:
This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

Required Experience:

• Two years of course work towards a Bachelor's degree in GIS/remote sensing, land surveying, or comparable field.
• Two years of experience relevant to this position or a combination of training and experiences.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS and Trimble Business Center software
• Valid AK driver’s license or able to obtain one within one month of being hired.
• Current FAA small UAS Pilot Certification, or be able to obtain a certification within one month of hire

Preferred Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in GIS/remote sensing, land surveying, or comparable coursework, plus 6 months of professional post-bachelor’s work experience.
• Two years of post-bachelors work experience, or graduate school experience.

Knowledge:

• GIS concepts, software installation and management (ESRI products and Google Earth); GNSS concepts, mapping and high-accuracy GNSS units and related software; use and troubleshooting of GNSS field equipment; advanced GNSS field data collection/processing procedures (post-processed & RTK); Geo(spatial) databases (ESRI products); remote sensing platforms, spatial data interpretation and analysis; modest computer and network literacy; GIS-supported programming/scripting languages, preferred.
• ArcGIS Enterprise (Online/Portal) experience a bonus.

Skills:

• Perform analytical tasks using the above listed knowledge.


• Strong communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal). This position requires frequent interaction with researchers as well as federal and state agency personnel.
  Scientific writing, editing, and proof-reading; spatial data organization; quality control and assurance, and associated metadata creation.
• Manipulate and process GPS/GIS data to produce charts, graphs, and spreadsheets to display trends in spatial data; Interpret and report GIS data and analytical results for scientists and non-scientists; Complete assigned projects combining the appropriate GIS knowledge and skills. Some satellite remote sensing skills preferred (ie. optional).

Abilities:

• Physically capable of traveling 10 miles (round trip) per day across uneven tussock tundra while transporting required equipment (up to 50lbs) occasionally in inclement weather.
• Work independently under intermittent supervision of the GIS & RS Analyst 3 and/or the SEDC manager to accomplish multiple tasks and work requests; Lead and coordinate the activities of the seasonal GIS technician and intern(s) to provide support to research projects.
• Ability to interact positively with a diverse community of scientists (ranging from undergraduates to PhDs) as well as federal and state agency personnel.
• Strong communication, project management, and conflict resolution skills.

​This position will require scheduled residency at Toolik Field Station on Alaska's North Slope during the primary field season from early-May to early September and possible winter project support between October through March of each year. The duty station is at the University of Alaska Fairbanks during the remainder of the year.