Remote Sensing Specialist (Stanford, CA)

https://careersearch.stanford.edu/jobs/remote-sensing-specialist-3371

The Natural Capital Project is a partnership among Stanford University’s Woods Institute for the Environment, University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment, The Nature Conservancy, and World Wildlife Fund. We develop tools to model and map the distribution of biodiversity and the flow of multiple ecosystem services (ES) across land- and seascapes. 

We seek a creative and talented remote-sensing expert for a Geographic Information Systems Specialist position to advance the use of remote-sensing in our ES models. With remotely-sensed indicators of ecosystem condition, phenology or biomass, and other ecosystem characteristics such as soil moisture becoming available at increasingly fine resolutions and broad extents, ES tools should be adapted to make better use of this information. Cutting-edge approaches to derive ecosystem structure and function from continuous variables could be mainstreamed into ES tools, to replace or augment inputs currently represented by categorical land-use information. This position will identify useful data sources derived from remote-sensing, perform routine spatial data analyses and derive new products where necessary, test these products against observed data, create and maintain spatial databases of remote-sensing inputs to ES models, and prepare maps and graphics using a variety of geospatial software and graphic applications. Please note this position is fixed-term for 18 months with a possibility of reappointment based on programmatic and funding needs. 

JOB PURPOSE:
Under general supervision, perform routine spatial data analyses, create and maintain databases and prepare maps and graphics using a variety of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and graphic applications.

CORE DUTIES*:

• Create maps, charts, tables, graphs and graphics using GIS and related software. Identify attributes to be associated with mapped features and link to features as data are collected, surveyed or drafted.
  • Create new remotely-sensed data products using GIS and related software (such as python, including pygeoprocessing that underlies our flagship InVEST software). 
• Develop and maintain geospatial databases. Conduct research to locate and obtain existing databases. Correct data to ensure highest degree of accuracy.
• Compile geographic data from a variety of sources including censuses, field observations, GPS, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and existing maps.
• Analyze and integrate spatial data for geographic statistics to incorporate into documents and reports.
• Identify and display geographic relationships among varying types of data.
• Enter new map data through use of a digitizer or by direct input of coordinate information using various cartographic methods.
• Work with clients to identify data needs.
• Move, copy, delete and add files, drawings, and maps to output reports in hard copy or for electronic transfer.
• Modify or test existing scripts.
  • Create software scripts for automating the creations of new remote-sensing products.

* - Other duties may also be assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of relevant GIS software and graphic image editing software.
  • Extensive knowledge of satellite sensors and remote-sensing products, and ability to identify those most suitable for use in ES modeling, is desired.
• Basic understanding of industry standard scripting languages.
• Understanding of topologic types and relationships and database design elements.
• Proficient at MSWord, PowerPoint, Excel and Access.
• Able to coordinate and execute simple design projects.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience reading and interpreting maps, engineering and architectural drawings.
• Possess cartographic aptitude with ability to complete basic mathematical and statistical calculations.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to use engineering blueprint copier, plotters, scanners and printers where applicable.
• Solid comprehension of coordinate systems, longitude, latitude, elevation, topography and map scales.

Certifications and Licenses:
None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, stand/walk, sit, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 20 pounds.
• Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), grasp forcefully; reach/work above shoulders, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 21-40 pounds.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a California Non-commercial Class Driver's license. (Not applicable)

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May include work outdoors: work at heights ≥ ten feet: field work may include working on uneven work surfaces, and/or around construction sites.
• Frequent local travel.
• Occasional business related overnight travel.

WORK STANDARDS:

• When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The Natural Capital Project is operationally housed in the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment and is based at Stanford University. 

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, depending on experience and qualifications. To be considered, applicants will provide a cover letter and resume.

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All final candidates are subject to a background check.