Geospatial Developer

U-Spatial is seeking a Geospatial Developer (Research Associate) to join our multifaceted team. We are looking for a geospatial professional with broad experience working with spatial data, spatial analytics, modelling, and data visualization. The successful candidate will be able to develop rapport with domain researchers, is highly organized, and comfortable working as part of an interdisciplinary research team on a diverse set of projects. This position can be based in either Duluth or Twin Cities.

Responsibilities
Development of geospatial analytic tools (70%)
* Be the lead analyst and developer on large scale GIS and remote sensing projects
* Design and develop appropriate informatics strategies related to GIS and remote sensing as required
* Develop, prototype, and execute analytic workflows for GIS and remote sensing data
* Assist in building out analytical infrastructure to support common needs of related research projects and tools
* Work collaboratively with a diverse population having a wide range of technical experience levels

Education and consulting (20%)
* Perform ad hoc GIS analysis as a consultant for University students, staff, and faculty, as well as external groups
* Develop and deliver GIS training materials
* Be the Primary Investigator (PI) and manage projects as needed

Professional development (10%)
* Stay current with developments in GIS technology and best practices
* Participate in relevant forums, communities, and conferences

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and U-Spatial endorse a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. This position has been designated as work profile 1, 2, or 3. Profile 1 is expected to work primarily on-site. Profile 2 is expected to work on-site more than 50% of the time. Your office will be located in Blegen Hall or Kirby Plaza. Profile 3 is expected to work remotely more than 50% of the time. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location. Full-time remote is NOT an option for this position. U-Spatial management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required
* Advanced degree in geography, GIS, or related fields with one or more years of research training
* Broad experience with GIS, geospatial computing or satellite/drone imagery
* Strong general computational skills and advanced proficiency programming in Python
* Ability to understand and translate domain researchers' scientific goals into analytical strategies and process requirements
* Demonstrated skill in communicating technical material to technical and non-technical audiences, such as in conference presentations and report-writing
* Hands on experience in developing and carrying out data analytical strategies and pipelines on GIS data
* Experience working with large-volume datasets, those likely requiring novel data structures and/or parallelized workflows for analytical processing
* Able to work independently with periodic guidance

Preferred
* Strong proficiency with open source geospatial Python libraries
* Database design and querying skills (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, or similar)
* Experience and general proficiency with the R programming language
* Experience processing data from remote sensors

With offices on both the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses, U-Spatial collaborates with a variety of departments and centers, creating new opportunities and synergies around spatial research, teaching, and service by supporting projects with application development and spatial analysis.

U-Spatial is a nationally recognized model that advances the fast-growing need for expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial computing. The infrastructure eliminates duplication and fragmentation of resources by providing a framework of spatial data, equipment, and expertise. U-Spatial has supported over 3,000 researchers across every department and center at the University through the help desk, training, consulting, and events. U-Spatial has been integral to making the U of M one of the world's first "Spatial Universities".

Organizationally, U-Spatial is within Research Computing, an academic center within Research and Innovation Office (RIO). Research Computing brings together the diverse portfolio of research computing and data resources available at the University. Research Computing currently houses five collaborative units that provide research computing expertise, resources, training, and services across the University and beyond. These resources cover a broad range of research needs, from consultation and collaboration with domain experts, to hardware and software resources, to education and training in computational methods and technologies.

Pay Range: $80,000 - $105,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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).

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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).