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University of Arizona

Specialist, Geographic Information Systems

Position Summary     

The University of Arizona Libraries’ Office of Digital Innovation and Stewardship (ODIS) seeks a Specialist, Geographic Information Systems to perform technical work in supporting, updating and enhancing the Spatial Data Explorer, a geospatial data portal. The geospatial data portal is a one-stop website for previewing data, querying data, viewing metadata, downloading data and sharing with others. Plans for the portal include adding UA faculty, researcher and graduate student created geospatial data. This position will also develop and provide support for geographic information systems (GIS) and geospatial data services by developing workshops on GIS for campus, working with instructors on integrating online mapping and visualization into their classes, and responding to GIS and map related reference questions.

Office of Digital Innovation and Stewardship (ODIS):

The Office of Digital Innovation and Stewardship (ODIS) at the University of Arizona Libraries engages and innovates across a range of services and content in support of the University’s mission and strategic plan. ODIS provides services to the University community that include data management, repository, metadata, journal hosting and publishing, copyright and scholarly communications, and geospatial data. ODIS is responsible for programmatic planning for and oversight of the Libraries digital collections and digitization activities, including digital preservation and digital asset management efforts. ODIS coordinates strategies for exposing unique and local digital collections; in addition, ODIS leads and contributes to national and international collaborative efforts. ODIS is active in campus-wide efforts related to scholarly activity and research data, participates in the University’s Research Computing Governance Committee, leads the institution’s faculty activity reporting efforts, and collaborates with the University’s Office of Research and Discovery and University Information Technology Services.

University of Arizona Libraries:

Why work at the University Libraries?: http://www.library.arizona.edu/about/employment/why. 

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona has been recognized on Forbes 2015 list of America’s Best Employers in the United States and has been awarded the 2015 Work-Life Seal of Distinction by the Alliance for Work-Life Progress! For more information about working at the University of Arizona, see http://whyua.arizona.edu/.

Diversity Commitment:

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. Diversity in our environment embraces the acceptance of a multiplicity of cultural heritages, lifestyles and worldviews. We translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues and constituencies, as we believe that such experiences are both institutional and service imperatives. Because we seek a workforce with diverse perspectives and experiences, we encourage applications from individuals with demonstrated knowledge of and relevant abilities working with culturally diverse communities. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Accepting a new position is a big life step. We want potential candidates and their families to be able to make informed decisions. Candidates who are considering relocation to the Tucson or Phoenix area, and have been offered an on-site interview, are encouraged to use the free services offered by Above & Beyond Relocation Services (ABRS).Ask your department contact to be introduced to ABRS prior to your visit.
Duties & Responsibilities     

    Support, update and enhance the Spatial Data Explorer, a geospatial data portal:
        Maintain and update Open Geoportal (OGP) to make UA geospatial data collections available
        Work with technical staff in the User Experience (UX) Department
        Maintain the geospatial database (vector data processing) and add new data
        Follow established workflow for developing metadata records for new collections
        Follow established criteria and workflow for adding geospatial data
        Interface with campus community (in collaboration with Research & Learning department librarians)
        Contact faculty, researchers and graduate students interested in adding geospatial data to the portal
        Participate in the OGP user community, including the Metadata Working Group and contribute code to the OGP code repository

    Provide support for GIS and geospatial data services:
        Teach instruction sessions related to GIS, workshops on GIS and on specific GIS topics
        Work with instructors who want their students to include web maps or visualizations using online mapping applications in their assignments (in collaboration with Research & Learning department librarians)
        Investigate what other GIS type software we should be providing access to for campus in addition to ArcGIS
        Provide assistance to faculty, students, and staff on mobile and data collection applications
        Investigate providing access to subscribed geospatial data in the geoportal
        Recommend geospatial data resources to provide access to (by subscription or one-time purchase)
        Respond to geospatial data and map related reference questions
        Update GIS and Geospatial Data Website

    Attend campus GIS related meetings and develop contacts with various units involved with GIS and geospatial data to keep informed of GIS activity on campus

    Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications     

    Bachelor’s degree in Geography or Natural Resources and a GIS certificate; OR, Master’s degree in Geography, Natural Resources, or Geographic Information Systems Technology

Preferred Qualifications     

    Experience using ArcGIS 10.0 or higher software
    Demonstrated knowledge or experience with the following software products: SOLR, Geoserver, Geonetwork, Tomcat
    Knowledge of WMS and WCS services (Open Geospatial Consortium standards)
    Experience using Excel or Access software
    Knowledge of Content Standards for Geospatial Data
    Basic programming skills for html, css, javascript, java, and python
    Familiarity with Linux Redhat OS
    Experience using PostGIS (geospatial database extender for PostgreSQL software)
    Familiarity with GDAL raster processing library
    Knowledge or experience using other GIS software
    Background or experience teaching GIS workshops
    Experience developing and analyzing surveys; conducting interviews or focus groups
    Demonstrated organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and planning skills
    Good communication skills