The Geospatial Intelligence Analyst (GIA) will be a key member of the Global Water Security Center’s (GWSC’s) water/ environmental security analysis team. The applicant will provide core analytical expertise and customized visual insights using spatial modeling tools and methods.
By transforming data into actionable insights and solutions, GWSC aims to produce data, information and knowledge to provide water/environmental security situational awareness to help institutions understand how water affects livelihoods, health, economy and ecosystems. These analyses will focus on strategic/geopolitical freshwater shortages and surpluses, water quality, climatic stresses, and political instability. Analysis will cover large geographic areas (e.g., global or continental scale), and use data derived from satellite remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and quantitative environmental, social, political, economic indicators.
Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of external funding derived from research programs or specific projects. To best execute its mission, the Office for Research & Economic Development (ORED) prefers that all ORED employees work on the campus of The University of Alabama. However, ORED will consider, on a case by case basis, remote work for an employee if such work makes strong business sense for ORED based on the scope of work and expectations for that employee. Prior to any remote work, the employee and their direct supervisor(s) and the Vice President will execute a remote work agreement.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Strong technical background to analyze geospatial data, including deriving spatial statistics using geoprocessing tools.
- Demonstrated interest and ability to conduct assessments of water and environmental issues.
- Knowledge of food, health, and energy subjects preferred to allow successful analysis of water as part of nexus frameworks to support GWSC’s environmental security requirements.
Ability to:
- Interpret and collect data from remote sensing professionals and document spatial analyses in a technical summary.
- Produce maps and statistical visualizations to support decision-makers
- Combine multiple datasets (biophysical and socioeconomic datasets) to develop indices.
- Prepare data for reports, online maps and other communication materials.
- Coordinate work efforts with representatives of federal agencies to include DoD, Intelligence Community, State Department, USAID, and other specified department-level agencies involving exchange of technical and/or scientific data and information.
Technical Proficiency:
- Proficiency in GIS software including ESRI ArcGIS Desktop 10.x, ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Online, Quantum GIS, MapInfo or similar
- Experience in spatial analysis and modeling (e.g., use of ArcGIS Spatial Analyst tools, Model Builder, Python scripting, SQL or equivalent)
- Experience in handling publicly available GIS datasets, crowd-sourcing platforms such as Open Street Maps and remote-sensing databases
- Familiarity with MODIS, Landsat, other satellite imagery products
- Knowledge of OGC standards
- Self-directed individual with an ability to work independently while involving other teammates
About GWSC:
GWSC is an applied research and operational center commissioned to respond to our nation’s need for water and environmental security insights. GWSC will inform national security partners and others with global interests in water and environmental security.
Our partners include the Department of Defense (DoD), other US Government agencies, private companies, and data producers from federal agencies and academia.
Please apply via the University of Alabama jobs site to the GWSC Environmental Data Scientist position (linked below). In your cover letter, please note how you think your geospatial experience can inform water security.
Salary Range
Commensurate with experience. Anticipated $60K-$70K.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, Geomatics, Geoinformatics,
Remote Sensing or other related fields - At least four to six years of relevant work experience in the military, intelligence community, or the Geospatial industry.
- Must be able to obtain security clearance
within one (1) year of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- No additional preferred qualifications.
