GCOOS Applications Specialist

Texas A&M • College Station, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS), the Gulf’s regional component of NOAA’s U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), is part of the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M University. GCOOS seeks a motivated professional to help manage High Frequency Radar and underwater glider data services and develop ocean data products. The position supports data review, database management, and data product development across large-scale and real-time ocean data streams. Working with the GCOOS Data Management and Cyberinfrastructure (DMAC) Team, the specialist helps deliver marine data services and applications for a diverse user community and an operational ocean observing system.

The position is based in College Station, Texas. Travel may be required for conferences and outreach events, including independent travel to other or remote locations by car or commercial airline. The position is funded through grants and/or contracts and is contingent on continuation of that funding and satisfactory job performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or another related field.
• Four months of related experience in Information Technology, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or another related field, including experience with Python programming.
• Ability to travel as needed for conferences or outreach events.
• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field; the posting states a master’s degree is equivalent to two years of experience.
• Two years of experience in Computer Science, Information Technology Management, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or another related field.
• Understanding of exploratory data analysis, data visualization, cloud computing, web application development and deployment, and scientific data sets.
• Web server deployment and development experience with Nginx, Tornado, or Apache.
• Proficiency in scientific writing, with preference for geologic and oceanographic writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of office software and instructional programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
• Strong organizational and event management skills.
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with clients and staff, including groups of various sizes.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance the underwater glider piloting tool (GANDALF) and its database, as well as the High Frequency Radar (HFR) dashboard and database; integrate new assets and develop associated data pipelines.
• Compile, organize, validate, and review oceanographic data and metadata from various sensors and platforms.
• Implement and maintain data collection, processing, and summarization workflows for field observations.
• Support the GCOOS DMAC Team by maintaining and troubleshooting servers, infrastructure, software applications, and data pipelines to ensure reliable, up-to-date services.
• Analyze oceanographic data, conduct testing, and use database summaries and scientific publications to inform data product and software application development and improvement.
• Design, develop, and maintain software applications and data services for specific projects, using Python at a minimum.
• Collaborate with governmental and nongovernmental partners and stakeholders to support project implementation and advance GCOOS initiatives.
• Represent GCOOS at relevant virtual and in-person meetings, conferences, and events, traveling as needed.
• Contribute to proposals for funding agencies.
• Develop and maintain training materials for internal and external users.
• Manage event setup and execution, which may involve lifting up to 20 pounds with assistance.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Prescription drug coverage
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Long-term disability insurance
• Texas A&M contributions to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12–15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave each month
• At least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Free exercise programs and release time
• Free LinkedIn Learning training and webinars
• Limited financial support to attend conferences and workshops
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while employed at Texas A&M
• Living Well employee wellness program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level