GIS Specialist

Penn State University•University Park, IL

14d•$51,000 - $74,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Agriculture and Environment Center (AEC) is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a GIS Specialist to aid in the execution of the AEC’s collaborative and integrated research, Extension, outreach, and education programs throughout Pennsylvania and beyond, and specifically the new Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training at Penn State Extension. The work involves application of geospatial software to develop, analyze, and maintain geospatial data and GIS tools and systems to identify, prioritize, facilitate, and track agricultural conservation and restoration efforts in watersheds throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The GIS Specialist will collaborate with researchers, programmers and software developers, Extension Educators, and stakeholders (particularly county conservation districts, the State Conservation Commission, USDA NRCS, and other entities involved in agricultural conservation) in the development of geospatial data and systems to facilitate the AEC’s partner-based, solution-oriented work on land and water issues.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience
Valid driver’s license
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge in GIS and geospatial data analyses
Knowledge in statistical data analyses
Knowledge of watershed and agricultural science
Knowledge of farming and conservation practices on farms
Knowledge of watershed management and solutions to address water quality issues
Experience and skills in communication and education
Complex problem-solving skills
Complex collaborative project management
Use of GPS tools to collect field data
Experience with specific geospatial systems, programming, and data analytical tools including the ESRI suite, Python, and R analytics
A degree in the field of geography and GIS systems or environmental sciences is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct geospatial data analyses and provide management of GIS software to administer and implement the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program in Pennsylvania.
Develop GIS tools to analyze, prioritize, and facilitate agricultural conservation and restoration efforts in watersheds throughout Pennsylvania.
Collect, analyze, and maintain field data relevant to agricultural conservation and watershed restoration efforts.
Collaborate with researchers, programmers, software developers, Extension Educators, AEC staff, and others in development of GIS tools and statistical analyses of data related to agricultural conservation and watershed restoration implementation efforts.
Communicate with critical stakeholders, including county conservation districts, State Conservation Commission, USDA NRCS, and other private and public entities involved in agricultural conservation efforts in Pennsylvania, to enhance data analyses and the delivery of GIS tools and systems and facilitate collaborative efforts related to the implementation of agricultural conservation and watershed restoration efforts.
Other duties as assigned.