Open Source Forest Data Analyst

Colorado State University • Fort Collins, CO

1d

About The Position

This position supports the Forest Service Research Data Archive (FS RDA), which preserves and publishes digital scientific data and related research products in alignment with federal open science policies and Forest Service directives. The role assists scientists across Forest Service Research Stations, the Forest Products Lab, the International Institute of Tropical Forestry, and the Joint Fire Science Program in preparing research data for public release.

The position reviews and processes diverse data types, develops and validates metadata and documentation, and provides training or direct support to researchers so data publications meet archival and usability standards. It facilitates high-quality publication and reuse of forest, fire, and wood innovation research data by the research community and the public.

The work is in the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University. The department is interdisciplinary and applied, with a particular emphasis on questions related to the efficiency of wildland fire management, and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in forestry, natural resources management, and rangeland ecology. Duties are 90% research and analysis and 10% project management. Occasional travel may be required, and the position may work remotely and/or on-site as required by the project.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a natural resources, environment, or geospatial specialization.
• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date.
• Must comply with Colorado State University and U.S. Forest Service policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain access to federal data systems and government information resources, if required.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately review, edit, and update documents for consistency, accuracy, and compliance with formatting and content standards.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to confidently review and interpret data in multiple formats, including tabular, geospatial, and database formats.
• Ability to read, generally understand, and interpret documentation, data, and terminology relevant to forest management, fire, and biological, physical, and social sciences.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and text editors such as Notepad, Notepad++, or Microsoft Visual Studio Code.
• Competence with ArcGIS Pro.
• Working knowledge of HTML and XML, including the ability to interpret and modify code.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and/or interpret FGDC CSDGM and ISO 19115 geospatial metadata standards.
• Relevant familiarity with fields such as wildlife and fisheries, hydrology, soil science, plant sciences, forest genetics, silviculture, forest products, geospatial science, and social sciences addressing human interaction with forests.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and organize varied files and documents to ensure accurate categorization and accessibility, and maintain an orderly digital filing system.
• Review scientists’ metadata and assist with writing it as needed; verify that it is complete, fully describes the data, complies with the FS RDA metadata standard, and is understandable to non-subject matter experts.
• Review submitted data to ensure it is in an appropriate archival format and fully described in its associated metadata.
• Assist or consult with researchers on preparing data and supplemental files for publication, including tabular and geospatial data, GIS layers, sound and video files, databases, documents, and image files.
• Teach scientists how to prepare data and documentation for publication through one-on-one support or potential presentations.
• Perform other data-publishing-related tasks as determined by FS staff.
• Set up timelines for delivering products.
• Coordinate with other team members.

Benefits

• Colorado State University describes its benefits package as robust and highlights a collaborative atmosphere and focus on work-life balance; detailed benefits information and additional perks are available through the university.

What This Job Offers

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