Research Associate (GIS Specialist) (0080410, CTAHR/Dean's Office)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Office of the Dean at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is seeking a Research Associate (GIS Specialist). This full-time, permanent, 11-month position is responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and hardware, including servers and databases. The role involves maintaining and creating geospatial services for MAGIS, troubleshooting GIS-dedicated hardware and back-end web programming, and coordinating GIS software license acquisition. The specialist will conduct advanced spatial analysis, perform data entry using digitizing and converting Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS/drone) data and GPS coordinates, and analyze aerial photographs and maps. Responsibilities also include web-enabling paper map collections, providing GIS consultation to faculty and students, designing and delivering GIS training, collaborating with librarians, training and supervising student help, developing digital quality assurance workflows, and preparing reports for CTAHR leadership. The position ensures adherence to federal and state regulations regarding research protocols, confidentiality, and ethics.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Geography, Urban and Regional Planning, GIS, or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for spatial analysis and statistics, GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial databases, database management, and/or data analysis; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of spatial analysis and statistics, GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial databases, database management, and/or data analysis as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with spatial analysis and statistics, GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial databases, database management, and/or data analysis.
Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and systems and/or programs that utilize spatial analysis and statistics, GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial databases, database management, and/or data analysis.
If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Demonstrated ability to manage GIS projects from start to finish.
Knowledge of agricultural and ecology subject areas, including soil data and climate modeling for land optimization.
In-depth knowledge of Hawaiian history, land tenure, and cultural contexts to inform research and community engagement.
Considerable working knowledge of GIS principles, practices, and evolving methodologies.
Considerable working knowledge of land use planning, cartography, and surveying.
Demonstrated ability to resolve complex problems through creative reasoning and logic.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in GIS or a related field involving heavy GIS use.
Experience with data products, such as ESRI products, UAS/drone data processing, and/or open-source GIS software.
Knowledge of internet service-oriented architectures and/or web services development.
Experience in an academic research or extension services.

Responsibilities

Installs, configures, and maintains Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and hardware, including servers and databases.
Maintains and creates geospatial services for MAGIS, ensuring remote sensing and GIS data are accessible for research and extension.
Troubleshoots GIS-dedicated hardware and back-end web programming implementations (e.g., Geoserver or ArcGIS server).
Coordinates with departments on GIS software license acquisition and renewals.
Conducts advanced spatial analysis (buffering, intersection, modeling) to produce thematic maps and reports for CTAHR initiatives, such as optimizing Hawaii's cropland and identifying ideal local food production areas.
Performs data entry via digitizing and converting Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS/drone) data and GPS coordinates to support precision agriculture and biosecurity efforts against pests like the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle.
Analyzes aerial photographs and maps to delineate elevations, wetlands, vegetation, and agricultural/urban land use characteristics.
Oversees the "web-enabling" of paper map collections and ensures the accuracy of datums and projections for diverse datasets.
Provides expert GIS consultation for faculty and students engaged in modern agriculture research, including smart sensor integration and sustainable farming.
Designs and delivers GIS training and workshops for Centers for Applied Research and Extension Services (CARES) hubs and other community stakeholders.
Collaborates with professional librarians on data acquisition and campus outreach.
Trains and supervises student help in assisting with GIS services and maintenance.
Develops workflows and protocols for digital quality assurance and quality control.
Prepares reports and presentations on database usage and procurement for CTAHR leadership.
Ensures all work adheres to federal and state regulations regarding research protocols, confidentiality, and ethics.
Other duties as assigned.