Scientific Analyst I (Extended Temporary) (Part-Time)

The University of Arizona•Tucson, AZ

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Rangeland Hydrology and Erosion Model (RHEM) team of the School of Natural Resources and the Environment is looking for a motivated candidate to fill the role of Scientific Analyst I, preferably with a background in GIS, information systems, rangeland ecology, hydrology, soil science, or a related natural resource discipline, to help maintain and improve our established, actively used web-based tools. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified candidate who seeks hands-on information systems development experience in the natural resource field. The successful candidate will support the maintenance of existing tools and the continued development of RHEM, while combining, manipulating, and visualizing datasets using Python and Esri's ArcGIS suite. This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position expected to last a year from the start date with the possibility for extension dependent on available funding. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
Proficient skill in Python for data processing, analysis, and visualization.
Ability to compile, filter and summarize tabular data.
Strong attention to detail for data QA, documentation, and testing.
Ability to integrate heterogeneous tabular data from multiple sources.
Solid written communication skills for user-facing documentation.
Familiarity with the Esri/ArcGIS ecosystem.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in rangeland ecology, hydrology, soil science, or a related natural resource discipline.
Experience in building interactive data visualizations, version control with Git/GitHub.
Experience working with Python, geospatial data and GIS, including preparing vector and raster files from provided source data.

Responsibilities

Collect, clean, preprocess, and organize structured and unstructured rangeland ecology, hydrology, and soil science datasets into standardized, analysis-ready formats using Python and Esri’s ArcGIS suite.
Perform quality control measures and dataset testing to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and topology integrity.
Document data sources, processing steps, and analytical methods to support transparency and repeatability for research collaborators and stakeholders.
Support the RHEM research team in developing, evaluating, and maintaining scientific modules and database components for the web-based tool using Python and spatial information systems workflows under direct supervision.
Identify opportunities to improve technical efficiency in routine data analysis and tool performance through script-based automation and standardized processing pipelines.
Develop visual representations, summary graphics, and spatial data visualizations using Python and Esri’s ArcGIS suite to demonstrate RHEM hydrology, soil erosion, and rangeland input/output data patterns and practical use cases for interdisciplinary research teams and stakeholders.
Perform quality assurance and functional testing on RHEM web tool modules and dataset inputs within defined guidelines.
Support the preparation and enhancement of technical documentation, standard reports, and user training/instructional materials in varying formats to communicate data methods and system usage to stakeholders.