(Hybrid) Water Resources GIS Specialist - WV Water Research Institute

West Virginia University•West Virginia, WV

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The WV Water Research Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Water Resources GIS Specialist. As the Water Resources GIS Technician, the incumbent supports office, laboratory, and field efforts in the West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI) by providing primary technical support for GIS and spatial data initiatives. The core of this position involves leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to advance a diverse portfolio of water quality projects throughout West Virginia. The incumbent serves as a technical bridge between field observations and digital analysis, applying spatial modeling and data visualization to address complex challenges involving acid mine drainage (AMD), wastewater infrastructure performance, and a significant emphasis on rural drinking water reliability. This role involves active collaboration with multi-disciplinary research teams, including partnerships with WVU Health Sciences to assess the intersection of water quality and public health outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a natural resources-related field
A minimum of one (1) year of related experience
Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Understanding of GIS principles and familiarity with ArcGIS Pro
Foundational skills in creating or modifying maps, managing geospatial data, and performing simple spatial queries or analyses.
Exposure to ESRI field data-collection tools such as Survey123 and Field Maps (coursework or project experience acceptable).
Knowledge of acid mine drainage (AMD) and AMD remediation strategies.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to use good judgment to make sound decisions based on site conditions, field, and laboratory data, and knowledge of regulations.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment
Demonstrated ability to work independently.
Ability to process and interpret analytical data.
Good organizational skills.
Ability to work independently with limited guidance.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Valid driver's license.
Requires physical abilities to perform field activities, including manual dexterity and abilities to see, hear, walk, talk and feel.
Routine activities are predominantly non-manual, although some manual work involved with field sampling or sample/equipment transport may be included.
Activities require manual skills to sample and perform analyses and to instruct others on sampling techniques.
Travel to remote locations in WV and surrounding states with occasional overnight stays.
Evening and weekend work will be required on a routine basis due to the nature of working with grassroots organizations.

Nice To Haves

Trainings/certificates associated with surface and/or groundwater sampling.
Knowledge of water quality issues in Appalachia.
Background in working with volunteer groups and educators.
Strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Performs complex GIS and spatial analysis using ArcGIS Pro to support WVWRI projects.
Maintains comprehensive project geospatial datasets and streamlines GIS workflows to ensure data integrity and accessibility.
Supports specialized research initiatives in partnership with WVU Health Sciences to map and analyze drinking water quality data.
Provides the spatial context necessary to evaluate how rural water infrastructure impacts community health across the state.
Builds and manages specialized data-collection tools and interactive mapping platforms to modernize field data acquisition and tracking.
Supports water quality and AMD remediation projects through a balanced combination of field and office work, with a prioritized focus on providing technical GIS context for drinking water safety and wastewater management studies.
Conducts field sampling of water chemistry following strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to ensure high-level Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC).
Systematically assimilates and analyzes water quality data, converting raw field results into actionable insights for research teams and public health partners.
Prepares detailed technical reports for diverse projects and contributes to the development of peer-reviewed journal publications to share findings with the broader scientific and public health communities.
Provides direct support to project staff by creating custom maps and organizing spatial data.
Maintains active, high-level collaboration with multi-disciplinary research teams to ensure all geospatial needs are met for various WVWRI initiatives.