GIS Specialist

U-Spatial is seeking two, detail oriented GIS Specialists to join our multifaceted team. With offices on both the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses, U-Spatial collaborates with a variety of departments and centers, creating new opportunities and synergies around spatial research, teaching, and service; as well as supporting projects with application development and spatial analysis. These positions can be based in either Duluth or the Twin Cities.

At least 50% of the GIS Specialist's effort will go to assist research and other projects. For example, U-Spatial performs a significant amount of hazard mitigation planning work for entities in Minnesota and one or both positions will contribute significantly to these projects. Other projects could include GIS analysis, data cleaning, cartography, scripting, report writing, and communication with clients. These positions will be exposed to a wide range of geospatial technologies and methods, particularly in the Esri ArcGIS ecosystem, however day-to-day work may include non-GIS tasks as well.

Responsibilities
Research and Project Assistance (50%-90%)
* Apply cartographic principles and best practices to create print and digital map products.
* Review, clean, and process datasets (e.g., geocode) for use in analyses.
* Perform quality assurance and quality control tasks on datasets produced as part of project work.
* Perform spatial analyses using a variety of GIS/geospatial software and tools, primarily the Esri ArcGIS suite.
* Design and develop web applications, such as ArcGIS Dashboards, ArcGIS Experience Builder, and ArcGIS Hub, to communicate research results and other information to diverse audiences.
* Develop scripts using Python, Arcade, or other languages to perform geospatial analyses, render geospatial data, automate workflows, and execute other operations.
* Write technical reports and contribute to research publications.
* Assist with hazard mitigation planning and other research projects.

User Services (0%-40%)
* Research and answer user services inquiries related to GIS, remote sensing, and spatial computing to support the research and teaching missions of the University.
* Provide second-level support for inquiries received by the U-Spatial user services group. Serve as first-level support when regular first-level staff are unavailable.
* Record inquiries and resolutions in the incident tracking system.
* Maintain and update a knowledge base of common questions and responses.
* Create and update user services documentation to improve support processes.

Other Duties (10%)
* Assist with workshops, lectures, and events hosted by U-Spatial.
* Develop materials and curriculum for workshops. Deliver workshops.
* Contribute to internal and external collaborations as needed.

Employment sponsorship: These positions are not eligible for employment sponsorship.

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and U-Spatial endorse a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

This position has been designated as work profile 1, 2, or 3. Profile 1 is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located in Blegen Hall (Twin Cities) or Kirby Plaza (Duluth). Profile 2 is expected to work on-site more than 50% of the time. Your office will be located in Blegen Hall (Twin Cities) or Kirby Plaza (Duluth). Profile 3 is expected to work remotely more than 50% of the time. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location. Full-time remote is NOT an option for this position. U-Spatial management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications
* BA/BS degree and two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience to equal at least six years.
* Proficiency in GIS software, including Esri products (e.g., ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro).
* Skilled user of Microsoft Office or equivalent software (e.g., Google Docs/Sheets).
* Experience with Python scripting or similar programming tools.
* Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to work independently and collaborate regularly with others.

Preferred Qualifications
* BA/BS degree in GIS, geography, remote sensing, or a related field.
* Experience with databases and remote sensing analysis.
* Familiarity with website development frameworks.
* Strong writing and communication skills.

With offices on both the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses, U-Spatial collaborates with a variety of departments and centers, creating new opportunities and synergies around spatial research, teaching, and service; as well as supporting projects with application development and spatial analysis.

U-Spatial is a nationally recognized model that advances the fast-growing need for expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial computing across the University. This infrastructure eliminates duplication and fragmentation of resources by providing a framework of spatial data, equipment, and expertise. U-Spatial has supported over 3,000 researchers across every department and center at the University through the help desk, training, consulting, and events. U-Spatial has been integral to making the U of M one of the world's first "Spatial Universities".

Organizationally, U-Spatial is within Research Computing, an academic center within Research and Innovation Office (RIO). Research Computing brings together the diverse portfolio of research computing and data resources available at the University. Research Computing currently houses five collaborative units that provide research computing expertise, resources, training, and services across the University and beyond. These resources cover a broad range of research needs, from consultation and collaboration with domain experts, to hardware and software resources, to education and training in computational methods and technologies.

Pay Range: $25.95 - $28.85 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).