https://www.start.umd.edu/careers/geographic-information-sciences-gis-research-assistants-2
Description
The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) at the University of Maryland, College Park, is now hiring two hourly GIS Research Assistants to assist with developing a geospatial atlas, from collecting and cleaning to mapping data; extract actionable insights from trends, patterns and spatial relationships; present spatial analytics in high-quality maps and written materials; and provide research support, as needed, on the research project Climate Security, Great Power Competition, and Adversarial Geopolitics in Southeast Asia.
The GIS Research Assistants will be responsible for collecting and integrating geospatial data related to climate change and climate security in Southeast Asia, specifically Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) states, to create an open-source climate security geospatial atlas using ESRI Story Map. The overall goal is to develop a cyber-cartographic atlas to enhance relevant geospatial knowledge and representation of climate security in Southeast Asia.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Collects, cleans, and prepares data to support the research project. Wrangle large, complex datasets.
- Assist in developing spatial analytic frameworks, maps, and geographic tools that support the project.
- Create mapping tools in ArcGIS to support strategic and analytical thinking vis-à-vis identifying spatial relationships, patterns, and trends.
- Assist with preparation and presentation of research reports. Present place-based and spatial relationships findings and contribute maps and written materials to reports and publications.
- Assist with presentations, quantitative data visualizations, and written materials.
Required Qualifications:
- Enrolled in Bachelor’s degree program or advanced degree program in Geography, Cartography, Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
- Substantial experience working with ArcGIS suite of software (please include two examples with application materials).
- Solid grasp of common GIS concepts, techniques, and tools.
- Experience with spreadsheet software, such as MS Excel.
- Demonstrated proficiency in high-quality mapping products.
- Strong communication, responsivity, and organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively and independently.
- Strong critical thinking skills, exhibited by the ability to take information from a wide variety of sources and synthesize/analyze the information in the context of a research project.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated interest in applying GIS approaches to human-environment interactions.
- Demonstrated regional research interest in Southeast Asia.
- Demonstrated high proficiency with ArcGIS suite of software, especially ESRI Story Map.
- Exceptional analytic skills in spatial relationships, geography, and environmental and climate data.
- Advanced critical thinking skills, exhibited by the ability to take information from a wide variety of sources and synthesize/analyze the information in the context of a research project.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Successful candidates should be self-directed with a demonstrated ability to organize work effectively and efficiently, paying close attention to detail to succeed in the position. This position will require the candidate to 1) use critical thinking and analytical skills, 2) demonstrate proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS Suite, 3) multi-task and prioritize work, 4) communicate professionally via all modes of communication, 5) exercise analytic skills in spatial relationships, 6) work collaboratively with a small team, and 7) contribute to the overall project objectives.
Salary:
These are hourly positions. The work week consists of 15 hours per week at the hourly rate of $20/hour. The persons selected for this position will work both remotely and on-site at START headquarters, closely with members of the Geospatial Research Unit, and report directly to Dr. Samuel Henkin.
Application Information:
Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and two examples of previous GIS work via email (with the subject line START GIS Research Assistant) to Dr. Samuel Henkin at henkinsd@umd.edu by Oct. 26, 2022 for best consideration. Only complete applications will be reviewed.
The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, gender, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, national origin, or political affiliation. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.
