GIS Specialist

Job Summary

The Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC) is an operational climate services center supported predominantly by a federal contract with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Its primary role is to provide historical and near-real-time climate data through informational resources that can be applied to a broad range of decision-making stakeholders. Online data monitoring, delivery, and decision-support tools are the most visible means of communicating climate services throughout the 9-state MRCC region that includes Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Under the guidance of the MRCC / Indiana State Climate Office Director, this position will:

• Build online scientific decision-support resources, informational maps, and GIS-related tools
• Modify and enhance pre-existing code and scripts used in producing existing maps and tools
• Work with climate data for the MRCC website, presentations, and relevant reports
• Contribute to the collection, analysis, and presentation of climate data and any other computational needs within the MRCC

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS, geoscience, or computer science discipline
• 3 years of relevant experience developing online GIS tools and resources
• In lieu of degree, an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered (Associate's + 5 years of experience; HS/GED + 7 years of experience)
• Capable of performing GIS analysis and map generation using automated programming techniques
• Development of interactive, online maps that utilize observational scientific data
• Demonstrated ability to follow and/or develop deadlines, follow through in timely and efficient manner, as well as contribute to overall project deliverables
• Python or similar programming language that utilizes object-oriented methods;  commonly used GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS;  UNIX/LINUX operating systems; large datasets of point and/or gridded scientific data
• Effective collaboration, organizational, and teamwork skills
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision
• Capable of adjusting development technique to comport with office standards and best practices. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases

Nice to Have:

• Master’s degree in GIS, geoscience, or computer science discipline
• Experience retrieving atmospheric datasets using automatable data access routines (e.g., APIs) and working with common atmospheric data formats (GRIB, netCDF, etc.)
• Development of automated map generation
• Demonstrated ability to produce and deploy interactive web maps
• Familiarity with SQL database management and utilization
• GIS analysis and map generation through object-oriented techniques in Python integrated with QGIS;  ArcGIS Server Manager or comparable system
• Advanced spatial and statistical analysis techniques such as kriging or machine learning
• Experience using version control systems such as git and GitHub

What We'd Like You to Know:

• This position has the option of hybrid work
• Learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary, https://bit.ly/3sHGbls
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A Background Check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

What You'll Get in Return:

All university employees are afforded a generous benefits package, https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/index.php, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions. As part of Purdue University’s expansive employee benefit package, the University is proud to offer its employees the opportunity to grow, learn, and advance by offering a tuition remission opportunity at both Purdue University and Purdue Global.

Take Your Next Giant Leap

We never stop, we keep going, because Discovery is in our DNA, and we want you to discover a Career at Purdue University! Come work alongside a family of diverse culture with faculty, students, and staff who come together to become one, Boilermakers! Our greatest adventures are yet to come, and we want to include you.

Come take your Next Giant Leap and Discover your next career!