Address
Form of workThe University of Arizona Libraries' Data Cooperative provides data science and visualization services, geospatial services, and digital scholarship services for the University. The Geospatial Specialist / Librarian will develop an interdisciplinary service program supporting the geographic information systems (GIS) and geospatial data needs of the UA research and instruction communities. Emphasized in the position are impactful instruction/training, extensive research support, and active engagement in campus outreach and collaboration. This position reports to the Data Cooperative Unit Lead within the Research Engagement department.
The Geospatial Specialist / Librarian will: stay abreast of trends and tools available in the evolving geospatial data ecosystem; provide technical support and training in the use of tools and workflows to support GIS applications; develop skill in and apply pedagogical best practices in data and computational instruction; work with library colleagues and researchers to identify appropriate tools, platforms, and resources for geospatial projects; collaborate with other members of the Data Cooperative and Research Engagement to develop outreach strategies and partnerships; work with members of the Libraries' Technical Services and Support (TeSS) department in support of infrastructure for discovery and access of the Libraries' geospatial digital assets; collaborate with Research Engagement and TeSS departments on curation and metadata management for geospatial digital assets. This is a faculty position with expected scholarly activity, publication, and service on professional, university, and library committees, all contributing towards promotion. The successful candidate will be appointed as a Specialist or Librarian depending on their terminal degree.
This is a continuing-eligible or continuing status track, academic professional position. Incumbents are members of the general faculty and are entitled to all accompanying rights and privileges granted by the Arizona Board of Regents and the University of Arizona. Retention and promotion are earned through achievement of a record of excellence in position effectiveness, scholarship, and service.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please visit talent.arizona.edu
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES
Geospatial and GISOutreach & Services
- Support UArizona researchers andscholars in navigating the geospatial landscape.
- Develop and lead trainingopportunities in using and accessing geospatial tools and resources, includinganalysis and visualization software.
- Respond to geospatial data andmap-related research questions.
- Provide 1:1 and/or small-groupconsultations on geospatial applications and data sources to a range of userswith a range of expertise.
- Assist in developing mapvisualizations for campus instructors and researchers.
- Collaborate with UArizona Librariescolleagues on geospatial data server projects to develop data and metadatacuration workflows.
- Engage with the broader academiclibrary community involved with geospatial data platforms through theGeoBlacklight community.
- Create effective outreachstrategies for geospatial services.
- Contribute to web resources to aidin discovery of geospatial resources.
- Create and update instructionalmaterials, learning modules, and tutorials using a variety of formats includingprint, digital, and web-based technologies.
ProgrammaticEngagement with Campus Partners
- Attend campus GIS related meetingsand develop contacts with various units involved with GIS and geospatial datato keep informed of GIS activity on campus.
- Support academic programs withgeospatial components through instruction and consultation.
- Partner with campus units such asCyVerse and the Data Science Institute to create resilient network ofgeospatial support.
Library Support
- Collaborate with Data Cooperativeunit and Research Engagement department to support scholars and researchersthroughout respective project lifecycles.
- Communicate information onactivities to library staff and the University community.
- Participate in shareddecision-making, goal setting, and planning activities within the organization.
- Collaborate with the Research DataRepository team on occasional geospatial dataset curation.
Scholarship
- Conducts relevant scholarlyresearch and disseminates findings through writing and other avenues.
- Develops and delivers presentationsrelated to academic libraries, higher education, and topics relevant to areasof responsibility.
- Demonstrates commitment tocontinual professional development.
Service
- Support the profession throughparticipation in professional societies, organizations, and initiatives.
- Support the Libraries and UArizonawith their diversity and inclusiveness strategic initiatives designed to createan inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, and students.
- Participate on project teams asassigned. The teams and amount of work may vary from year to year and includesparticipation in UArizona Libraries shared governance.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Strongdemonstration of Our Values: Collaboration, Continuous Learning, Diversity,Innovation, and Integrity.
- Demonstratedexpertise in training audiences with diversity of experiences and backgrounds.
- Commitmentto the University of Arizona's inclusiveview of scholarship.
- Abilityto work in a highly collaborative and inclusive environment, one that valuesand leverages the benefits of diverse perspectives.
- Knowledge ofcontent and metadata standards for geospatial data.
- Interest in promoting affordable,relevant open-source software to appropriate audiences.
- Proficiencyin one or more geospatial software suites, such as QGIS or the ESRI suite.
- Knowledge ofat least one scripting language.
- Knowledge ofopen access and open science principles.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written,visual, and oral.
- Abilityto identify and pursue opportunities.
- Abilityto work independently and as part of team.
- Abilityto work in an academic environment, interacting with clientele from a range ofcareer trajectories and disciplines.
- Advanceddegree with training in advanced geospatial applications, or Master'sdegree in Library and Information Science.
- Professional experience working in an academic research library or other instructional/training setting.
- Carpentries Instructor Certification.
- Experience applying geospatial analytical or visualization approaches to a range of user needs and expertise.
- Experience with multiple kinds of geospatial data formats (geoJSON, Shapefile, Spatialite) and relevant metadata standards (e.g. CSDGM, Aardvark).
- Experience with aerial and satellite imagery data.
- Experience with at least one scripting language.
- Experience using PostGIS (geospatial database extender for PostgreSQL software).
- Experience applying open access and open science principles.
- Experience in pursuing independent and collaborative scholarship, such as peer-reviewed research, creative works, or open software projects.
armandocruz@arizona.edu
Open Date 11/27/2023 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant
If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in geospatial data support and what you hope to bring to the role.
This posting will remain open until filled. To ensure your application is considered, please submit your application materials by the first review date of January 15, 2024.
Diversity Statement At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.
