Gis/Remote Sensing Specialist - Staff Or Assistant Research Scientist

Job Title: GIS/Remote Sensing Specialist - Staff Research Scientist (Rank 1) or Assistant Research Scientist (Rank 2)

Organization: Desert Research Institute (DRI)

Location: Reno, NV

Job Type: Full-time

Job Description:

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a highly motivated GIS/Remote Sensing Specialist at either the Staff Research Scientist (Rank 1) or Assistant Research Scientist (Rank 2) level to contribute to the processing and analysis of remotely sensed data. This position is integral to supporting ongoing and upcoming Department of Defense (DOD) funded projects, focusing on geomorphic investigations and terrain and soil characterization at the surface and near subsurface levels.

As a key member of the Integrated Terrain Analysis Program (ITAP) within the Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences (DEES), the successful candidate will engage in a wide range of research support activities, including but not limited to:

• Assisting in the collection, analysis, and mapping of soil surface composition using hyperspectral data obtained from uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
• Analyzing data from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms through statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Organizing and maintaining geospatial data and associated documentation.
• Contributing to basic report writing and technical editing.
• Learning and participating in field data collection, often in extreme environments.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Data Collection and Analysis: Utilize hyperspectral data for soil surface composition mapping and analyze data acquired from various platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or GIS.
• Geospatial Data Management: Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
• Research Support: Contribute to Quaternary geologic and geomorphic projects, including mapping, landform identification, soil and sediment sampling, and general field research support.

Required Qualifications (Rank 1):

• U.S. Citizenship per sponsor funding requirements.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography, Geology, Earth Science, or related field from an accredited institution at the start date.
• Basic knowledge in geomorphology, Quaternary geology, or soil science.
• Demonstrated field experience.
• Valid drivers license required (or ability to obtain one by date of hire).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Team player with diverse research interests and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience using standard GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) and generating map products, with a focus on Earth Sciences.

Required Qualifications (Rank 2 - In addition to Rank 1 requirements):

• Two years of hands-on experience using GIS software as a primary function in either work or academic settings.
• Demonstrated experience with calibration of remote sensing datasets.
• Demonstrated experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) and automation of GIS tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• FAA Certified Remote Pilot under Part 107.
• Experience collecting UAS-based data with various sensors.
• Experience using hyperspectral data analysis software (e.g., ENVI).
• Demonstrated experience using photogrammetry processing software (e.g., Pix4D Mapper, Agisoft Metashape Professional).
• Interest or experience using remotely sensed data to map spatial distributions of soil properties.
• Interest or experience performing field descriptions of geomorphic, stratigraphic, and/or soil morphologic properties.
• Interest or experience working with data from fluvial, lacustrine, and deltaic environments.
• Demonstrated experience compiling, writing, and editing scientific reports or other scholarly products.
• Master of Science Degree in Geology, Earth Science, or related field from an accredited institution at the start date.

Conditions of Employment:

• Due to security requirements, ALL applicants MUST be citizens of the United States.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Valid drivers license required (or ability to obtain one by date of hire).
• Must have the ability to work on DOD installations.
• Must be able to travel and work in harsh field conditions for extended periods, including southwest deserts in the summer, cold regions, and tropical regions. This may involve walking/hiking across uneven terrain and lifting heavy equipment (40+ lbs.).