GIS Analyst at CSS Inc. – Silver Spring, Maryland

CSS is seeking to hire a GIS Analyst to join the NOAA Seascape Ecology and Analytics (SEA) Branch! We need a qualified individual to process, analyze and manage geospatial data to support a variety of environmental assessment, restoration, and habitat modeling projects. This position requires proficiency with GIS software and the technical aspects of processing and managing large and complex geospatial datasets. Familiarity with coastal, marine, or freshwater datasets are desirable. The ideal candidate will drive innovative GIS solutions, engage, and work closely with a project team, and have excellent problem-solving skills.

The NOAA Seascape Ecology and Analytics (SEA) Branch is an interdisciplinary research group of contract and federal employees within NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/), a nationally recognized scientific research program that conducts spatial ecological analysis, statistical modeling, ecological forecasting, and predictive mapping to support marine ecosystem management, conservation, and spatial planning.

Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and process spatial data from various sources such as lidar, multibeam, remotely operated vehicle navigation systems, satellite imagery, GPS data, and public datasets
• Conduct statistical analysis to analyze scientific data and to determine accuracy of derived products, such as maps and models
• Integrate spatial data from various sources, including with non-spatial datasets to provide comprehensive analyses
• Develop and maintain geodatabases and other geospatial data management tools to promote efficient access and retrieval of project data
• Design and produce high-quality maps and visual representations of geospatial data for reports, presentations, and decision support
• Develop and manage web maps and dashboards
• Create geoprocessing and data management workflows
• Utilize Python, R and other scripts to support data processing and analysis
• Develop metadata and prepare technical documentation describing workflows
• Support project field teams in developing data collection tools for GIS and field surveys
• Work in the field to collect geospatial data using a variety of environmental instruments and sensors
• Work closely with scientists, analysts, engineers, and other team members to integrate GIS capabilities into broader project workflows

Qualifications / Skill Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Earth Science, Computer Science, or closely related field, and at least one year of professional experience performing geospatial analysis, GIS data management, geospatial project coordination, or spatial modeling. An Associate's Degree may substitute for a Bachelor's Degree; a Master's Degree in GIS or closely related field may substitute for professional experience.
• Experience with data preparation, data management, workflows, cartography, spatial analysis, and coordinate reference systems
• Experience with compiling and manipulating raster datasets
• Proficiency using R, Python, or other similar scripting languages to manipulate data and develop reproducible workflows
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro
• Ability to maintain focus on routine and repetitive tasks, and strong attention to detail and task tracking
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to be flexible in responding to changes in schedules and job priorities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team with strong organizational and time management skills
• Able to work on a small boat collecting and/or managing geospatial data
• Experience with basic computer programs such as excel and word
• Able to work in the US without sponsorship

At CSS, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and merit-based workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, ensuring that hiring and employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, and performance. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.