Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $74,200 - Midpoint: $100,200 (Salaried E12)

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Job Summary: The Geospatial Scientist contributes to the planning and design of geospatial research and creative projects. Performs supporting research and creative activities such as data analysis, monitoring outcomes, performing lab maintenance, and/or performing experiments and creating creative projects. May assist in short- and long-term planning and project goals. May assist with research and creative proposals and dissemination of project findings.

Additional Department Summary: Geospatial Scientist or the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH). The Alabama Water Institute seeks applications for a Geospatial Scientist to join the growing CIROH team researching advancements to streamflow, flood, drought, and water quality forecasting capabilities in the United States. The Scientist will work collaboratively with NOAA, CIROH, and other scientists and users to identify relevant satellite remote sensing data products that have potential to be useful for water planning, operational hydrologic forecasting, emergency response, and other applications. Embedded at NOAA's National Water Center, the Scientist will have a unique position guiding the development and testing of satellite data products for applications with NOAA. The candidate will acquire, access, organize, review, curate, analyze, and test the use of satellite remote sensing data sets across the full lifecycle of operational hydrologic forecasting applications.

This position is supported by a 5-year research project, ending in 2027. Continuation annually in this position is contingent upon availability of external funding derived from research programs or specific projects. Due to the work location being at a federal facility applicants must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.

Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in geoscience, engineering, computer science, or related field plus 5 years of research or work experience with satellite remote sensing, hydrology, or in a related geoscience field. Experience with data discovery, image processing, geospatial analysis, and metadata documentation. Ability to stay current, learn new concepts and techniques, and build an organized network of stakeholders and experts.

Skills and Knowledge: Applicant needs to have experience working with large satellite remote sensing data sets and processing the data for geoscience applications. The position requires working with large data sets in disparate source formats, so experience building and maintaining large data repositories and APIs is important. Additional desired skills and experience include creating and maintaining a web site, web interface development, statistical analysis, data science, and creating informational publications/brochures and training materials. Needs excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Graduate degree in geosciences or related discipline preferred. Experience working on large projects, teaming with diverse disciplines, and engaging stakeholder groups is considered an advantage. The position requires an innovator and problem solver with solid understanding of satellite data and imagery. Preferred candidate will have experience with machine learning and hydrologic modeling.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster