GIS Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 51,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount for employees and their families

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Substantial paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a GIS Specialist to join the Agriculture and Environment Center, focusing on geospatial data applications for agricultural conservation across Pennsylvania. This role includes collaboration with key stakeholders to enhance conservation practices.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in GIS, geospatial data, and statistical analysis, with a Bachelor’s degree preferred. The salary range is $51,000-$74,000, and the position offers robust benefits, including a generous tuition discount.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of relevant experience.
• Ability to conduct geospatial data analysis.
• Collaborative skills for working with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geospatial data analyses for conservation efforts.
• Develop GIS tools to facilitate watershed restoration.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance project outcomes.

Skills

GIS and geospatial data analyses

Statistical data analyses

Watershed and agricultural science

Knowledge of farming and conservation practices

Watershed management solutions

Communication and education skills

Complex problem-solving

Collaborative project management

Use of GPS tools

Experience with ESRI, Python, R

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Degree in Geography or Environmental Sciences (preferred)

Job description

This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

Position Specifics

The Agriculture and Environment Center (AEC) is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a GIS Specialist to aid in the execution of the AEC's collaborative and integrated research, Extension, outreach, and education programs throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. The work involves the application of geospatial software to develop, analyze, and maintain geospatial data and GIS tools and systems that identify, prioritize, facilitate, and track agricultural conservation and restoration efforts in watersheds throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The GIS Specialist will collaborate with researchers, programmers, software developers, Extension Educators, and stakeholders—including county conservation districts, the State Conservation Commission, USDA NRCS, and other entities involved in agricultural conservation—to develop geospatial data and systems that facilitate the AEC's partner-based, solution-oriented work on land and water issues.

Primary Duties

• Conduct geospatial data analyses and manage GIS software to administer and implement the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program in Pennsylvania.
• Develop GIS tools to analyze, prioritize, and facilitate agricultural conservation and restoration efforts in watersheds throughout Pennsylvania.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain field data relevant to agricultural conservation and watershed restoration efforts.
• Collaborate with researchers, programmers, software developers, Extension Educators, AEC staff, and others in developing GIS tools and statistical analyses of data related to agricultural conservation and watershed restoration implementation efforts.
• Communicate with critical stakeholders—including county conservation districts, the State Conservation Commission, USDA NRCS, and other private and public entities involved in agricultural conservation—to enhance data analyses, deliver GIS tools and systems, and facilitate collaborative efforts related to the implementation of agricultural conservation and watershed restoration.
• Other duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate

• GIS and geospatial data analyses
• Statistical data analyses
• Watershed and agricultural science
• Knowledge of farming and conservation practices on farms
• Watershed management and solutions to address water quality issues
• Experience and skills in communication and education
• Complex problem‑solving skills
• Complex collaborative project management
• Use of GPS tools to collect field data
• Experience with specific geospatial systems, programming, and data analytical tools—including the ESRI suite, Python, and R analytics

Preferred Qualification

A degree in the field of geography and GIS systems or environmental sciences is preferred.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ year(s) of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None

Application Deadline

This position will remain open until filled.

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $51,000.00 - $74,000.00.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off, which includes holidays, vacation, and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.