Graduate Student Assistant – Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Theuniversityunion; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

University Enterprises, Inc. seeks a Graduate Student Assistant to support development of the California Geological Survey seismic reflection geometry database. You will organize GIS data, edit GIS layers with ArcGIS Pro, and help publish web maps using ArcGIS Online.

Responsibilities include cleaning legacy data, using Python for routine tasks, and maintaining documentation in Excel and Word, while working flexible hours in a part-time, non-benefited student position in California.

Qualifications

• BS in Geology, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Geophysics, or closely related geosciences studies.
• Currently enrolled in a graduate degree program (M.S. or Ph.D.) and in good academic standing.
• University-level GIS coursework or equivalent hands-on project experience.
• Practical experience using ArcGIS Pro for data editing and mapping.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel for organizing and analyzing data.

Responsibilities

• Create, compile, organize, and maintain spatial and tabular databases from diverse sources.
• Use ArcGIS Pro to edit and manage GIS data, perform spatial analysis, and perform quality control checks.
• Publish and share spatial data, web maps, and GIS layers using ArcGIS Online.
• Clean, organize, and convert legacy tabular data, spreadsheets, and maps into structured GIS formats.
• Organize and maintain tabular data, records, and supporting documentation using Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Apply basic Python scripting to streamline routine GIS tasks and improve workflow efficiency.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Geology, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Geophysics, or closely related geosciences studies

Current enrollment in a graduate degree program (M.S. or Ph.D.)

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Online

Python scripting

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• Base Pay $18.27 - $24.04 / Hour
• Job Category Part-time, Off-campus , Department of Conservation
• Employee Type Student Assistant
• Manage Others No

The Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey (CGS), is seeking one motivated, detail-oriented Graduate Student Assistant to help build the CGS seismic reflection geometry database. In this role, you will support critical subsurface characterization efforts for California basins while gaining valuable, hands-on experience developing, organizing, and delivering GIS data and products in a professional setting.

Requirements

Conditions of

Employment

This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefited, student position. Employment in all positions with University Enterprises, Inc. is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. and the employee. This means that either University Enterprises, Inc. or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.

Depending on the type of position you are applying for, a pre-employment background check consisting of one or more of the following may be conducted: employment history, professional references, criminal check: educational verification (degree, license, or official transcript) or DMV clearance. Applicants will be required to pass required pre-employment checks to the satisfaction of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the hiring Agency or Department.

UEI does not allow students to hold more than one UEI Job at a time, or work in more than one account per pay period. UEI employees who are considering leaving their current UEI Student assistant position for a different UEI student assistant position should inform their supervisor in writing and provide at least a week’s notice.

UEI is not a multi-state employer. UEI only employs candidates who live and work in the state of California. If selected for the position you must reside in California and all work must be performed in the state of California throughout the course of employment.

Prerequisites

Must be a college student attending classes during the regular term (Fall, Spring and Winter, if applicable), at one of the accredited colleges or universities on our affiliation list.

Students must be enrolled in at least: six-semester units or nine quarter units for undergraduate students; four-semester units or six quarter units for graduate students. Students declared major must match the major(s) listed in the job posting.

Majors/Fields of Study

GIS, Geology, Geophysics, Environmental Science (with a Geoscience or Physical Science emphasis).

Work Schedule

Flexible workdays and work hours, Monday – Friday, between 8 AM – 5 PM. The final work schedule will be determined by the supervisor.

Additional Work Schedule

Student Assistant and Graduate Assistant employees generally work up to 24 hours per workweek (Sunday – Saturday) during the academic year and up to 40 hours per workweek during breaks; (winter, spring, and summer).

Compensation

$18.27 - $24.04 per hour.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Geology, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Geophysics, or a closely related geosciences studies.
• Current enrollment in a graduate degree program (M.S. or Ph.D.) and in good academic standing.
• University-level GIS coursework or equivalent hands-on project experience.
• Practical experience using ArcGIS Pro for data editing and mapping.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel for organizing and analyzing data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.
• Experience publishing and managing web maps or layers using ArcGIS Online.
• Familiarity with basic Python scripting for data processing and workflow automation.
• Experience working with legacy data formats, including converting spreadsheets, tables, or scanned maps into GIS layers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Create, compile, organize, and maintain spatial and tabular databases using information from a variety of source materials.
• Use ArcGIS Pro to edit and manage GIS data, perform spatial analysis, and conduct quality control checks to ensure data accuracy and consistency.
• Manage, publish, and share spatial data, web maps, and GIS layers using ArcGIS Online.
• Clean, organize, and convert legacy tabular data, spreadsheets, and maps into structured GIS formats.
• Organize and maintain tabular data, records, and supporting documentation using Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Apply basic Python scripting to streamline routine GIS tasks and improve workflow efficiency.

Physical Requirements

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computer workstations, telephones, calculators, copiers, printers, and scanners with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office environment.