Open Source Forest Data Analyst

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University is seeking an Open Source Forest Data Analyst to support the Forest Service Research Data Archive. This onsite role in Fort Collins, CO, involves reviewing, processing, and documenting data for public release in line with open science policies.

You’ll train and consult with scientists to ensure datasets meet archival standards and are usable. The position emphasizes metadata quality and GIS data handling within a collaborative FS team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources, environment, or geospatial specialization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and text editors such as Notepad, Notepad++, or Microsoft Visual Studio Code.
• Competence with ArcGIS Pro.
• Working knowledge of HTML and XML, including the ability to interpret and modify code.
• Demonstrated knowledge of FGDC CSDGM and ISO 19115 metadata standards.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to review, edit, and update documentation accurately while ensuring consistency and formatting.
• Ability to review data in multiple formats such as tabular, geospatial, and database formats.
• Ability to read and understand forest management and related scientific terminology.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and organize diverse files and documents for accurate categorization and easy access.
• Check submitted metadata and assist with metadata writing.
• Confirm metadata completeness per FS RDA standards and clarity for non-specialists.
• Review data for proper archival format and reflect it in metadata.
• Prepare publication-ready data and supplemental files (tabular, geospatial, GIS, databases, documents, images).
• Provide one-on-one training and possible presentations to scientists.
• Create and manage timelines for delivering products.
• Coordinate with team members and take on additional data publishing tasks.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication with scientists

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural resources, environment, or geospatial specialization

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

HTML

XML

FGDC CSDGM

ISO 19115

Notepad/Notepad++/VS Code

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Colorado State University is looking for an Open Source Forest Data Analyst to support the Forest Service Research Data Archive (FS RDA). In this onsite role in Fort Collins, CO, you will help scientists review, process, document, and prepare research data for public release in line with federal open science policies. You will also provide training and consultation so datasets meet archival and usability standards.

What you’ll do

• Review, analyze, and organize diverse files and documents to ensure accurate categorization and easy access, while maintaining an orderly digital filing system.
• Check submitted metadata (data documentation), including supporting or assisting with metadata writing.
• Confirm metadata completeness, that it fully describes the data, complies with the FS RDA metadata standard, and is understandable to non-specialists.
• Review submitted data to ensure it is in the proper archival format and fully reflected in the associated metadata.
• Assist with preparing publication-ready data and supplemental files, including tabular data, geospatial data (which may involve processing GIS layers), sound or video files, databases, documents, and image files.
• Help teach scientists how to prepare data and documentation for publication through one-on-one support and possible presentations.
• Create and manage timelines for delivering products.
• Coordinate with team members and take on other data publishing related tasks determined by FS staff.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree with natural resources, environment, or geospatial specialization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and text editors such as Notepad, Notepad++, or Microsoft Visual Studio Code.
• Competence with ArcGIS Pro.
• Working knowledge of HTML and XML, including the ability to interpret and modify code.
• Demonstrated ability with geospatial metadata standards including FGDC CSDGM and ISO 19115.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to review, edit, and update documentation accurately while ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance with formatting and content standards, plus strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to confidently review and interpret data in multiple formats such as tabular, geospatial, and database formats.
• Demonstrated ability to read and generally understand documentation, data, and terminology relevant to forest management, fire, and a range of biological, physical, and social sciences (examples listed include wildlife and fisheries, hydrology, soils science, plant sciences, forest genetics, silviculture, forest products, geospatial science, and social sciences focused on human interaction with forests).

Employment details

• Location: Fort Collins, CO (onsite)
• Salary range: $65,000 - $70,000 per year
• Time split: 90% Research and Analysis, 10% Project Management
• Conditions of employment: Must successfully pass a background check; must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; must comply with Colorado State University and U.S. Forest Service policies and procedures; ability to maintain access to federal data systems and government information resources, if required; occasional travel may be required; ability to work remotely and/or on-site as required by the project.

Tools you’ll use

• Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, Notepad, Notepad++, Microsoft Visual Studio Code
• ArcGIS Pro, HTML, XML
• FGDC CSDGM, ISO 19115

Search Contact: Yu Wei, [e-mail]