Part-Time Systems Analyst III

Iowa State University - College of Design; United States; Remote; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology invites applications for a Part-Time Systems Analyst III. The role emphasizes QA/QC of geospatial data, development of Python-based workflows, and independent remote work.

The candidate should hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least five years of related experience and demonstrate strong communication and project coordination skills within a remote team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience.
• Experience with geospatial data workflows and QA/QC.
• Ability to work independently in a fully remote role.

Responsibilities

• Performs QA/QC of NRI imagery and geospatial data received from contractors.
• Investigates and resolves imagery alignment issues, rectification discrepancies, and spatial anomalies.
• Supports NRCS imagery processing, calibration, and geospatial workflows.
• Verifies annual CRP datasets for NRI survey use.
• Ensures geospatial deliverables meet national accuracy and quality standards.
• Develops Python scripts, data pipelines, and geospatial tools to improve efficiency.
• Designs and manages end-to-end geospatial workflows for complex spatial datasets.
• Develops and maintains the RSL Tracker application to monitor production workflows.

Skills

Geospatial data experience

Independent work

QA/QC

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Python scripting

ArcGIS

QGIS

ERDAS

Job description

Position Title: Part-Time Systems Analyst III

Job Group: Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience.

Job Description

The Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology (CSSM) within The College of Liberal Arts and Science is seeking a qualified Part-Time Systems Analyst III. CSSM specializes in the research and practice of sample surveys. CSSM has functioned as a collaborator for federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other campus units. Building on the expertise of Iowa State University’s Department of Statistics, CSSM has developed extensive capabilities in the technical and operational aspects of data science and sample survey research. Its cross-disciplinary workforce includes statisticians, data collectors, data analysts, software developers, GIS specialists, IT service and infrastructure personnel, communication specialists, and technical writers, who work across two branches: Data Science Services (DSS) and Survey Research Services (SRS).

DSS primarily collaborates with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) on projects such as the National Resources Inventory (NRI) and the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), as well as with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management on rangeland surveys. SRS conducts data collection for surveys across a range of formats and modes, including the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll and the Housing Provider Study. This is a part-time, fully remote position that requires strong communication, organization, and the ability to work independently.

Example of Duties

• Performs QA/QC of NRI imagery and geospatial data received from contractors.
• Investigates and resolves imagery alignment issues, rectification discrepancies, and spatial anomalies.
• Supports NRCS imagery processing, calibration, and geospatial workflows.
• Verifies annual CRP datasets for NRI survey use.
• Ensures geospatial deliverables meet national accuracy and quality standards.
• Develops Python scripts, data pipelines, and geospatial tools to improve efficiency.
• Designs and manages end-to-end geospatial workflows for complex spatial datasets.
• Develops and maintains the RSL Tracker application to monitor production workflows.
• Identifies workflow bottlenecks and implements process and technology improvements.
• Coordinates imagery production, processing, review, and QA for regional projects, including Alaska NRI.
• Coordinates schedules, milestones, technical specifications, and deliverables with contractors and partners.
• Monitors contractor compliance with requirements, data standards, and timelines.
• Serves as a senior technical resource for complex NRI geospatial operations.
• Provides technical guidance, mentoring, and support to staff and project partners.
• Collaborates with NRCS, FSA, contractors, and other partners to resolve geospatial issues.
• Develops SOPs, protocols, and technical documentation for geospatial processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with geospatial data, GIS, and remote sensing applications.
• Experience with Python scripting, ArcGIS, QGIS, or ERDAS.
• Experience developing and managing geospatial data workflows and automation tools.
• Experience with data quality assurance/quality control and large, complex datasets.
• Experience coordinating technical projects and working with contractors or multi-agency partners.

Appointment Details

Appointment Type: Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Part time Pay Grade: PS811

Location: Fully remote.

Benefits

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program Wellbeing program

Equal Opportunity Statement

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community.

Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.