Research Associate (GIS Analyst)

West Virginia University; Morgantown (WV); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking institution as a Research Associate (GIS Analyst) in Morgantown, where you will leverage your GIS expertise to tackle pressing community issues like flood risk and natural hazards. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop innovative solutions and manage projects that directly impact the lives of West Virginians. You will collaborate with a vibrant team, contribute to meaningful research, and enjoy a supportive work environment that values work-life balance. With a commitment to personal and professional growth, this position is perfect for those eager to make a difference in their community while advancing their career in GIS.

Benefits

18 sick days per year

401(a) retirement savings with match

Wellness programs

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in GIS, Architecture, Geography, or related field required.
• One year experience in GIS and spatial analytics is essential.

Responsibilities

• Generate actionable information from geospatial data and communicate findings.
• Develop workflows, tools, and documentation for spatial analytical tasks.

Skills

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Spatial Analytics

Cartographic Design

Python / ArcPy

R Scripting

Data Management

Education

Master’s degree in GIS or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Python

R

Job description

Job Description - Research Associate (GIS Analyst) (26668)

Research Associate (GIS Analyst) - 26668

Description

Research Associate (GIS Analyst) – West Virginia University, Morgantown WV. Will perform Geographic Information Systems (“GIS”), spatial analytical, and digital cartography tasks in Morgantown, WV.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 18 sick days per year(for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information ? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Will generate actionable information from geospatial data and communicate results and findings in written, oral, and graphical formats. Will generate cartographic visualizations to communicate results and findings. Will contribute to projects focused on flooding, natural hazards, and community resiliency. Will develop workflows, tools, code, and associated documentation to perform spatial analytical tasks. Will seek external grant funding, write grant proposals, administer grants, submit grant reports, document workflows, and work with funders, clients, and colleagues to fulfill funding requirements in a timely manner and ensure the quality of all deliverables and products. Will manage graduate research assistants and student workers to ensure the quality of deliverables and products within project timelines. Will coordinate projects related to flood risk. Will develop and update the West Virginia Flood Risk Index. Will maintain and update the West Virginia Risk Explorer online toolkit with new data. Will conduct detailed flood model studies for communities in West Virginia and prepare related reports. Will conduct social vulnerability analyses at various scales (communities, counties, and state) in West Virginia. Will update the demographic datasets of West Virginia. Will manage the updates on the statewide floodplain building inventory. Will update the West Virginia Flood Tool data layers. Will work with GIS to conduct detailed spatial analysis of flood risk factors and prepare maps. Will work with programmers at the West Virginia GIS Technical Center for web development and updates. Will perform graphic design of the web pages and design logos for the developed tools. Will participate in community meetings to communicate flood risk. Telecommuting permitted. Five percent or less domestic travel. Will supervise 7-10 student employees.

Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems / Science, Architecture, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Computer Science, or Data Science and one year of experience in GIS and spatial analytics.

Skills/Requirements: One year experience in the following: (1) geographic information systems and how the systems are utilized for data management, analysis, and presentation of all spatial or geographic data; (2) working with geospatial vector data, raster data, and remotely sensed data; (3) cartographic design principles including graphic design; and (4) Python / ArcPy, or R scripting for spatial analytics and geoprocessing. Must also have certification as a Floodplain Manager as awarded by the Association of State Floodplain Managers.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu .

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, geneticinformation, or Veteran status.