Research Associate (GIS Analyst)

West Virginia University; West Virginia; On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Associate (GIS Analyst) to leverage geospatial data for impactful projects in community resiliency and flood risk management. This role involves generating actionable insights, creating cartographic visualizations, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field and experience in GIS and spatial analytics. Join a supportive environment that values work-life balance and professional growth while making a difference in the community.

Benefits

18 sick days per year

401(a) retirement savings with employer match

Wellness programs

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in GIS or related field with at least one year of experience.
• Proficiency in Python/ArcPy or R for spatial analytics.

Responsibilities

• Generate insights from geospatial data and communicate findings.
• Manage projects on flooding and community resiliency.

Skills

GIS

Spatial Analytics

Python/ArcPy

R

Cartographic Design

Education

Master’s degree in GIS/Science

Bachelor's degree in related fields

Tools

ArcGIS

Remote Sensing Tools

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.

Benefits

• 18 sick days per year for illness, family care, or medical appointments. Family includes immediate relatives, in-laws, and household members.
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employer match, continued health insurance, and other retiree benefits. More information available on retirement and health benefits.
• Wellness programs.

What You'll Do

• Generate actionable insights from geospatial data and communicate findings through reports, presentations, and visualizations.
• Create cartographic visualizations to communicate results.
• Contribute to projects on flooding, natural hazards, and community resiliency.
• Develop workflows, tools, code, and documentation for spatial analysis.
• Seek external grant funding, write proposals, administer grants, and ensure timely delivery of project outcomes.
• Manage graduate research assistants and student workers to maintain quality within project timelines.
• Coordinate flood risk projects and update related indices and online tools.
• Conduct flood model studies, social vulnerability analyses, and demographic data updates.
• Manage floodplain building inventory and flood risk data layers.
• Perform spatial analysis of flood risk factors and create maps.
• Collaborate with programmers on web development and perform graphic design for web pages and logos.
• Participate in community meetings to communicate flood risk information.
• Telecommuting permitted with minimal travel; supervise 7-10 student employees.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in GIS/Science, Architecture, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Computer Science, or Data Science.
• At least one year of experience in GIS and spatial analytics.
• Experience with geospatial vector, raster, and remotely sensed data.
• Knowledge of cartographic design principles.
• Proficiency in Python/ArcPy or R for spatial analytics and geoprocessing.
• Certification as a Floodplain Manager by the Association of State Floodplain Managers.

West Virginia University values purpose and community, offering a supportive environment that promotes work-life balance, professional growth, and impactful work across the state. Join us to make a lasting difference. For more information, visit wvu.edu.

WVU is an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.