GIS Research Scientist/Engineer 1 (Project/Temporary)

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Job description

The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation's premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

At the University of Washington, diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity and justice for all.

EarthLab, a unit within the College of the Environment at the University of Washington (UW) is accepting applications for a Temporary GIS Research Scientist/Engineer 1. This is a 9-month, full-time appointment with a possible extension for an additional three months (one-year total). This position will provide GIS and scientific support for research conducted collaboratively with The Nature Conservancy, that will assess the degree to which stormwater mitigation has the potential to address health inequities as revealed by the Washington State Department of Health Environmental Health Disparities Map. Through this project, we will be able take high-priority stormwater mitigation solutions and map those onto the Health Disparities Map and see potential outcomes for mitigating health disparities. Specifically, we will link the pollution loading in a certain location(s) with the potential for stormwater solutions to mitigate specific pollutants thus reducing environmental health disparities that may be present. This project is unique in that we are focused on the multiple benefits of potential solutions rather than only benefits from improving water quality. For instance, some solutions (e.g. green infrastructure such as street trees) improve water quality by removing pollutants from the air before it can enter stormwater. In this case, water quality is improved and health disparities resulting from improved air quality are also addressed.

The position will report to Phil Levin, Professor of Practice at UW and a lead scientist with The Nature Conservancy.

EarthLab is a visionary institute that pushes boundaries to address our most pressing environmental challenges, with a current focus on climate and its intersection with social justice. EarthLab does this by connecting the University of Washington (UW) to communities, businesses, non-profits, public agencies, Tribal nations and others to co-produce actionable research that generates solutions and strategies for local and global impact. EarthLab's vision, an equitable, just and sustainable world where people and planet thrive, supports one of the University's biggest goals. As a Carnegie-classified Community Engagement University, the UW aspires to be the #1 university in the world as measured by impact. EarthLab is inspired by and committed to this challenge.

The University of Washington is located in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, with a dynamic, multicultural community of 3.7 million people and a range of ecosystems from mountains to ocean. The UW acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations. The UW serves a diverse population of 80,000 students, faculty and staff, including 25% first-generation college students, over 25% Pell Grant students, and faculty from more than 70 countries.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The incumbent will gather and synthesize data, create maps, and conduct analyses to assist with conservation planning and prioritization.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Limited local fieldwork may be required

• Compiles data, and resolves disparities

• Creates maps and conducts analyses using GIS software.

• Will work with a small group of staff, students and faculty.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in science-related field and 2 years related experience

• Experience with GIS software and data

• Experience with statistical software such as R

• Experience with management of scientific and spatial data

• Experience working in a team setting

• Ability to travel within the Puget Sound region; must have a valid driver's license or ability to obtain one prior to beginning the position.

Desired:

• Master's Degree in science-related field and 4 years of experience

• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Ability to work independently and/or with minimal supervision.

• Demonstrated experience in scientific paper writing.

• Knowledge and experience working within Pacific Northwest ecosystems.

• Knowledge and experience working with stormwater issues.

Equivalent education and experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements such as a license, certification, or registration.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion:

EarthLab acknowledges the systemic racism that exists in the environmental sector and within environmentalism. We believe every member on our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions. We are seeking candidates who are committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive work environment where all voices are considered and valued.

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter, and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Additional Application Instructions:

At EarthLab we focus on equity and justice in all that we do. In your cover letter, please include your experience, lived or professional, in the area of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. We will begin reviewing applications on Monday, December 6th, 2021.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at or .

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14.2 requires employees of higher education and healthcare institutions to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination. View the Final candidate guide to COVID-19 vaccination requirement webpage for information about the medical or religious exemption process for final candidates.