Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Non Classified - Grade NA

Department/Organization: 750502 - Global Water Security Center

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy.

Job Summary: The Assistant Research Professional should show evidence of competence in the disciplinary area of the position and demonstrated promise of moving towards excellence in professional leadership, practice, and/or research and scholarly activities as appropriate for the position. As directed, individuals in this track level independently contribute to the planning and design of research and creative projects. He/she performs supporting research and creative activities such as data analysis, monitoring outcomes, performing lab maintenance, and/or performing experiments and creating creative projects. May assist in both short-term and long-term planning and project goals, as well as in research and creative proposals and dissemination of project findings. This is only a representation of possible duties and is not an all-inclusive listing.

Additional Department Summary: The Global Water Security Center (GWSC) will be an applied research/operational center commissioned with assisting local, state, national, and international agencies, and potentially multi-national companies (MNC’s), to enhance their knowledge of water and its impacts to society. The GWSC will provide data, research, and evidence for these stakeholders to help them understand how to protect the quality of vulnerable water systems, mitigate impacts of water-related hazards such as floods and droughts, safeguard access to water functions/services, ecosystem preservation, and manage water resources in an integrated and equitable manner. GWSC will analyze data and produce water and environmental security products that will provide decision makers with the most reliable information, ground-breaking research, applied scientific techniques, and best practices to inform actionable decision-making and response by state, regional, national, and global entities. Our stakeholders will include: Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community, Coast Guard, U.S. Geological Survey, NOAA, State Department, FEMA, Red Cross, USAID, private companies (e.g., Coca Cola, Unilver) and academic stakeholders.

The Geospatial Intelligence Analyst (GIA) will be a key member of GWSC’s water/environmental security analysis team. The applicant will provide core analytical expertise and customized visualization insights using appropriate spatial modeling tools and methods. By transforming data into actionable insights and solutions, GWSC aims to produce data, information and knowledge to provide water/environmental security situational awareness to help institutions understand how water affects livelihoods, health, economy and ecosystems. These analyses will focus on strategic/geopolitical freshwater shortages and surpluses, water quality, climatic stresses, and political instability. Analysis will cover large geographic areas (e.g., global or continental scale), and use data derived from satellite remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and quantitative environmental, social, political, economic indicators.

The position will be located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but highly qualified individuals could be offered flexible work accommodations.

Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of external funding derived from research programs or specific projects.

Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, Geomatics, Geoinformatics, Remote Sensing or other related fields and at least four to six years of relevant work experience in the military, intelligence community, or the Geospatial industry. Must be able to obtain security clearance within one (1) year of employment.

Skills and Knowledge: Strong technical background to analyze geospatial data, including deriving spatial statistics using geoprocessing tools. Demonstrated interest and ability to conduct assessments of water and environmental issues. Knowledge of food, health, and energy subjects preferred to allow successful analysis of water as part of nexus frameworks to support GWSC’s environmental security requirements.

Ability to:
• Interpret and collect data from remote sensing professionals and document spatial analyses in a technical summary.
• Produce maps and statistical visualizations to support decision-makers
• Combine multiple datasets (biophysical and socioeconomic datasets) to develop indices.
• Prepare data for reports, online maps and other communication materials.
• Coordinate work efforts with representatives of federal agencies to include DoD, Intelligence Community, State Department, USAID, and other specified department-level agencies involving exchange of technical and/or scientific data and information.

Technical Proficiency
• Proficiency in GIS software including ESRI ArcGIS Desktop 10.x, ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Online, Quantum GIS, MapInfo or similar
• Experience in spatial analysis and modeling (e.g., use of ArcGIS Spatial Analyst tools, Model Builder, Python scripting, SQL or equivalent)
• Experience in handling publicly available GIS datasets, crowd-sourcing platforms such as Open Street Maps and remote-sensing databases
• Familiarity with MODIS, Landsat, other satellite imagery products
• Knowledge of OGC standards
• Self-directed individual with an ability to work independently while involving other teammates

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster

About University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

As the state’s flagship university, The University of Alabama family has always focused on being the best. After all, we are The Capstone of Higher Education. Founded in 1831 as the state’s first public college, The University of Alabama is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service. We provide a creative, nurturing campus environment where our students can become the best individuals possible, learn from the best and brightest faculty, and make a positive difference in the community, the state and the world. You’ll like what you find here. Become part of The University of Alabama family.

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