Lead Geospatial Developer - remote

National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, University of California Santa Barbara

Posted 4 years ago

The McClintock Lab, based at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, supports geospatial planning and research efforts in the marine sciences which have complex and challenging software needs. Lab development projects include web applications, mobile data collection tools, and computer vision software. The Lab’s longest running project, SeaSketch (www.seasketch.org) is a hosted software service which supports diverse and numerous government agencies and other institutions around the globe in engaging scientists, stakeholders and the general public in marine spatial planning. We are currently using SeaSketch for marine planning in the US, Canada, Portugal, Maldives, Micronesia, Bermuda with past experience in over two dozen countries.

Under general direction, the Lead Geospatial Developer leads the development of reporting tools for SeaSketch. The Geospatial Developer will work with clients to gather requirements for SeaSketch reporting tools, gather and process data for projects, and implement geostatistical reporting analytics and data visualizations. Working with the Principal Developer, the Geospatial Developer will continue development of our open-source geospatial analysis infrastructure using Javascript and AWS Lambda. This will be an exciting opportunity to work on complex and interactive data visualizations, use open-source geospatial tools like Turf.js, and even develop novel spatial algorithms for use in Javascript. Under general supervision, the candidate will travel occasionally (5% time) to attend international meetings and implement SeaSketch.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Implement new geostatistical analysis and reporting infrastructure for the next version of Seasketch using AWS Lambda, Typescript/Javascript, Node.js, and any new or emerging technologies as appropriate.
Determine appropriate geostatistical analyses to be used to produce client required spatial analysis and reporting.
Conducts geospatial data analysis using a combination of open source and proprietary tools (QGIS, Esri), and custom scripts utilizing our geoprocessing framework (Javascript, Node.js, Turf.js).
Synthesize geospatial datasets from disparate sources.
Design and develop web based reports using Javascript, React, and D3.
Develop and maintain appropriate tests for new SeaSketch reports using Jest or similar libraries.
Convert existing models in a variety of languages, including MATLAB and R scripts, into the SeaSketch Python-and Javascript-based platform.
Process and deploy geospatial data for efficient processing, utilizing spatial indexing libraries and novel strategies for deployment on networked storage (S3, CloudFront, Dynamodb).
Use a source control system, such as github, to manage code base and GIS resources.
Use Amazon AWS infrastructure for deployment and distribution of the software.
Solve challenging problems using innovative and novel solutions.
Coordinate Seasketch GIS activities in association with project partners around the globe, including gathering requirements and data for SeaSketch clients.

The candidate will be located at the NCEAS offices in Santa Barbara, California. When necessary, the incumbent will travel internationally to work directly with SeaSketch users (stakeholders and government agencies) to gather requirements for SeaSketch analytics, and assist with stakeholder meetings, workshops, training and surveys.

Basic Qualifications

2+ years experience developing applications using Javascript and Node.js
1 year experience with geospatial analysis or web mapping tools
Familiarity with Amazon Web Services or other cloud computing platforms
Experience building data visualizations for the web with technologies such as HTML/CSS, SVG, D3, Canvas, and React.

Desired Experience

Developing applications with Typescript, including advanced features such as Generics
Developing and distributing Javascript modules with NPM
Performing geospatial analysis using tools such as QGIS, ArcMap, Python, or R.
Usage of geospatial analysis tools in the Javascript ecosystem, including Turf.js, geospatial indexes, and experience with data formats such as GeoJSON, protocol buffers, and cloud optimized geotiffs.
Familiarity with web mapping tools and the performance characteristics of various service types
Familiarity with marine geodata and spatial planning.
Experience working internationally.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a 100% time appointment with salary step commensurate with qualifications (expected range $65,000-85,000). UCSB offers a highly-competitive benefits package.

Required Documents to Apply:

Applicants must submit (1) a current Curriculum Vitae, (2) cover letter describing your background and qualifications for the position, (3) names and contact information for 3 references, and (4) a diversity statement that speaks to your experiences with and/or contributions to creating diverse and inclusive work environments.

Review of applications will begin December 1, 2020, until the position is filled. To apply, click here, search for Job ID 12772, and follow the directions. If you have trouble accessing the job announcement on the UCSB website, contact Will McClintock (will@ucsb.edu) for assistance.

Anticipated Start Date: January 1, 2021. Position is for 1 year, with strong potential for future years based on performance and available funding.

The Department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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