Assistant Data Scientist

CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU). CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.

To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

For any questions regarding this position, contact Tim Schommer, [email protected].

This role supports several Southern networks and may be based in one of the locations listed below. Please indicate your preferred location during the application process. We encourage you to choose the site that best aligns with your personal and professional goals.

• Athens, GA
• Lafayette, LA
• Fort Collins, CO

Remote work may be an option in certain cases. If you're interested in this arrangement, we encourage you to share your reasons during the application process. To ensure success in a remote setting, candidates should have a stable internet connection and be available during the host network’s core working hours.

The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at CSU is seeking applicants to work with the National Park Service (NPS), Inventory and Monitoring Division as assistant data managers/data scientists to coordinate and participate in a team focused on many aspects of the data life cycle. The position will assist with data management activities across 2-3 network offices and  will work a full time 40 hour/week schedule.

Duration of the position is expected to last approximately two years. Actual length of service will depend on specific technical needs of the office, funding, and applicant performance. Official administration of the position will be from CEMML. Work may include travel to network offices across the country.

This position will assist Inventory & Monitoring Division staff in creating and maintaining the tools that are used to collect, manage, visualize, and publish data collected by the program, with a special emphasis on the data publication process. These data relate to a diverse list of topics and may include hydrology, vegetation, large mammals, climate, birds, and more. Data collection assistance could involve designing and entering data in data collection apps such as ESRI Survey 123 and Field Maps. Data management tasks include writing scripts to look for data quality issues, automating tasks, and preparing metadata. Visualizing data includes creating graphs and other visualizations in R, Power BI, AGOL dashboards and other approved platforms. Data publication tasks include creating scripts to generate EML metadata, machine readable datasets, and reports using tools such as R, R Markdown and Python. 

Data Visualization

• Visualizing data includes creating graphs and other visualizations in R, Python, and dashboards.  

Team Membership

• Represent NPS and CSU during work travel.
• Interact as a positive team member contributing to network and Divisional goals.

Data Management

• Author and update metadata to describe data content and products.
• Perform data quality assurance and quality control, including data entry validation, data integrity, review, correction, and documentation.
• Create and upload data packages and other products to the NPS DataStore repository.
• Data publication tasks include creating scripts to generate EML metadata, machine readable datasets, and reports using tools such as R, R Markdown and Python. 

Database Management

• Navigate, manage/maintain, and create relational databases.

Documentation

• Document and maintain data management workflows, manuals and instructional materials, scripts, user guides, and standard operating procedures.
• Assist in preparing and delivering project status updates for various NPS teams and communities.

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
• Required to complete a federal background investigation (NACI) , which must be adjudicated favorably to begin working.  
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by employment start date.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. by the proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

• None

• BS or BA degree in computer science, information technology, geographic information systems, geography, biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Experience programming in the R statistical computing software or Python.
• Experience creating metadata, conducting QA/QC of ecological inventory & monitoring data, and documenting procedures to meet open data/open science requirements.
• Strong communication skills when working with various external and internal partners.
• Experience creating data visualization and data dashboards.

• One year of related work experience.
• Experience using and managing relational databases (Access, SQL Server).
• Experience utilizing geospatial data and GIS (ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online).
• Experience working in natural resources or with ecological data.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills to communicate and document workflow status and process with program staff.
• Demonstrated ability to ascertain the essence of an issue and effectively collaborate in a professional manner with an interdisciplinary team of data managers, ecologists, and park staff to develop and implement solutions.
• Self-motivated with acute attention to detail.
• Experience working in a collaborative environment.
• Experience working in a highly structured organization.

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.