CIRES / NOAA NCEI Crowdsourced Bathymetry Data Manager
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Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado in Boulder has an opening for a crowdsourced bathymetry data manager working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Within NCEI, the Coasts, Oceans, and Geophysics Science Division (COGS) is globally recognized as the premier repository and provider of geophysical, oceanographic, coastal, space weather and marine ecosystem data and information. NCEI is also home to the International Hydrographic Organization Data Centre for Digital Bathymetry (IHO DCDB).
CIRES is looking for a scientist with experience managing marine datasets who is excited to join an international effort to improve the collection, discovery and use of bathymetric data collected and contributed by mariners from around the world. Vessels of all types (not just traditional survey ships) can participate in increasing our knowledge of the ocean by sharing depth measurements from navigation instruments while out at sea. These data, referred to as crowdsourced bathymetry (CSB), can be used to supplement the more rigorous and scientific bathymetric coverage done by hydrographic offices, industry, and researchers around the world.
Data management at NCEI is focused on standards-based commercial data management tools, including spatially-enabled relational database management systems that drive web services. The successful candidate will participate as part of a greater team stewarding marine geophysical data, providing discovery and access for sonar data and derived scientific products, and supply customer service to global data users. This position will support voluntary mariners and scientists throughout NOAA, academia, and other data contributors throughout the international community by stewarding crowdsourced bathymetry sonar data, developing improved ways to discover, access and use these data and striving to increase collaboration and coordination for data acquisition and sharing.
This position is located at NCEI, David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado, and supports the CIRES Research Theme of Advance Modeling and Observing Systems. NCEI is a part of the US Department of Commerce, NOAA, National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service. NCEI’s mission is to provide scientific stewardship of and timely access to global geophysical data from satellites and other sources to promote, protect, and enhance the Nation’s economy, security, environment, and quality of life.
Who We Are
At CIRES, more than 950 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.
NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) is responsible for hosting and providing access to one of the most significant archives on Earth, with comprehensive oceanic, atmospheric, and geophysical data. From the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun and from million-year-old sediment records to near real-time satellite images, NCEI is the Nation’s leading authority for environmental information. NCEI’s Boulder, Colorado office holds and preserves the Nation's treasure trove of marine geophysical data and information. This includes seafloor mapping data acquired by hydrographic, oceanographic, industry, and private vessels and platforms during surveys or while on passage.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Manage crowdsourced bathymetry data (50%)
- Manage the collection, storage, and access of crowdsourced bathymetry data
- Work with data providers around the world on preparing and transferring their data to the NCEI-hosted IHO Data Center for Digital Bathymetry
- Keep abreast of standard processes and technological advances that may need to be accommodated
- Interface between software developers and the international community to determine standard methodologies, formats, submission, discovery, and delivery capabilities
- For candidates hired at the AS2 or AS3 career track level: Act as subject matter expert for the CSB data repository housed at NCEI
- Serve as point of contact to data providers and the global user community (40%)
- Serve as the data technical lead and point of contact for the IHO Crowdsourced Bathymetry (CSB) Initiative and other campaign mapping projects (e.g.: Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project)
- Serve on the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Crowdsourced Bathymetry (CSB) Working Group as representative of the NCEI-hosted IHO DCDB
- For candidates hired at the AS2 or AS3 career track level: Foster relationships with citizen scientists (both individuals and organizations) to help cultivate a network of volunteers and citizen scientists within various sectors of the maritime community.
- For candidates hired at the AS2 or AS3 career track level: In collaboration with others in the community, develop and disseminate project updates, findings, and informative content through various channels, including public presentations, reports, articles and other innovative ways to reach the widest breadth of collaborators (10%)
What You Should Know
- If you are the selected finalist you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access.
- This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder, but will be physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
- Given project deliverables, the targeted start date for this position is 1 March 2025.
- Please note that those applicants requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered for this position.
- Applicants must be currently authorized to legally work in the United States on a full-time basis.
What We Can Offer
- CIRES offers a generous and comprehensive compensation package.
- The annual hiring salary range for this position is $57,942 to $101,555. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
- Some relocation funds are available for this position to off-set moving expenses following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
- This position can accommodate a hybrid work modality.
- Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues. Boulder was recently ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S. by U.S. News.
- As an employee at CU Boulder, you receive a pass allowing free access to the regional public transit system, which is an outstanding network of buses and light rail systems that provide service within Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.
- CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development and a Mentorship Program.
Benefits
Be Statements
What We Require
- Bachelor’s degree in the Earth sciences, oceanography, information science, data science, or related field
- Experience managing marine datasets
What You Will Need
- Ability to write SQL queries
- Proficiency with Linux based operating systems
- Strong networking skills to work with national and international data providers
- Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written English
What We Would Like You to Have
Please note that while the position details both required and preferred skills and experience, we invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this section. If you meet the requirements and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on the job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.
- Experience working with bathymetric data – this may include data acquisition, processing, analysis, and/or visualization
- Familiarity with metadata and data exchange standards, e.g. ISO and NetCDF
- A strong desire to learn and apply new skills and technologies, including but not limited to: relational databases (Oracle), bash scripting, basic networking and telnet clients like PuTTY, basic authentication, semantic versioning
- Experience using scripting languages to automate data tasks, such as Python, JavaScript, Bash, Groovy or similar
- Experience with GeoJSON formats
- Familiarity with version control (Git) and issue tracking
- Familiarity with cloud computing concepts, especially Amazon Web Services (AWS) terminology
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV.
- Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and how this position aligns with your research interests.
- Although not required at the time of application, please be ready to submit information for 5 professional references (must include at least 2 supervisors or professors). If you are identified as a finalist for this role, you will be asked to invite your references to complete a Crosschq questionnaire on your behalf. Crosschq is an online reference check solution. All information is kept confidential and shared only with the search committee members.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
This position will close on January 5, 2025.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Lee Shoemaker
Posting Contact Email: lee.shoemaker@noaa.gov