Assistant Data Scientist
Job Description
Support the National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring Division by coordinating data lifecycle work at Colorado State University (CEMML).
- Data visualization: create graphs and visualizations in R and Python, including dashboards
- Metadata: author, update, and maintain metadata that describes data content and products
- QA/QC: perform data quality assurance and quality control (data entry validation, data integrity checks, review, correction, and documentation)
- Data packages: create and upload data packages and other products to the NPS DataStore repository
- Data publication: develop scripts to generate EML metadata, machine-readable datasets, and reports using R, R Markdown, and Python
- Relational databases: navigate, manage/maintain, and create relational databases
- Workflow documentation: document and maintain data management workflows, manuals, instructional materials, scripts, user guides, and standard operating procedures
- Team collaboration: contribute as a positive team member to network and divisional goals
- Travel representation: represent NPS and CSU during work travel
- Status updates: assist in preparing and delivering project status updates for NPS teams and communities
Requirements
- Education: BS or BA degree
- Relevant degree area: computer science, information technology, geographic information systems, geography, biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field
- Programming: experience with R (statistical computing) or Python
- Ecological data QA/QC: experience creating metadata, conducting QA/QC of ecological inventory and monitoring data, and documenting procedures to meet open data/open science requirements
- Data visualization: experience creating data visualization and data dashboards
- Communication: strong communication skills when working with external and internal partners
Tools & Technologies
- R, Python, Power BI
- AGOL dashboards, ArcGIS Survey 123, Field Maps
- R Markdown, ESRI, EML metadata
- NPS DataStore, Access, SQL Server
- ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online
Preferred Qualifications
- 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
- Demonstrated ability to ascertain the essence of an issue and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of data managers, ecologists, and park staff
- Self-motivated with acute attention to detail
- Experience working in a collaborative environment
- Experience working in a highly structured organization
Location
- Onsite: Fort Collins, CO
- This role supports several Southern networks and may be based in a listed location; indicate your preferred location during application.
- Athens, GA
- Lafayette, LA
- Fort Collins, CO
- Remote work may be an option in certain cases; share reasons during application.
Salary
- USD 61,111 - 68,138 per year
Conditions of Employment
- Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
- Required to complete a federal background investigation (NACI), adjudicated favorably to begin working
- Must have a valid driver’s license or be able to obtain one by the 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
Employment Details
- Schedule: full-time, 40 hours/week
- Estimated duration: approximately two years
- May coordinate across 2-3 network offices
Required Application Documents
- Cover letter
- Resume/CV
Benefits
- Colorado State University emphasizes community and contributions to teaching, research, and service