Applications Specialist

Job Title

GCOOS Applications Specialist

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Oceanography

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Glimpse of the Job

The Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) is the Gulf of America’s regional component of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) of NOAA and is part of the Department of Oceanography with Texas A&M University.

The Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled professional interested in contributing to understanding the Gulf of America by managing High Frequency Radar, Underwater Glider data services and developing other ocean data products. The selected candidate will support GCOOS in  data review, database management and data product development role, overseeing large-scale and real-time ocean data streams. Working closely with the GCOOS Data Management and Cyberinfrastructure (DMAC) Team, the candidate will help deliver robust marine data services and applications to a user community in support of an operational ocean observing system.

Opportunities to Contribute

• Maintains and enhances underwater glider piloting tool (GANDALF) and its database, as well as the High Frequency Radar (HFR) dashboard and database, including integrating new assets and developing associated data pipelines.
• Compiles, organizes, validates, and reviews oceanographic data and metadata from various sensors and platforms, and implements and maintains data collection, processing, and summarization workflows for field observations.
• Supports the GCOOS DMAC Team by maintaining and troubleshooting servers, infrastructure, software applications, and data pipelines to ensure reliable and up-to-date services.
• Analyzes oceanographic data, conducts testing, and uses summarized results from databases and scientific publications to inform the development and improvement of data products and software applications.
• Designs, develops, and maintains software applications and data services for specific projects, using Python at a minimum.
• Collaborates with governmental and nongovernmental partners and stakeholders to support project implementation and advance GCOOS initiatives.
• Represents GCOOS at relevant virtual and in-person meetings, conferences, and events, including travel as needed.
• Contributes to the preparation of proposals for funding agencies and develops and maintains training materials for internal and external users.

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate’s education and experience.
Schedule Note: Travel will be required as needed for conferences or outreach events. You will also travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines.
Special Note: This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding received by GCOOS, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering or other related field.
• Four months of related experience in Information Technology, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering or another related field, which must include experience with Python programming.
• Ability to manage event setup and execution, which may involve lifting up to 20 lbs with assistance.
• Ability to travel as needed for conferences or outreach events.
• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines.

A well-qualified candidate may also possess:

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Two years of experience in Computer Science, Information Technology Management, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or other related field (Master’s degree is equivalent to two years of experience).
• Understanding of exploratory data analysis, data visualization, cloud computing, web application development and deployment, and scientific data sets. 
• Web server deployment and development (Nginx, Tornado, Apache).
• Proficiency in scientific writing, with preference for geologic and oceanographic writing.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of office software and instructional programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
• Strong organizational and event management skills.
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff, groups of various sizes.  

What You Need to Do: 

Select the Apply button to begin your application. Submitting a cover letter and resume/CV is strongly recommended and will help us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume.

Why Texas A&M University? 

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.   

The Department of Oceanography in the College of Arts and Sciences at Texas A&M University (TAMU) is part of an alliance of Ocean Sciences at Texas A&M that spans the Marine Biology and Marine Sciences Departments at TAMU Galveston, Geochemical and Environmental Research Group.  This alliance of Ocean Sciences represents a truly unique concentration of educational and research resources.  Our educational and research capacity is greatly enhanced by close ties to the College Departments of Atmospheric Sciences, Geography, and Geology & Geophysics, as well as the Berg Hughes Center, and Texas Center for Climate Studies.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.  

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums. 
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.  
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month. 
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time 
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.  
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee. 
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees.

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.