Geographic Information Systems Specialist

Description

Purdue University Libraries seeks a highly motivated, innovative, and learner-centered individual for the position of GIS Specialist.  In support of the Libraries’ strategic plan, the GIS specialist will maintain and expand the Libraries’ GIS presence on campus, and as a faculty member will contribute to the research and scholarship in this area.  The GIS Specialist serves as a Libraries’ primary resource for GIS-related questions.  Collaborates with faculty campus-wide, including an emerging digital humanities community, on interdisciplinary research and to integrate geospatial information literacy and knowledge management skills into their instruction, as a part of the Libraries’ comprehensive information literacy program.  Organizes campus gateway to geospatial data, including locally produced data as well as commercial, government, and other institutional data.  Advocates for best practices of geospatial data management, including using open source formats, appropriate documentation and use of metadata to enable downstream sharing of research data.  Contributes to digitization program of unique, print geospatial resources held at Purdue.  Purdue has many groups active in GIS-related instruction and research across the campus, comprising topics as diverse as political science, history, business and economics, homeland security, climate change, engineering, agriculture, and geology.  The GIS Specialist identifies ongoing campus user needs for GIS and collaborates with centers of geospatial activity across campus, including as part of sponsored research projects.  Collaborates with University and Libraries information technology department in acquiring and planning for upgrades to hardware and software to support changing geospatial technologies.

Required qualifications:  Masters degree from an ALA-accredited library school and/or advanced, terminal degree in another relevant discipline.  Academic background or work experience with GIS software, digital geospatial data, and cartographic concepts. Commitment to engage in research and scholarship, and ability to achieve promotion and tenure.

Desired Qualifications:  Two years recent experience providing GIS services to end users; vision and leadership to develop expanded geospatial information services; demonstrated interest in the applications of current and emerging technologies to meet the changing needs of users; strong service orientation and high degree of computer literacy; experience with common open source technologies for spatial data and the web (PostGIS, GDAL/OGR, GeoServer, GeoNetwork, OpenLayers/Google Maps, etc.); experience with web APIs and linked data endpoints; excellent communication and presentation skills and ability to work well with all levels of users and staff; demonstrated commitment to user instruction and to consultation with users on their information management needs; ability to organize and provide access to decentralized data repositories; and supervisory experience.

Appointment:  Appointment will be at the assistant or associate professor rank. The full job announcement can be seen at: http://www.lib.purdue.edu/admin/hr/career_opportunities/ Salary and benefits:  

Salary commensurate with experience in the context of Purdue University’s salary structure. Purdue provides a generous fringe benefit package that includes contribution to retirement, health, disability, and life insurance, 22 annual vacation days, and tuition support for employee, children, and spouse/same sex domestic partner.

Application process: To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of at least three references via email to Carla Heuss, Libraries Human Resources Assistant, at green113@purdue.edu  Please place “Geographic Information Systems Specialist” in the subject line of all emails.  Nominations for the position will be accepted and should be sent to the same email address.  Beginning on June 8, 2012, applications will be reviewed as they are received.  Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to Carla Heuss at 765-494-2899 or green113@purdue.edu  A background check will be required for this position. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.