Data Engineer Intern

Description

 Reporting to the Archivist, the Data Engineer Intern plays a key role in a pilot project exploring methods of connecting text, digital images, and taxonomic data sets.  Intern will build elegant, reusable code to connect archival collections with biological specimen records, and will have the opportunity to invent creative ways of visualizing the resultant data sets.  This project is funded under "Connecting Content: A Collaboration to Link Field Notes to Specimens and Published Literature," a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  This position is a 135 hour internship, with a stipend of $4000.00 and the option of receiving course credit. Hours must be completed between 9AM-6PM, Monday - Friday, during the summer of 2013.



ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with Archivist to plan 3-month software project
Build elegant and reusable code to interact with RESTful web services
Explore methods of visualizing taxonomic data sets on the web and in Google Earth
Present results to project partners and Academy staff
Work onsite at the California Academy of Sciences
Follow all Academy safety regulations
Other duties as assigned


QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.



EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following education and/or equivalent experience to succeed in this position:

Currently pursuing BS or MS in Informatics, Computer Science, Library/Information Science, or closely related field at university. 
Understanding of data structures or database design.
Familiarity with at least one scripting language.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Experience with RESTful web services (JSON / XML responses)
Experience working with KML files, and Google Earth
Demonstrated ability to write high-performance, reusable code
Demonstrated experience with at least one scripting language, preferably Python or PHP
Fluent in English
Excellent attention to detail


LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups or individuals.



PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 75% of the time.  Must be able to lift 15 lbs.



APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:  Send a resume and cover letter to archives@calacademy.org no later than 5pm PST, Monday, April 29, 2013.



The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.



The California Academy of Sciences is a non-smoking facility. There is also no smoking in Golden Gate Park.