Link to job posting: UW Human Resources (washington.edu)

Offering a competitive salary based on experience

The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

At the University of Washington, diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity and justice for all.

EarthLab, a unit within the College of the Environment at the University of Washington (UW) is accepting applications for a Temporary GIS Research Scientist/Engineer 1. This is a 9-month, full-time appointment with a possible extension for an additional three months (one-year total). This position will provide GIS and scientific support for research conducted collaboratively with The Nature Conservancy, that will assess the degree to which stormwater mitigation has the potential to address health inequities as revealed by the Washington State Department of Health Environmental Health Disparities Map. Through this project, we will be able take high-priority stormwater mitigation solutions and map those onto the Health Disparities Map and see potential outcomes for mitigating health disparities. Specifically, we will link the pollution loading in a certain location(s) with the potential for stormwater solutions to mitigate specific pollutants thus reducing environmental health disparities that may be present. This project is unique in that we are focused on the multiple benefits of potential solutions rather than only benefits from improving water quality.  For instance, some solutions (e.g. green infrastructure such as street trees) improve water quality by removing pollutants from the air before it can enter stormwater.  In this case, water quality is improved and health disparities resulting from improved air quality are also addressed.

The position will report to Phil Levin, Professor of Practice at UW and a lead scientist with The Nature Conservancy.

EarthLab is a visionary institute that pushes boundaries to address our most pressing environmental challenges, with a current focus on climate and its intersection with social justice. EarthLab does this by connecting the University of Washington (UW) to communities, businesses, non-profits, public agencies, Tribal nations and others to co-produce actionable research that generates solutions and strategies for local and global impact. EarthLab’s vision, an equitable, just and sustainable world where people and planet thrive, supports one of the University’s biggest goals. As a Carnegie-classified Community Engagement University, the UW aspires to be the #1 university in the world as measured by impact. EarthLab is inspired by and committed to this challenge.

The University of Washington  is located in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, with a dynamic, multicultural community of 3.7 million people and a range of ecosystems from mountains to ocean. The UW acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations. The UW serves a diverse population of 80,000 students, faculty and staff, including 25% first-generation college students, over 25% Pell Grant students, and faculty from more than 70 countries.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The incumbent will gather and synthesize data, create maps, and conduct analyses to assist with conservation planning and prioritization.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
• Limited local fieldwork may be required
• Compiles data, and resolves disparities
• Creates maps and conducts analyses using GIS software.
• Will work with a small group of staff, students and faculty.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree in science-related field and 2 years related experience
• Experience with GIS software and data
• Experience with statistical software such as R
• Experience with management of scientific and spatial data
• Experience working in a team setting
• Ability to travel within the Puget Sound region; must have a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to beginning the position.

Desired:
• Master’s Degree in science-related field and 4 years of experience
• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to work independently and/or with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific paper writing.
• Knowledge and experience working within Pacific Northwest ecosystems.
• Knowledge and experience working with stormwater issues.