Water Resources GIS Specialist

The WV Water Research Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Water Resources GIS Specialist.

About the Opportunity

As the Water Resources GIS Technician, the incumbent supports office, laboratory, and field efforts in the West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI) by providing primary technical support for GIS and spatial data initiatives. The core of this position involves leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to advance a diverse portfolio of water quality projects throughout West Virginia. The incumbent serves as a technical bridge between field observations and digital analysis, applying spatial modeling and data visualization to address complex challenges involving acid mine drainage (AMD), wastewater infrastructure performance, and a significant emphasis on rural drinking water reliability. This role involves active collaboration with multi-disciplinary research teams, including partnerships with WVU Health Sciences to assess the intersection of water quality and public health outcomes.

What You'll Do

• Geospatial Analysis & Data Management: Performs complex GIS and spatial analysis using ArcGIS Pro to support WVWRI projects. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining comprehensive project geospatial datasets and streamlining GIS workflows to ensure data integrity and accessibility.
• Drinking Water & Health Sciences Collaboration: Supports specialized research initiatives in partnership with WVU Health Sciences to map and analyze drinking water quality data. This includes providing the spatial context necessary to evaluate how rural water infrastructure impacts community health across the state.
• Mobile Tool Development: Builds and manages specialized data-collection tools and interactive mapping platforms to modernize field data acquisition and tracking.
• Multi-Domain Project Support: Supports water quality and AMD remediation projects through a balanced combination of field and office work, with a prioritized focus on providing technical GIS context for drinking water safety and wastewater management studies.
• Comprehensive Field Monitoring: Conducts field sampling of water chemistry following strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to ensure high-level Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC).
• Data Assimilation & Insight: Systematically assimilates and analyzes water quality data, converting raw field results into actionable insights for research teams and public health partners.
• Technical Reporting & Publication: Prepares detailed technical reports for diverse projects and contributes to the development of peer-reviewed journal publications to share findings with the broader scientific and public health communities.
• Staff & Research Collaboration: Provides direct support to project staff by creating custom maps and organizing spatial data. Maintains active, high-level collaboration with multi-disciplinary research teams to ensure all geospatial needs are met for various WVWRI initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a natural resources-related field
• A minimum of one (1) year of related experience
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered. All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of GIS principles and familiarity with ArcGIS Pro
• Foundational skills in creating or modifying maps, managing geospatial data, and performing simple spatial queries or analyses.
• Exposure to ESRI field data-collection tools such as Survey123 and Field Maps (coursework or project experience acceptable).
• Knowledge of acid mine drainage (AMD) and AMD remediation strategies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to use good judgment to make sound decisions based on site conditions, field, and laboratory data, and knowledge of regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Ability to process and interpret analytical data.
• Good organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Trainings/certificates associated with surface and/or groundwater sampling.
• Knowledge of water quality issues in Appalachia.
• Background in working with volunteer groups and educators.
• Strong organizational skills.

Requirements

Valid driver's license. Requires physical abilities to perform field activities, including manual dexterity and abilities to see, hear, walk, talk and feel.