Job: GIS Specialist at Temple University Libraries
Matt Shoemaker
https://temple.taleo.net/careersection/tu_ex_staff/jobdetail.ftl?job=22000929
Geographic Information Systems Specialist - (22000929)
Temple University Libraries serves the Temple community and beyond, including more than 37,000 students; over 2,000 full-time faculty; and researchers and visitors on Main, Center City, and Health Sciences Center campuses in Philadelphia and on our Ambler and Harrisburg campuses. We are committed to providing research and learning services, offering open access to our facilities and information resources, and fostering innovation and experimentation. Our collections total more than four million physical and digital titles, over 275,000 print and electronic journal subscriptions, and more than 700 research databases. We also collect, preserve, and provide access to a broad universe of special collections, including rare books, manuscripts, archives, photographs, and more. As part of our library enterprise, the award-winning Temple University Press supports our mission to advance learning and scholarship.
Reporting to the Head of the Business, Social Sciences, and Education unit within Learning & Research Services, the Geographic Information Systems Specialist (GISS) supports and develops the Libraries’ GIS services. Recognizing the multidisciplinary importance of geospatial data and technologies, the GISS collaborates with many stakeholders to support GIS for research, teaching and learning at Temple University. The GISS combines specialized knowledge of geospatial data and methods with technical expertise in GIS to lead new initiatives, services, and instructional offerings related to geospatial information. The Specialist has a strong foundation in GIS technologies and works with faculty, staff, and students across campus to enhance their access to and use of geospatial data. Provides consultation and assistance with GIS, mapping, and geospatial data visualization and analysis, both on-demand and through ongoing project collaboration. Assists researchers with locating and accessing geospatial data and provides guidance on data management. The Specialist is adept at communicating technical information to users at all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. In conjunction with librarians and other library staff, the GISS provides workshops on geospatial data, concepts and technologies. Collaborates with the Libraries’ subject librarians, Scholars Studio staff, Research Data Services team, and other departments. Fosters relationships with the Department of Geography and Urban Studies, other GIS-related groups, and individual GIS users on campus. Co-organizes GIS Day and other programming. Develops and maintains knowledge of trends in GIS data and tools; advises librarians and other library staff on adopting and promoting these technologies. Markets the Libraries’ GIS services to the Temple University community. Manages assigned special projects. Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
Master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems or comparable degree, such as Geography or Urban Planning, or other discipline with a significant GIS component. Minimum one year of experience in the use of GIS software to store, manage, create, analyze, and display geospatial data in a corporate, non-profit, or educational setting. Experience providing GIS services in an organization. Experience with GIS programming and web mapping. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Required Skills and Abilities:
*Demonstrated knowledge of digital mapping and GIS technologies such as ArcGIS products, QGIS, Carto, Leaflet, Mapbox, spatial databases, Google mapping products, and/or others
*Knowledge of geospatial data sources; ability to identify user data needs and appropriate resources to meet those needs
*Fluency with digital presentation and visualization technologies
*Ability to use spreadsheet, statistical, digital design, coding environments, and/or other programs that support working with geospatial data
*Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with other library staff and with patrons seeking assistance
*Strong customer service orientation and proficiency with providing one-on-one and small group training and support
*Good teamwork and project management skills
*Broad familiarity with the evolving technical and research environment for geospatial data and methods
*Ability to quickly learn new tools and technologies
Preferred:
*Experience in programming languages such as Python or R
*Statistical skills to effectively provide GIS support
*Experience in a social science or science discipline
*Experience providing services in a research library and an understanding of the mission and function of a large academic library in a research university
*Familiarity with data management best practices
*Experience working with students
*Development of online instructional materials and/or online presentation experience.
*Knowledge of library information resources including bibliographic and full-text databases and library online catalogs
*Ability to identify appropriate materials and software, in various formats, to add to the library collection
*Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in an academic environment, in a workplace setting, or in the community.
Temple University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.
In accordance with the City of Philadelphia's COVID-19 mandate, all Temple University students, faculty, staff, and contractors must be fully vaccinated before receiving authorization to work unless they have a medical or religious exemption approved by the University. An individual is considered fully vaccinated two (2) weeks following the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two (2) weeks following a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Individuals who do not meet the University's vaccination or exemption requirement will be prohibited from working until proof of full vaccination or an exemption is requested and approved. For more information, visit the University's Vaccines web page at https://www.temple.edu/coronavirus/vaccines.
Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.
To obtain additional information about Temple University please visit our website at www.temple.edu.
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You may request a copy of the report by calling Temple University’s Campus Safety Services at 215-204-7900.
Primary Location: Pennsylvania-Philadelphia-Main Campus-Charles Library
Job: Staff
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day Job
Employee Status: Regular