Western Wildfire Resilience Index Data Analysts at NCEAS
Position overview
Position title: Western Wildfire Resilience Index Data AnalystsApplication Window
Open date: May 17, 2023
Next review date: Friday, Jun 16, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Thursday, Nov 30, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
DESCRIPTION
The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) at UCSB seeks two data analysts to support a newly funded program focused on developing a Western (US and Canadian) Wildfire Resilience Index. Built on the success of the NCEAS’ Ocean Health Index, the Western Wildfire Resilience Index will provide policymakers and the public with clear, actionable metrics on wildfire resilience to improve management. As part of this two year project you will work together to support the analytical needs of a dynamic project team including an expert working group, two postdoctoral fellows, a project manager, a communications and policy officer, and a web developer. Together this team will work to create the first quantitative, applied index of wildfire resilience in the west. This is a two-year long project and will be based at NCEAS in Santa Barbara, California.
Position Description
As a successful Data Analyst you will use your analytical skills and knowledge to support the development of a suite of indicators and a comprehensive indicator framework to quantitatively measure wildfire resilience at scales applicable to management. This position will give you significant opportunities to hone and apply a diverse analytical skillset and work at the critical interface of ecological synthesis science and applied management solutions. Guided by an expert working group and in partnership with two postdoctoral fellows and a project manager, as a Data Analyst (Assistant Specialist) you will participate in all stages of the Index development and synthesis process. You will contribute to the development of data pipelines and reproducible analytical workflows to integrate heterogeneous sources of data (tabular, geographic, remote sensing, etc.) for the project team. You will also gather, organize, and document code and data processes involved in calculating the WWRI and work with the WWRI Web Developer to create interactive data visualizations and compelling infographics.
RESIDENCY AT NCEAS
NCEAS is located in scenic downtown Santa Barbara, California. The Center is known for fostering interaction and collaboration, a characteristic that leads to the success of its scientists. NCEAS has a growing and thriving community of postdocs, resident scientists, and analysts, and a frequent influx of leading scientists and practitioners from around the world participating in working group projects across a diverse range of initiatives. NCEAS is also a leader in data science training, offering courses and expertise in reproducible workflows, data infrastructure, and environmental statistics. We expect the candidates will contribute their knowledge, interests, and enthusiasm to the intellectual atmosphere. The candidates should anticipate spending the vast majority of their time in residence at the Center and will have the opportunity to travel to relevant national and international events and conferences, with a special focus on meeting and networking opportunities across the Western US and Canada.
NCEAS is committed to improving diversity and inclusion in science. We value the diversity of expertise, backgrounds, needs, and experiences reflected among our residents, visitors, and broader communities. We are committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, parental status, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, citizenship status, and nationality. To see the steps we are taking to advance diversity and inclusion please see our full statement here: NCEAS is committed to improving diversity and inclusion in science. We value the diversity of expertise, backgrounds, needs, and experiences reflected among our residents, visitors, and broader communities. We are committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, parental status, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, citizenship status, and nationality. To see the steps we are taking to advance diversity and inclusion please see our full statement here: https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/DEIJ.
The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service.
Qualifications
- Baccalaureate degree in environmental science, earth science, ecology, data science, computer science, or a related field
- Applicants must have their baccalaureate degree and 3 years of relevant experience OR have a Master's degree in environmental science, earth science, ecology, data science, computer science, or a related field required by time of start date
- Clean, efficient coding abilities, preferably in R and/or Python
- Ability to review and synthesis large amounts of literature and disparate data sources
- Ability to communicate complex information using data visualization techniques
- Analytical and problem-solving skills, paired with the ability to develop creative and efficient solutions
- Interpersonal communication skills to collaborate with diverse scientific teams
- Outstanding organizational skills
- Ability to take initiative and work independently and as part of a team
- Strong publication record
- Experience working with groups outside of academia (policymakers, industry, NGOs, etc.)
- Demonstrates an understanding and acceptance of diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts that are broader than only race, ethnicity, and gender
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter - Cover Letter, including:
Interest in the position
Qualifications related to the position
Experience in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion
- 3 required (contact information only)
Name and contact information for three references. The top candidate's references will be contacted before the final job offer.
Help contact: ikclark@ucsb.edu
Campus Information
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.