Coastal GIS Specialist

S.C. Sea Grant Consortium
College of Charleston, School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering
Charleston, South Carolina

About the Position

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, in partnership with the College of Charleston School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering (SSME) and Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences (DGEG), is seeking a Coastal GIS Specialist to provide the technical expertise necessary to expand regional capabilities and provide a wider range of services to the many constituencies which are requesting science-based information and technical assistance in enhancing their resilience to coastal change.

The Consortium, a state agency established to manage the Sea Grant College program for South Carolina and based in Charleston, S.C., generates and provides science-based information on issues and opportunities to improve the social and economic well-being of coastal residents while ensuring the optimal use and conservation of marine and coastal natural resources. The College of Charleston SSME and DGEG support the building of adaptive capacity in South Carolina through natural science research, spatial analysis and outreach facilitating the integration of climate information into coastal management and decision making.

Learn more about the Consortium

Responsibilities

The Coastal GIS Specialist will collaborate with Consortium staff and a variety of constituencies to provide hands-on operational and technical support to coastal communities, resource managers, and interest groups.

Position Objectives

• Strengthen the geospatial capacity of the Consortium, SSME and DGEG for assisting communities with analyses and stakeholder-driven applied data products.
• Enhance breadth and depth of science and extension programming by accessing information being generated by the College of Charleston, other Consortium member institutions, state and federal agencies, and additional partners.
• Provide communities with information and technical assistance to understand risk, and select appropriate mitigation and adaptation tools and methods aimed at strengthening the resilience of human and wildlife communities.
• Enhance communication capabilities of the Consortium and SSME utilizing web-based geospatial applications.
• Provide support to coastal decision makers in the evaluation and planning for the impacts of climate and weather variability and coastal change.

Specific Duties

• Provide geospatial expertise to Consortium staff to support their responsiveness to the technical needs of coastal communities.
• Conduct interdisciplinary spatial analyses utilizing socioeconomic and environmental datasets to address coastal environmental issues.
• Develop and maintain ArcGIS-based data visualization and communication products jointly produced by the Consortium and SSME, and contribute content to communications materials.
• Manage student assistants and interns; serve on graduate student committees when appropriate.
• Be current on data, trends and conditions which describe the status of coastal and oceanographic processes, chronic and episodic natural hazard events, hazard mitigation and adaptation.
• Identify information and service needs of constituents through engagement with client groups; assist in developing solutions to climate- and resilience-related issues.
• Identify existing and emerging opportunities related to coastal resilience awareness, hazard mitigation and adaptation.
• Design and implement technical education programs in a proactive approach toward hazard awareness, mitigation and adaptation strategies.
• Give presentations on Consortium and SSME resilience activities at state, regional, and national conferences and workshops.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff at Consortium member institutions and SSME, to design and conduct interdisciplinary applied coastal resilience research and extension projects.
• Participate in the development and management of grant proposals to secure funding for research, service, and extension projects.
• Prepare performance-based program objectives, benchmarks, metrics, program evaluations, and other reports as required.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a marine- or coastal-related science, engineering, geosciences, geography, or related technical field OR a Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with 4 years of experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience in application of geospatial technologies to address environmental issues.
• Experience utilizing the ArcGIS suite of software products.
• Demonstrated experience creating and/or maintaining data visualization and communication products using ArcGIS Online such as StoryMaps, Dashboards, and customized applications designed using Experience Builder.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and communicate, collaborate, and work effectively with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret scientific research for non-technical audiences.
• High level of analytical, organizational, and planning skills along with effective oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Fluency in computer and communications technology.

Additional Preferred Skills

• Experience in and knowledge of coastal climate and resiliency science, vulnerability assessments, adaptation.
• Proven record of success in proposal writing and securing extramural funding.
• Experience in the evaluation and use of coastal adaptation tools.
• Training or experience in hydrology and/or floodplain management.

Position Type

Time Limited (2 year) Temporary Grant full-time position contingent upon continued federal funding through the Consortium and CofC SSME and DGEG. South Carolina State Band 6 Program Coordinator II. Agency hiring range: $43,030 to $52,177. The candidate will be an employee of the Consortium. The finalist for this position must successfully complete a driver’s license background check.

Location, Work Hours, and Travel

This position is based in Charleston, South Carolina. Normal Consortium business hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. However, work beyond regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, may be necessary in order to complete the requirements of the position. Travel throughout the state and region is necessary; a valid driver’s license is required.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references to:

Marlena Davis, Human Resources Manager
S.C. Sea Grant Consortium
287 Meeting Street Charleston, S.C. 29401
marlena.davis@scseagrant.org

This position is available immediately. Review of applications will begin on Friday April 21, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. No phone calls please.

Commitment to Diversity

The Consortium’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion seeks to create a culture of belonging where all people are treated with dignity and respect, and have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and outcomes. We acknowledge that our activities, programs, services, and everyday interactions are enriched by building a diverse team of staff and partners who engage in open, respectful, and meaningful exchange. We also strive to achieve our agency’s mission by engaging individuals from a broad diversity of backgrounds who bring a range of experiences, values, and tools to bear on the region’s major environmental and socioeconomic issues.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, and from those who identify as members of historically underrepresented communities.

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. South Carolina is making our veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions. The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium participates in E-Verify.