Research Associate II - Application Developer

Colorado State University – Warner College of Natural Resources and
U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service


POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR CSU RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Position Title: Research Associate II (Application Developer)

Tour of Duty: Full-time (includes benefits) for 12 months, with high possibility of extension depending on project funding and performance. The position is funded entirely from federal sources under the NPS Cooperative Agreement.

Duties: The National Park Service (NPS), Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Program is part of the Natural Resource Program Center (NRPC), a Washington, D.C.-based office, located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The I&M Program is responsible for collecting natural resource inventories and for developing ecological monitoring expertise for about 272 units of the National Park System. This position will serve as 1) the primary application developer and 2) lead for the NPS climate data interface project. The climate data interface obtains data and metadata from multiple local, regional, and national databases and delivers integrated data products to a range of clients. The climate data application will be used by parks and I&M networks to manage, store, analyze, and disseminate climate inventory and monitoring information in national park units throughout the United States and its territories.

The incumbent’s primary duties include:

1) Serve as the primary application developer and technical support lead for the climate data system. Collaboratively develop and implement a project plan for establishing dynamic links to a variety of national, regional, and local weather and climate data sources. In conjunction with users, review existing applications, identify core functions required by users, and develop modules, tools, and a web-based user-interface to meet these required functions.

2) In conjunction with the NR-GIS Program, assist with developing a related map-based interface to access climate station metadata, observational data records, and other data products.

3) Solicit user input, conduct usability surveys, and establish a means of regular communication among the user community to ensure the end product meets their needs and functional requirements.

4) Develop and maintain project documentation related to the application; develop and maintain web pages documenting and supporting all aspects of the climate data interface.

5) Participate as a member of a collaborative team that includes NPS staff and staff from other agencies and organizations. Interact and participate in collaborative design and development in a professional and positive manner that strengthens team relationships.

6) Provide training and outreach to users and others who are interested in the climate data application. Prepare and give presentations on the application at meetings and workshops.

The incumbent’s additional responsibilities may include:

Participate in conferences, training sessions, and workshops related to I&M data management topics.

Perform other duties related to the I&M program and inventory or monitoring projects as assigned.


Supervisory Controls:

Incumbent’s work is assigned and supervised by the CSU Principal Investigator in coordination with the NPS I&M Data Manager and NPS I&M Ecologist.


Application Process:

Submit: (1) letter of interest stating your background and experience as it relates to the position; (2) current resume; (3) names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references; and (4) copy of college transcripts (unofficial is acceptable). Applications will be considered until the position is filled; however, applicants should submit applications electronically by September 3, 2006 for full consideration to:

Chris Dietrich
Search Committee Chair
Warner College of Natural Resources
National Park Service
1201 Oakridge Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone: (970) 225-3587
Email: [Click here for email]

Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability. The University complies with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, related Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veteran's readjustment Act of 1974, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and all civil rights laws of the State of Colorado. Accordingly, equal opportunity of employment and admission shall be extended to all persons and the University shall promote equal opportunity and treatment through a positive and continuing affirmative action program. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity is located in 101 Student Services. In order to assist Colorado State University in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so identify themselves.
REQUIREMENTS
Requirements:

B.S. in Natural Resources, Biology, Information Systems, Computer Science, Meteorology, or a related field (equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered).

A minimum of 3 years of demonstrated professional experience developing web-based database applications and user interfaces using tools such as: HTML, XML, C#, VB.NET, .NET, ASP.NET, or other similar applications.

A minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in developing, maintaining, and integrating relational database management systems.

A minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience developing SQL database queries.

A minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in oral and written communications, including: development of database documentation and user guides; documenting code; writing instructional exercises; or developing standard operating procedures and other guidelines.

Experience with these applications/systems is beneficial: ArcGIS, R, php, PostGRES, SQL-server, RPC, OASIS, web services, Windows forms and Smart Client.

Experience in working towards service-oriented architecture implementation is highly desirable.

Experience with development of map-based interface to access and visualize scientific information.

Experience with development of system requirements based on user needs assessment or usability surveys, design and delivery of system, and providing adequate documentation and support for end user needs.