Facility Manager, GIS and Earth Observing Services

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Departmental Overview

The Department of Geography's vision is to lead the integration of natural, social, and information sciences to solve problems of people and the environment. Two key terms in the vision that separates geography from most other fields is that, first, we take integration across knowledge domains as the central goal and, second, we use that to leverage better insights on problems that span the natural and social realms. Faculty in geography do not necessarily hold degrees in geography (only 4 currently do), but we all are characterized by having a particular domain expertise while also being committed to working across domains especially on problems where there are both natural and social aspects interacting. Reflecting that framing, our faculty are classified by domain/research area expertise and participation in cross-cutting themes. Domains define broad areas of science where we have sufficient faculty expertise to provide graduate level education.

Brief Summary of Duties

Supports the GIS and Earth Observing Services (GEOS) Recharge Center and contributes to cutting-edge GIS and remote sensing projects that support a diverse user community, including campus researchers and faculty from UCSB and other sister campuses and community organizations. The GIS and Earth Observing Recharge Center provides vital services such as GIS and remote sensing analysis, field data collection, geospatial database creation, and visualization tools for various projects in research, sustainability, and community development.

As the Facility Manager of GEOS, supervises and mentors a team of students and staff, ensuring the smooth operation of GIS and remote sensing services and supporting the development of innovative geospatial solutions. Collaborates with diverse academic, research, and community stakeholders, oversees the execution of high-quality projects, builds community partnerships, writes and manages grants, and facilitates student internships.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Remote Sensing, Geography or related field or equivalent experience and/or training.
• 4-6 years of experience with GIS, remote sensing, or spatial analysis projects, including experience in field data collection, geospatial database management, and visualization tool development.
• Demonstrate ability to manage and supervise a diverse team of students and staff.
• Demonstrate ability to lead projects, foster collaboration, and mentor junior staff.
• Proficient in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and remote sensing tools (e.g., ERDAS IMAGINE, ENVI).
• Knowledge of spatial data analysis, geospatial database management (e.g., PostGIS, SQL), and programming languages (e.g., Python, R) for GIS tasks.
• Experience with geospatial visualization tools (e.g., web mapping, dashboards, 3D visualization).
• Strong organizational and project management skills with a demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Experience in budgeting, grant writing, and financial oversight.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate complex geospatial concepts to a wide range of audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in building and maintaining relationships with academic, government, and community partners. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Remote Sensing, Geography or related field.
• 1-3 years of experience working in a university environment, particularly with faculty, researchers, and students.
• Familiarity with GPS and field data collection techniques.
• Record of successful grant writing.
• Drone certification.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Satisfactory conviction history background check.
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegation or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Job Duties (Percent Time)

• Lead and Supervise Center Projects (30%): Oversees and manages GIS and remote sensing projects and services, including but not limited to field data collection, GIS analysis using GIS software and other tools, remote sensing analysis using remote sensing equipment, software, and other tools, geospatial database building, and creating visualization tools, for campus researchers and community organizations. Responsible for tracking all internal and external usage within the center, including maintaining accurate logs for all recharge activities, and coordinating recharges and billing with Geography administrative staff.
• Team Leadership (20%): Supervises and mentors a team of students involved in GIS and remote sensing activities and projects. Ensure that team members have the resources, training, and support necessary to succeed and maintain a productive, collaborative work environment. Serves as a technical resource for other research staff.
• Campus and Community Engagement (10%): Fosters and strengthens partnerships with local community organizations, government agencies, and academic departments through outreach, social media, and community events to promote engagement and collaboration with the center. Serves as a liaison between external partners and campus stakeholders to facilitate project collaboration and information sharing.
• Grant writing and Fundraising (20%): Researches and identifies funding opportunities, collaborates with center faculty to write and submit grant proposals, and manages project budgets. Explores fundraising opportunities and secures funding for continued operations and new initiatives to ensure the sustainability and growth of the GEOS Center. Collaborates with UCSB Development to identify and pursue relevant fundraising opportunities.
• Quality Assurance (10%): Oversees project implementation to ensure that all deliverables meet high standards of accuracy, efficiency, and quality. Ensures that GEOS projects comply with relevant university policies and industry best practices. Manages all equipment within the center: develops practices and protocols to ensure equipment is maintained and functioning properly; ensures training is performed properly and efficiently; responsible for specification, testing, and onboarding new equipment; maintains accurate records regarding equipment performance, maintenance and facility usage.
• Training and Development (5%): Provides training and workshops to staff, students, and community partners on GIS software, remote sensing techniques, data collection methods, and geospatial analysis tools.
• Documentation and Reporting (5%): Responsible for tracking all internal and external usage within the center and coordinating recharges and billing with Geography administrative staff. Maintains project documentation, tracks progress, and provides regular updates to stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and funding agencies. Compiles final project reports and assists in dissemination of findings through presentations, publications, and other channels.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs. As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information:

UC Santa Barbara COVID-19 Information

University of California Policy on Vaccinations

* Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodations

The University of California endeavors to make the UCSB Job site (https://jobs.ucsb.edu) accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805-893-4664 or email katherine.abad@hr.ucsb.edu. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Privacy Notification Statement:

Privacy Notification Statement and Notice of Availability of the UCSB Annual Security & Fire Safety Report Disclosures; https://www.jobs.ucsb.edu/#privacy

Position Number: 41167720

Payroll Title: Geographic Information Systems Programmer 4

Job Code: 007326

Job Open Date: 5/7/2025

Application Review Begins: 5/22/2025; open until filled

Department Code (Name): GEOG-Geography

Percentage of Time: 100%

Union Code (Name): 99 (non-represented)

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff (Career)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator (Personnel Program): PSS

Salary Grade: 23

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $85,400-$95,000/year. Salary offers are based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable and consistent pay practices at the University. The full range for this position is $85,400-$156,800/year.

Work Location: 3512 Phelps Hall

Working Days and Hours: M-F; 8am - 5pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid work arrangement is an option following initial training period.

Special Instructions

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.