Applications are currently being accepted through 23 March 2001 for the
following position with the University NAVSTAR Consortium in Boulder,
Colorado. See http://www.ucar.edu to apply.
SPECIAL PROJECTS ENGINEER I - #1115*
PLEASE NOTE: This is a new, full-time one-year term position with
possibility of extension. Initial consideration will be given to
applications received prior to 30 March 2001, but applications will be
accepted until the position is filled.
UOP - University Navstar Consortium (UNAVCO)
Special Projects Group
BROAD SCOPE AND FUNCTION
This position is responsible for providing scientific Global Positioning
System (GPS) engineering and technical support to the SuomiNet
Atmospheric sensing project, the NSF Office of Polar Programs, and other
UNAVCO supported GPS field projects. This support includes configuring
computers, troubleshooting GPS systems, GPS training, field support, GPS
data processing, and GPS data archiving for both continuously operating
GPS stations and episodic data collection projects. This position
maintains documentation for program support to SuomiNet, including a
dedicated section on the UNAVCO web page. This position also provides
engineering support on a resource-available basis to non-Antarctic
UNAVCO supported agent, campaign, and continuous station projects.
DUTIES INCLUDE
Provides operational support to scientific participants in the SuomiNet
GPS atmospheric sensing project. This support includes custom
configuring LINUX based computers for deployment at SuomiNet sites,
testing the system, and assembling the GPS and computer components for
shipping to the participant, in accordance with UNAVCO documentation and
procedures. Provides technical assistance (telephone and Internet) as
needed to participants during the installation process. Maintains the
UNAVCO SuomiNet web page. Occasional field visits to SuomiNet sites may
be required. Supports GPS research projects in Antarctica, under
supervision of the Antarctic Support Manager. This support includes both
episodic campaign style surveys and GPS continuous station data
collection: identifying data collection strategies, identifying and
solving technical issues related to hardware, software and data
communication, assessing resources, training field staff,
trouble-shooting hardware, software, and logistics problems, processing
GPS data, analyzing GPS results, and implementing the UNAVCO data
management strategy. This requires annual extended field assignments (up
to four months per year) in Antarctica. Provides training, field
support, and/or technical consulting in support of GPS field campaign
projects, including the NSF-OPP Arctic Program. Supports other UNAVCO
projects, including continuous station installation and maintenance, as
assigned.
REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:
Education and Experience:
B.S. or equivalent in Engineering, Computer Science, Geodesy,
Geophysics, Physics, or Geology; plus one to two years of related
engineering experience; or an equivalent combination of education and
experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Skill in GPS survey designs and development of plans that meet
scientific objectives as per available resources or funding.
- Skill in independent problem solving and troubleshooting in complex
situations and ability to act as a consultant regarding a wide range of
GPS applications.
- Broad range of skills related to computer operations, data
communications, interfacing and application programs using
- Solaris, Linux, DOS, and WIN95/98/2000/NT.
- Skill in GPS data processing.
- Skill in web page generation and HTML.
- Knowledge of continuous GPS sites, related hardware and
communications operations, including radio modems, telephone modems,
real-time differential GPS, power supplies, and electrical protection.
- Knowledge and skills relevant to GPS and geodetic survey
instrumentation.
- Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills (in
English) to both technical and non-technical associates.
- Demonstrated skill at performing duties in a neat, accurate, and
organized manner.
- Knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
- Knowledge of geodesy.
- Willingness to travel for extended periods of time, including up to
four months per year in Antarctica. Total annual travel may
- be as much as five months per year.
- Valid driver's license and current passport.
- Physical stamina to lift and carry up to 50 lbs over one mile over
rough terrain.
- Ability to pass the annual United States Antarctic Program medical
screening (mandatory requirement for deployment to Antarctica).
- Ability and willingness to fly for periods up to 13 hours in a wide
variety of extremely confined fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
- Willingness and ability to provide field support at primitive, remote
Arctic and Antarctic field camps. This often requires sleeping in
unheated tent accommodations at <30C temperatures.
DESIRED (but not required):
- Skill in project management, including all phases of GPS scientific
research programs and projects, scheduling multiple projects, meeting
work assignments, and coordinating multiple deadlines.