Geospatial Operations Manager

U-Spatial is seeking an engaged Geospatial Operations Manager to join our multifaceted team. We are looking for an experienced geospatial professional with excellent communication skills and experience managing staff in an organization working on a wide variety of projects. The successful candidate will be able to develop rapport with domain researchers, is highly organized, and comfortable working as part of an interdisciplinary research team on a diverse set of projects. This position will be based on the Twin Cities campus. Full-time remote is NOT an option for this position.

Responsibilities
Program/project management (40%)

• Plan, execute, prioritize, and oversee GIS projects, including data acquisition, analysis, application development, publications, and visualization.
• Manage help desk contacts and documentation, using existing systems, when feasible (e.g. Research Computing RT, MSI wiki/Confluence, Google Drive).
• Interact with project teams to acquire and interpret data. Develop novel methods for analyzing data using scripting, model building, and database development and management.
• Implement project management / resource management procedures and software to meet Research Computing (RC) standards.
• Direct communications related to U-Spatial - working with RC communications.
• Be the Primary Investigator (PI) on projects that are staffed by research specialists, research technicians, RAs, etc.
• Communicate with University Faculty and external clients to develop new projects. Prepare cost estimates and scope of work documents.
  

Supervise staff and personnel management (40%)

• Ensure U-Spatial User Services is staffed and accessible to the University community. Ensure response time and quality are appropriate.
• Recruit, train, and supervise GIS staff.
• Mentor newer staff.
• Foster a collaborative and productive work environment.

Manage lab space and communications (10%)

• Collaborate on creation of website content for operations elements.
• Work with the Office of Information Technology (OIT) to maintain the University's academic licensing of Esri software.
• Coordinate administration of ArcGIS Online organizations for the University with other U-Spatial staff and University stakeholders.
• Maintain, develop, and orchestrate processes for user and content management. Collaborate with other educational institutions to improve and establish best practices.
• Maintain coordination/collaboration with OIT to support GIS software for research and teaching.
• Ensure U-Spatial staff are equipped with appropriate technology to support spatial research and other activities.
• Manage efficient workflows, support documentation, and data subscriptions to ensure quality User Services in data, analysis, and account support.
• Work with Research Computing Admin group to procure hardware, software, peripherals, and other supplies.
  

Professional development (10%)

• Stay current with developments in GIS technology and best practices.
• Participate in relevant forums, communities, and conferences.

RIO and U-Spatial endorse a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. This position has been designated as work profile 1, 2, or 3. Profile 1 is expected to work primarily on-site. Profile 2 is expected to work on-site more than 50% of the time. Your office will be located in Blegen Hall. Profile 3 is expected to work remotely more than 50% of the time. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location. Full-time remote is NOT an option for this position. U-Spatial management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required

• Requires an advanced degree with one or more years of research training
• Broad background in GIS, remote sensing, cartography, and spatial computing
• Experience managing teams of people with diverse skill sets
• Ability to understand and translate domain researchers' scientific goals into analytical strategies and process requirements
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population having a wide range of technical experience levels
• Demonstrated skill in communicating technical material to technical and non-technical audiences, such as in conference presentations and report-writing
  

Preferred

• Experience with geospatial analysis and statistical methods and tools
• Experience with visualizing medium and large spatial data
• Demonstrated proficiency with Esri ArcGIS software packages
• Experience administering an ArcGIS Online subscription
• Experience participating in research collaborations across multiple disciplines
• Experience initiating, funding, staffing, and managing large projects

With offices on both the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses, U-Spatial collaborates with a variety of departments and centers, creating new opportunities and synergies around spatial research, teaching, and service by supporting projects with application development and spatial analysis. Think of U-Spatial as a consulting company with the mission to collaborate with the students, faculty and staff across all departments at the University.

U-Spatial is a nationally recognized model that advances the fast-growing need for expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial computing. The infrastructure eliminates duplication and fragmentation of resources by providing a framework of spatial data, equipment, and expertise. U-Spatial has supported over 3,000 researchers across every department and center at the University through the help desk, training, consulting, and events. U-Spatial has been integral to making the U of M one of the world's first "Spatial Universities".

Organizationally, U-Spatial is within Research Computing, an academic center within Research and Innovation Office (RIO). Research Computing brings together the diverse portfolio of research computing and data resources available at the University. Research Computing currently houses five collaborative units that provide research computing expertise, resources, training, and services across the University and beyond. These resources cover a broad range of research needs, from consultation and collaboration with domain experts, to hardware and software resources, to education and training in computational methods and technologies.

Pay Range: $90,000 - $105,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).