Research Associate (GIS Specialist) (0080410, CTAHR/Dean's Office)

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University of Hawaii

Honolulu, Hawaii

Deadline Oct 16, 2026
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Description

Title: Research Associate (GIS Specialist) 

Position Number: 0080410

Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Office of the Dean

Location: University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI

Date Posted: October 5, 2026

Closing Date: October 16, 2026, 11:59PM HST

Band: B

Salary : salary schedules and placement information

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent: Permanent

Other Conditions: All application materials should be submitted by October 16, 2026, 11:59PM HST. Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee. Please see application instructions.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. *Installs, configures, and maintains Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and hardware, including servers and databases.
  2. *Maintains and creates geospatial services for MAGIS, ensuring remote sensing and GIS data are accessible for research and extension.
  3. *Troubleshoots GIS-dedicated hardware and back-end web programming implementations (e.g., Geoserver or ArcGIS server).
  4. *Coordinates with departments on GIS software license acquisition and renewals.
  5. *Conducts advanced spatial analysis (buffering, intersection, modeling) to produce thematic maps and reports for CTAHR initiatives, such as optimizing Hawaii's cropland and identifying ideal local food production areas.
  6. *Performs data entry via digitizing and converting Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS/drone) data and GPS coordinates to support precision agriculture and biosecurity efforts against pests like the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle.
  7. *Analyzes aerial photographs and maps to delineate elevations, wetlands, vegetation, and agricultural/urban land use characteristics.
  8. *Oversees the "web-enabling" of paper map collections and ensures the accuracy of datums and projections for diverse datasets.
  9. *Provides expert GIS consultation for faculty and students engaged in modern agriculture research, including smart sensor integration and sustainable farming.
  10. *Designs and delivers GIS training and workshops for Centers for Applied Research and Extension Services (CARES) hubs and other community stakeholders.
  11. *Collaborates with professional librarians on data acquisition and campus outreach.
  12. *Trains and supervises student help in assisting with GIS services and maintenance.
  13. Develops workflows and protocols for digital quality assurance and quality control.
  14. Prepares reports and presentations on database usage and procurement for CTAHR leadership.
  15. Ensures all work adheres to federal and state regulations regarding research protocols, confidentiality, and ethics.
  16. Other duties as assigned.

*Denotes Essential Functions

 

Minimum Qualifications 

  1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Geography, Urban and Regional Planning, GIS, or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for spatial analysis and statistics, GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial databases, database management, and/or data analysis; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
  2. Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of spatial analysis and statistics, GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial databases, database management, and/or data analysis as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
  3. Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with spatial analysis and statistics, GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial databases, database management, and/or data analysis.
  4. Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
  5. Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
  6. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
  7. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and systems and/or programs that utilize spatial analysis and statistics, GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial databases, database management, and/or data analysis.
  8. If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.

 

Supplemental Minimum Qualifications 

  1. Demonstrated ability to manage GIS projects from start to finish.
  2. Knowledge of agricultural and ecology subject areas, including soil data and climate modeling for land optimization.
  3. In-depth knowledge of Hawaiian history, land tenure, and cultural contexts to inform research and community engagement.
  4. Considerable working knowledge of GIS principles, practices, and evolving methodologies.
  5. Considerable working knowledge of land use planning, cartography, and surveying.
  6. Demonstrated ability to resolve complex problems through creative reasoning and logic.

 

Desirable Qualifications 

  1. Master's degree in GIS or a related field involving heavy GIS use.
  2. Experience with data products, such as ESRI products, UAS/drone data processing, and/or open-source GIS software.
  3. Knowledge of internet service-oriented architectures and/or web services development.
  4. Experience in an academic research or extension services.



TO APPLY: Click in the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach the required documents. If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.

  1. Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and some, if not all, desirable qualifications;
  2. Resume/Curriculum vitae (CV);
  3. Names of three (3) professional references (contact information including email address); and
  4. Official transcripts or original documentation from the institution confirming the degree (copies acceptable; however, official transcripts sent directly from the degree-granting institution are required upon hire). 
  • Any confidential data should be redacted (e.g. social security number, date of birth, etc). 
  • Diplomas will not be accepted.

 

Note: Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.



Inquiries: Dr. Parwinder Grewal, pgrewal@hawaii.edu

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status.  For more information, visit:  https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/


Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
 
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
 
In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status. 
 
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/   

HOW TO APPLY

https://governmentjobs.com/jobs/5504635

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on My GIS Jobs.

Category GIS Analyst , GIS Developer
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