Undergraduate Research Assistant in Flood Risk Mapping- GEOSCI
University Park, IL - USA
Job Summary
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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The department of Geosciences is searching for a undergraduate research assistant.
Over the past 30 years flooding has been the second largest cause of weather-related fatalities in the USA.This can be particularly dangerous in urban centers where there are large concentrations of people and important infrastructure. As climate change alters precipitation patterns extreme rainfall may become more likely in some locations including the USAs Mid-Atlantic region. Baltimore MDis regularlyimpactedby flooding which damages property disrupts transit and affectspeopleslivelihoods.The risks posed byfloodingareofteninequitablydistributedandcan have greater effect in places which areeconomically disadvantagedor topographically low-lying.
This researchseeks to identify and map high flood risk zones in the city of team has createdanurban flooding model which simulates Baltimores land surface and stormwater infrastructure. When the model isrun we can visualize places where flooding is occurring.The goal of this work is tobuild a flood risk map of the city linking places where flooding occurs who is exposed and who is vulnerable.
The undergraduate research assistant will contribute to this effort bysearching for risk data across the city using GIS tools to map out risk factors and integrating flood modeling results.Through this work the student will gain hands on experience with appliedclimate risk analysis natural hazard mapping andenvironmental inequity research.
Desired skills and interests
Applicants shoulddemonstrateinterest or experience in the following areas.
An interest in climate science environmental studies data science or related fields. The student should be curious and ready to learnmore about risk analysis! Prior experience with QGIS or ArcGIS specifically importingand visualizing spatial datasets. student should be prepared to learnto clean data and configuredatasets for import.
How to apply
Interested students shouldsubmitthe following materials.
- A brief statement no more than 300 words answering the question:
How does yourpreviousexperience and interests align with the job skills and requirements described above
- Current CV or resume.
This position is ideal for students who are interested in climate impactand risk analysisapproaches thatcan be applied to real world environmental challenges.
Approx number of hours per week
4 hours per week for 8 weeks
Salary per hour and max allowance (if any).
$20 per hour up to 35 hours
Start and end date (approximate)
February 9 to April 30
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
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EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race color religion age sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability please contact .
Required Experience:
Junior IC
Key Skills
About Company
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