Research Associate (GIS Specialist) (0080410, CTAHRDean's Office)
Job Location:
Honolulu, HI - USA
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
- Description
Title: Research Associate (GIS Specialist)
Position Number:
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: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 byOctober :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:
- *Installs configures and maintains Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and hardware including servers and databases.
- *Maintains and creates geospatial services for MAGIS ensuring remote sensing and GIS data are accessible for research and extension.
- *Troubleshoots GIS-dedicated hardware and back-end web programming implementations (e.g. Geoserver or ArcGIS server).
- *Coordinates with departments on GIS software license acquisition and renewals.
- *Conducts advanced spatial analysis (buffering intersection modeling) to produce thematic maps and reports for CTAHR initiatives such as optimizing Hawaiis cropland and identifying ideal local food production areas.
- *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.
- *Analyzes aerial photographs and maps to delineate elevations wetlands vegetation and agricultural/urban land use characteristics.
- *Oversees the web-enabling of paper map collections and ensures the accuracy of datums and projections for diverse datasets.
- *Provides expert GIS consultation for faculty and students engaged in modern agriculture research including smart sensor integration and sustainable farming.
- *Designs and delivers GIS training and workshops for Centers for Applied Research and Extension Services (CARES) hubs and other community stakeholders.
- *Collaborates with professional librarians on data acquisition and campus outreach.
- *Trains and supervises student help in assisting with GIS services and maintenance.
- Develops workflows and protocols for digital quality assurance and quality control.
- Prepares reports and presentations on database usage and procurement for CTAHR leadership.
- Ensures all work adheres to federal and state regulations regarding research protocols confidentiality and ethics.
- Other duties as assigned.
*Denotes Essential Functions
Minimum Qualifications
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations groups team leaders and members and individuals.
- 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.
- If applicable for supervisory work demonstrated ability to lead subordinates manage work priorities and projects and manage employee relations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage GIS projects from start to finish.
- Knowledge of agricultural and ecology subject areas including soil data and climate modeling for land optimization.
- In-depth knowledge of Hawaiian history land tenure and cultural contexts to inform research and community engagement.
- Considerable working knowledge of GIS principles practices and evolving methodologies.
- Considerable working knowledge of land use planning cartography and surveying.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve complex problems through creative reasoning and logic.
Desirable Qualifications
- Masters degree in GIS or a related field involving heavy GIS use.
- Experience with data products such as ESRI products UAS/drone data processing and/or open-source GIS software.
- Knowledge of internet service-oriented architectures and/or web services development.
- 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.
- Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and some if not all desirable qualifications;
- Resume/Curriculum vitae (CV);
- Names of three (3) professional references (contact information including email address); and
- 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
- EEO Clery Act ADA
The University of Hawaii 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: 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.
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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 Hawaii 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:
Required Experience:
IC
