[Hiring] Open Source Forest Data Analyst @Colorado State University

Role Description

This position supports the Forest Service Research Data Archive (FS RDA), which preserves and publishes digital scientific data and related research products in alignment with federal open science policies and Forest Service directives. The role involves assisting scientists across FS Research Stations, the Forest Products Lab, the International Institute of Tropical Forestry, and the Joint Fire Science Program in preparing research data for public release. Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and processing diverse data types (e.g., tabular, geospatial).
• Developing and validating metadata and documentation.
• Providing training or direct support to researchers to ensure data publications meet archival and usability standards.

By facilitating high-quality data publication, this position helps advance forest, fire, and wood innovation research while supporting reuse of scientific data by both the research community and the public.

Essential Job Duties

• Job Category: Research and Analysis
• Percentage of Time: 90%
• Duty/Responsibility:
  • Review, analyze, and organize a wide variety of files and documents to ensure accurate categorization and accessibility; maintain orderly digital filing system.
  • Review metadata (data documentation) submitted by scientists, which may also involve helping write metadata.
  • Verify metadata are complete, fully describe data, are compliant with the FS RDA's metadata standard, and understandable to a non-subject matter expert.
  • Review data submitted by scientists. Ensure data are in proper archival format and fully described in the associated metadata.
  • Provide assistance and/or consultation with the preparation of data and supplemental files for publication (including tabular data, geospatial data, sound or video files, databases, documents, image files, etc.).
  • Help teach scientists how to prepare data and documentation for publication, which may include one-on-one interaction or potential presentations.
  • Other data publishing related tasks as determined by FS staff.
• Job Category: Project Management
• Percentage of Time: 10%
• Duty/Responsibility:
  • Set up timelines to deliver products.
  • Coordinate with other team members.

Conditions of Employment

• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date.
• Must comply with Colorado State University and U.S. Forest Service policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain access to federal data systems and government information resources, if required.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Ability to work remotely and/or on-site as required by the project.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with natural resources, environment, or geospatial specialization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and text editors such as Notepad, Notepad++, or Microsoft Visual Studio Code.
• Competent in ArcGIS Pro.
• Working knowledge of HTML and XML, including the ability to interpret and modify code.
• Demonstrated ability in developing and/or interpreting geospatial metadata standards: FGDC CSDGM and ISO 19115.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately review, edit, and update documents while ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance with formatting and content standards.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to confidently review and interpret data presented in multiple formats (e.g., tabular, geospatial, and database formats).
• Demonstrated ability to read and generally understand and interpret documentation, data, and terminology relevant to forest management, fire, and a wide range of biological, physical, and social sciences.

Salary Range

$65,000 - $70,000

Required Application Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Transcripts

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.