GCOOS Applications Specialist

About the Role

The Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS), part of the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M University, is seeking a motivated and skilled professional to manage High Frequency Radar and Underwater Glider data services, and develop other ocean data products. This role supports GCOOS in data review, database management, and data product development, overseeing large-scale and real-time ocean data streams. The selected candidate will work closely with the GCOOS Data Management and Cyberinfrastructure (DMAC) Team to deliver marine data services and applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance the underwater glider piloting tool (GANDALF) and its database.
• Maintain and enhance the High Frequency Radar (HFR) dashboard and database, including integrating new assets and developing data pipelines.
• Compile, organize, validate, and review oceanographic data and metadata from various sensors and platforms.
• Implement and maintain data collection, processing, and summarization workflows for field observations.
• Support the GCOOS DMAC Team by maintaining and troubleshooting servers, infrastructure, software applications, and data pipelines.
• Analyze oceanographic data, conduct testing, and use summarized results to inform the development and improvement of data products and software applications.
• Design, develop, and maintain software applications and data services using Python at a minimum.
• Collaborate with governmental and nongovernmental partners and stakeholders to support project implementation and advance GCOOS initiatives.
• Represent GCOOS at relevant virtual and in-person meetings, conferences, and events, including travel as needed.
• Contribute to proposal preparation for funding agencies.
• Develop and maintain training materials for internal and external users.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Four months of related experience in Information Technology, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or another related field.
• Related experience must include experience with Python programming.
• Ability to manage event setup and execution, which may involve lifting up to 20 lbs with assistance.
• Ability to travel as needed for conferences or outreach events.
• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines.

A Well-Qualified Candidate May Also Possess

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Two years of experience in Computer Science, Information Technology Management, GIS, Geography, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Physics, Environmental Science, Engineering, or other related field (Master’s degree is equivalent to two years of experience).
• Understanding of exploratory data analysis, data visualization, cloud computing, web application development and deployment, and scientific data sets.
• Experience with web server deployment and development (e.g., Nginx, Tornado, Apache).
• Proficiency in scientific writing, with preference for geologic and oceanographic writing.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of office software and instructional programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
• Strong organizational and event management skills.
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff, groups of various sizes.