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Scientific Information Technology Specialist

Employer
Northwest Research & Outreach Center
Location
Crookston, MN
Salary
65,000 - 70,000 depending upon experience, plus amazing health & dental plans and vacation time

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Position Overview:
The position is full-time 12-month located at the NWROC in Crookston. It is innovative and multi-faceted in its scope with a focus on 1) Support aggregation and oversight of innovative data uses for the Research and Outreach Center (ROC) system; 2) Support and coordinate technological aspects of all ROC MESONET weather stations and IT systems 3) Provide IT support for the Northwest Research and Outreach Center. The position reports to the ROC Systems Operations Manager.  Salary will commesurate with experience starting at $65,000 per year. The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package (health and dental) as well as a retirement plan with an option to obtain additional retirement plans for full-time employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

75%    ROC System-Wide Data & IT Management: The position will manage and oversee data and data collection systems across the ROCs including the interaction and operations of an electronic Research and Outreach Center (eROC) data management system. The position will also be responsible for IT management and coordination efforts for the ROC system in conjunction with the CFANS Office of Information Technology (OIT) in St. Paul.

  1. Work across ROCs to support data and system standardization to improve operational efficiency in coordination with the eROC initiative (data management, training and dissemination of technology information to other ROC technical staff)
  2. Collaborate and provide support to ROC principal investigators (faculty) and staff to incorporate and manage usable research data, production agriculture data, site-specific geospatial data, and integrate it into both new and existing data collection systems by transferring to central websites and/or servers.
  3. Act as a liaison between the ROCs and GEMS (Genetics, Environment, Management, and Socioeconomics). Collaborate with GEMS to gather data or assist in communication of data.
  4. Act as a liaison between the ROCs and CFANS Office of Information Technology (OIT).
  5. Oversee standardization of IT systems throughout ROCs while working in accordance with CFANS and Central OIT. Disseminate information from OIT, provide protocols and training, and support technological aspects of ROCs; including weather stations.
  6. Have knowledge of all ROC systems, programs and databases in order to assist others across the ROC network with issues or questions and to recommend improvements.
  7. Work with OIT to coordinate and monitor upgrades in IT infrastructure, technology, and equipment at ROCs as needed.

​       Weather Stations:

  1. Act as a liaison between the ROC system, OIT, and GEMS, relaying relevant compliance information to ROCs.
  2. Maintain information technology system; determine cause of information technology problems, modify existing programs and work with vendors to resolve problems.
  3. Remotely oversee functionality of weather stations across the ROC system; assist in troubleshooting equipment issues. Travel within the state may be required at times.
  4. Collaborate with other ROCs in data management of weather stations.

 25%    NWROC Information Technology management

  1. Facilitate procurement of all supplies related to technology, installation and updating of computers, printers and software, and disposal of equipment in collaboration with CFANS and Central OIT.
  2. Provide IT support for NWROC faculty and staff through excellent customer service, fast response times, reliable technical solutions, and personal ownership of all end-user technical issues.
  3. Recommend best practices related to systems, data, and network security and integrity.
  4. Maintain and monitor weather station computers at NWROC.

Required Qualifications:

  1. BA/BS degree is required and two (2) years’ work experience in the areas of business or systems process analysis with a related degree; or four (4) years of work experience in the areas of business or systems process analysis with a non-related degree. Advanced degrees can be substituted for work experience.
  2. Proven experience configuring, upgrading, maintaining, and troubleshooting hardware and software on Windows and Macintosh computers in an Active Directory Environment.
  3. Proven knowledge of the Google Apps suite and ability to support it.
  4. Show evidence of data management skills, statistical skills, and/or ability to work with large data sets.
  5. Evidence of self-motivation and working independently without immediate supervision.
  6. Experience communicating and serving the technical needs of a diverse group of customers
  7. Experience working with a wide variety of customer requests with the proven ability to independently prioritize.

Preferred Qualifications:

  1. Skills or knowledge of geospatial information technology, ArcGIS or similar technologies.
  2. Working understanding of sql databases (architecture & data modeling), python, and REST API and interest and ability to learn new data and analytics technologies.
  3. Knowledge and experience with electronic or digital record keeping and reporting techniques.
  4. Ability to adapt and create new ideas and approaches when issues arise.
  5. Commitment to accuracy, detail, and precision.
  6. Commitment to working collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
  7. Skilled at presenting ideas and explanations of technical concepts in a user-friendly language
  8. Ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team; prioritize workloads; and thrive in a demanding environment.
  9. Experience in agriculture
  10. Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

On-Campus/Remote Work Options: Options are available regarding a flex work agreement after a six-month orientation period.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements: Office environment including standing and sitting at desk, regular use of personal computer, occasional lifting, carrying, and moving up to 50 pounds.

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