NCEAS Wildfire Resilience Index Data Analyst

DESCRIPTION

The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) at UCSB seeks a data analyst to support a research program focused on developing a Western Wildfire Resilience Index for the US and Canadian West (https://www.wildfireindex.org/). Built on the success of the NCEAS' Ocean Health Index, the Wildfire Resilience Index will provide policymakers and the public with clear, actionable metrics on wildfire resilience to improve management. As part of this multi-year project, you will work together as part of a dynamic project team, including an expert working group, a postdoctoral fellow, a project lead, several data analysts, and a web developer. Together this team is working to create the first quantitative, applied index of wildfire resilience in the west. This is position will be based at NCEAS in Santa Barbara, California

Position Description

As a successful Data Analyst, you will use your analytical skills and knowledge to support the development of a suite of indicators and a comprehensive indicator framework to quantitatively measure wildfire resilience at scales applicable to management. This position will give you significant opportunities to hone and apply a diverse analytical skillset and work at the critical interface of ecological synthesis science and applied management solutions. Guided by an expert working group and in partnership with the project team, you will participate in the Index development and synthesis process. You will contribute to the development of data pipelines and reproducible analytical workflows to integrate heterogeneous sources of data (tabular, geographic, remote sensing, etc.) for the project team, with a particular focus on machine learning and AI-accelerated analytical processes. You will also gather, organize, and document code and data processes involved in calculating the WWRI and work with the WWRI Web Developer to create interactive data visualizations and compelling infographics. Preference is for someone who can start by Feb. 1, 2025 but we are open to other start dates.

RESIDENCY AT NCEAS:

NCEAS is located in scenic downtown Santa Barbara, California. The Center is known for fostering interaction and collaboration, a characteristic that leads to the success of its scientists. NCEAS has a growing and thriving community of postdocs, resident scientists, and analysts, and a frequent influx of leading scientists and practitioners from around the world participating in working group projects across a diverse range of initiatives. NCEAS is also a leader in data science training, offering courses and expertise in reproducible workflows, data infrastructure, and environmental statistics. We expect that employees will contribute their knowledge, interests, and enthusiasm to the intellectual atmosphere. The employee should anticipate spending the vast majority of their time in residence at the Center and will have the opportunity to travel to relevant national and international events and conferences, with a special focus on meeting and networking opportunities across the Western US and Canada.

NCEAS is committed to improving diversity and inclusion in science. We value the diversity of expertise, backgrounds, needs, and experiences reflected among our residents, visitors, and broader communities. We are committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, parental status, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, citizenship status, and nationality. To see the steps we are taking to advance diversity and inclusion please see our full statement here: https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/diversity-inclusion.

The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service.

• A baccalaureate degree in environmental science, Earth science, ecology, data science, computer science, or a related field

• Master's degree in environmental science, earth science, ecology, data science, computer science, or a related field, or 1-2 years of relevant work experience

• At least 2 years of experience in data analysis
• Clean, efficient coding abilities, preferably in R and/or Python
• Experience using machine learning techniques to process and analyze larger datasets
• Ability to review and synthesize large amounts of literature and disparate data sources
• Ability to communicate complex information using data visualization techniques
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, paired with the ability to develop creative and efficient solutions
• Interpersonal communication skills to collaborate with diverse scientific teams
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrates an understanding and acceptance of diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts that are broader than only race, ethnicity, and gender

• 3 required (contact information only)

Name and contact information for three references. The top candidate's references will be contacted before the final job offer.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.