Global Water Security Center

Providing decision makers with the most reliable, ground-breaking research, applied scientific techniques, and best practices so that the hydrologic cycle and its potential impacts can be put in a context for appropriate action and response by the United States

Cartographer

The Global Water Security Center (GWSC) seeks a cartographer passionate about addressing global environmental challenges in the real world by turning complex information into compelling visual stories.The candidate will conceptualize, through multiple ways, the display of maps and information of environmental drivers such as drought, heat, and flooding.

We’re looking for a candidate with experience acquiring and assessing geospatial data from various sources, including government agencies, satellite imagery providers, and open data repositories.The candidate will undertake careful design and preparation of maps, charts, and spatial information databases. Their products will tell the story about the water supply, food, energy, and health around theworld in order to educate policy and decision makers. Applicant should be a self-starter, analytically creative, willing to brainstorm, and inquisitive.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Three (3) years of experience creating cartographic products with local government, nonprofit programs, school or in job-related duties.
  • Experience with other professional cartography tools to include, but not limited to: ERDAS; RemoteView; ENVI; and SOCET GXP. Experience with Apple Final Cut Pro X, Map Publisher, and any other interactive graphics enablers, languages, or tools.
  • Experience with programming languages such as Python or R is a plus.
  • Experience in web development or familiarity with data visualization tools.

About GWSC:

GWSC is an applied research and operational center commissioned to respond to our nation’s need for water and environmental security insights. GWSC will inform national security partners and others with global interests in water and environmental security.

Our partners include the Department of Defense (DoD), other US Government agencies, private companies, and data producers from federal agencies and academia.

GWSC is able to hire remotely, but we have a strong preference for in-person employees. UA is unable to hire remotely in some locations; if on your UA Jobs application you select to work remotely from one of those locations your application may be automatically screened out and GWSC staff will not have the opportunity to review it.

Please apply via the University of Alabama jobs site to the GWSC Cartographer position. In your cover letter, please note how you think your geospatial experience can inform water security.

Salary Range

Commensurate with experience. Anticipated $53K-$70K.

Skills and Knowledge:
  • Experience applying cartographic design principles, including principles of color, design theory, typography, map projections, thematic and statistical mapping, topographic and reference mapping, visual hierarchies, topography, and data generation.
  • Experience evaluating and summarizing complex data from diverse sources. Ability to work closely with data analysts and scientists to define analysis questions.
  • Strong proficiency in GIS software such as Esri ArcGIS Pro, 3D GIS, ArcGIS Online, ESRI Developer Platforms or QGIS.
  • Strong proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere, and Flash). Strong written and verbal communications skills.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.