Career Center

The University of Washington Tacoma is an anchor institution that is deeply invested in its local communities and in student success. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. UW Tacoma’s commitment to access and diversity is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth. More information about UW Tacoma and its strategic plan can be found here.

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The UW Puget Sound Institute seeks a Database Management Specialist responsible for managing large, complex, modeled and measured data sets supporting state of the art numerical watershed models including the Visualizing Ecosystem Land Management Assessment Model (VELMA) and associated tools.  This position supports an integrated terrestrial-marine modeling project to assess human impacts on Puget Sound terrestrial ecosystems and consequent transfers and impacts of freshwater pollutants on the Puget Sound marine ecosystem. This position will expand current capabilities within the Puget Sound Institute and the Salish Sea Modeling Center
(https://www.pugetsoundinstitute.org/salish-sea-modeling-center/) at the Center for Urban Waters, supporting applied water quality modeling for regional utilities, research centers, environmental NGOs, and state, federal, and tribal governments. We are particularly interested in candidates experienced in the management of large databases in STEM-related fields and having demonstrated competency in the following areas.

Application of database management tools and best practices for securely storing, cataloging, tracking, archiving, accessing, summarizing, analyzing, and reporting modeled and measured large (multi-terabyte), complex data sets, aka, big data.

Application of ArcGIS or similar tools for processing, analyzing, visualizing, and characterizing spatial and temporal patterns and variability in big data sets.

Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.

Competency in providing routine assistance to project modeling staff in accessing, storing, and applying data for modeling, visualizing, and reporting scientific research outputs.

Modeling experience with ecological, hydrological, land use, or climate simulation models is a plus but not required.

Experience in data analysis using Python or related programming languages is a plus.

This full-time position is funded for 2 years with the potential for additional funding. The position is housed at the Center for Urban Waters in Tacoma, working in-person with the potential for some teleworking.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION:
Bachelor’s degree in data science or equivalent and at least one year of experience

Extensive experience with data management and analysis components

DESIRED QUALIFICATION:
Master’s degree in natural or social science

1-3 years of experience working with large databases in the context of numerical models

Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.