Professional Research Assistant - GIS Specialist, GNSS Modernization

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Faculty Level/Title: Professional Research Assistant
Working Title: GIS Specialist: GNSS Modernization
FTE: Full-time
Salary Range: $63,000-$68,000
Position #00356335- Requisition #39012
Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University of Colorado - Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top ranked bachelors, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers*
The world is undergoing unprecedented social transformations and environmental changes in both local and global contexts. Members of the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences (GES) are committed to understanding and tackling these profound challenges. Our classes span the environmental, social and geospatial sciences to critically appraise our changing world while providing skills and knowledge for solving urgent problems. Our award-winning faculty conduct cutting-edge research around the world to promote equitable, healthy and sustainable conditions.

Our department keeps close ties with diverse local and global organizations to provide professional experiences for our students and alumni

Professional Research Assistant
What you will do:

This Sr. Professional Research Assistant (PRA) position is part of a collaboration agreement between the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) and the National Park Service (NPS). The PRA will be a CU Denver employee performing his/her position duties in the NPS facilities. As such the PRA is subject to all the laws and regulations that apply to all CU Denver employees. This position is also subject to a federal background investigation for access to NPS IT systems. The position is for 12 months with a potential for an extension, but it is not guaranteed. The work can be done remotely, hence a specific location for the performance of the work is not specified.

The National Park Service continues to modernize its field data collection with updated equipment and software. A key part of GNSS Modernization in the NPS is the ntrip.nps.gov system which provides real-time GNSS corrections to field staff for high-accuracy work. This Sr. Professional Research Assistant will support the implementation of GNSS Modernization efforts by providing geospatial mapping expertise to the ntrip.nps.gov system to communicate services and changes to those services to the NPS and beyond.

Work will also include educating field users (remotely and in-person) in the use of high-accuracy geospatial data collection.

• Create NPS-compliant geospatial products to communicate ntrip.nps.gov GNSS station metadata to the NPS staff and public. (25%)
• Calculate geodetic transformations to apply the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) update from NAD83 2011 (2010.0) to NATRF2022 (and corresponding reference frames) (25%)
• Update field workflows for high-accuracy geospatial users to mitigate for changes to these changes to the NSRS (25%)
• Provide high-accuracy data collection field support to NPS staff, both remotely and in-person. (25%)

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Bachelors in geography, geology, hydrogeology, natural resources, forestry, environmental science, civil engineering, or related field with strong emphasis on Geospatial Science and Technology (GISc&T)
• At least 2+ years in professional geospatial technologies
• Experience in using Trimble Survey equipment including GNSS and scanning.
• Experience using centimeter accuracy to the US National Spatial Reference System with survey equipment.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• Certification or specialized training on the use of Trimble Survey equipment.
• Experience with Microsoft Sharepoint and M365 software.
• Experience providing remote or in-person support and training for users of GNSS technologies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience supporting GISc&T users.
• Effective communication skills to support development of geographic products and working with remote field users.
• Highly detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Experience in supporting users of mobile GIS (hardware and software).
• Demonstrated skills in using Trimble Survey equipment including GNSS and scanning.
• Experience using the US National Spatial Reference System with survey equipment.

Conditions of Employment

• This position is fully remote with sporadic need for travel to conduct field work or training.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

Employment Sponsorship

Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $65,000 - $68,000.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions. See Eligibility Matrix. Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, and interviews begin. Preference will be given to complete applications received by February 21, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.
• Curriculum vitae / Resume outlining experience(s).
• Three professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address. (We will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references).

Questions should be directed to Dr. Rafael Moreno-Sanchez Rafael.Moreno@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.