Temporary (Hybrid) Community Data Liaison - Health Affairs Institute

The Health Affairs Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Temporary (Hybrid) Community Data Liaison

About the Opportunity

The SHAPE project is a pilot designed to identify the practical challenges and test scalable solutions for updating local address data in advance of the U.S. Census Bureau's Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) operations for the 2030 Census and associated surveys such as the American Community Survey.

The project will leverage Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Address-Based Sampling (ABS), and field verification to enhance accuracy. Publicly available datasets from the U.S. Census Bureau, USPS, FEMA, and local government sources will inform the initial housing unit list, which will then be updated with findings from the field.

What You'll Do:

• Systematically drive and document all roads within McDowell County using GPS-enabled vehicles.
• Utilize GIS technology to record precise routes and collect geospatial data.
• Verify address points, structures, and access points using USPS list during the fieldwork.
• Log road conditions, key infrastructure elements, and other relevant observations as needed to update based on natural disaster recovery conditions.

Pay Grade: $24/hour
Length of Assignment: 2 weeks / not to exceed 75 hours

• Bachelor's degree
• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience
  • Previous in-field data collection experience on state, federal or municipal lands is preferred, but not required
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Competency in written and oral communication.
• Ability to drive on various types of roads to remote locations
• Ability to keep neat and concise notes and surveys.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance at all times.
• Skilled in effective communication.
• Skilled in strategic planning and logistics.
• Skilled in critical thinking, including using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Skilled in monitoring/assessing the performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take correction.
  

Valid driver's license - mileage for surveying travel will be reimbursed at the current WVU rate.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.