Terrain Modeling and Monitoring Scientist

Title:

Terrain Modeling and Monitoring Scientist

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! 

Around here, we define the future.

At KBR we share one goal: to improve the world responsibly as a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers.

KBR’s Science and Space division is seeking a Terrain Monitoring and Modeling Scientist to support our Technical Support Services Contract (TSSC) at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation & Science (EROS) Center (http://eros.usgs.gov/) near Sioux Falls, SD (http://www.siouxfalls.org). 

The successful candidate will become an integral part of TSSC support for the USGS EROS Center Integrated Science and Applications Branch (ISAB). The TSSC Team is comprised of highly talented remote sensing scientists, land cover scientists, software engineers, web developers, and systems engineers who work together to support the dynamic science and technical requirements of our USGS Customer.

This includes a wide-ranging portfolio of projects such as the upcoming production of a seamless 1-meter resolution elevation dataset for 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) support of the National Map.

As a Scientist working in this area, one applies an earth sciences background in conjunction with Geographic Information System (GIS) software, scripting techniques (Python), statistics, data mining, and/or modeling methodology to produce, manipulate, analyze, interpret, and mitigate issues with geospatial datasets that contribute to the successful production of a high-quality elevation dataset. 

If you have a related skillset/background and are interested in an exciting and challenging career in the field of land cover/remote sensing science, we invite you to apply for this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide technical leadership to production team/scientists.
• Investigate production system errors ( USGS, TSSC, NGTOC)
• Generate, understand and derive 1-meter seamless elevation tiles (converted/blended/integrated) using prioritized disparate 3DEP Original Product Resolution (OPR) Digital Elevation Models (DEM)
• Project and transform data to map specifications (Continental U.S.) 
• Implement solutions to resolve areas of discrepancy in adjacent DEM sources
• Recognize source and derivative elevation model anomalies to mitigate error propagation
• Capture metadata
• Execute accuracy checks (against NS1MD4 HUC level mosaic), quality assurance/quality control reviews and resolution
• Provide research and testing for changes/enhancements to the production process
• Perform regional vertical accuracy assessments
• Provide assistance/guidance on reference checkpoint data

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Candidates must meet the requirements listed below to be considered for this position; please note required items on your resume.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a national agency check and background investigation after hire to obtain credentials for facility access and user accounts
• Must have a 3-year residency in the United States

• Education:  Minimum of MS in Earth Science, Natural Science, Physical Science, or related with emphasis in geography, remote sensing, GIS, software engineering, information technology

• Years of Experience: At least 5 years of directly related professional experience (willing to consider differing combinations of education/experience)
• Proficient in geospatial data processing
• Experience working with GIS software applications (such as ArcGIS Pro)
• Fundamental understanding of remote sensing science and the characteristics of geospatial data
• Basic background in Python programming
• Writing ability and experience authoring process documentation, metadata, and reports
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including effective questioning, listening, and presentation skills
• Demonstrated initiative, self-motivation, dependability, and interpersonal skills

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Fundamental knowledge of elevation data and mapping applications
• Experience generating elevation maps
• Experience with Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL)
• Experience in conducting investigations related to geospatial data<