GIS & Remote Sensing Research Analyst

The World Resources Institute is seeking candidates for a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing Research Analyst for the Global Forest Watch and Forest and Landscapes Restoration program areas
within the People and Ecosystems Program.

The GIS/RS Analyst will use spatial data to assess forest change and development occurring in forested regions around the world, with a special focus on tropical forests.  The candidate will also contribute to efforts to map forest restoration opportunities globally, and in Indonesia and Brazil. The research analyst will collaborate with partner NGOs and government agencies in developing countries on data development, analysis, and capacity building. Outreach activities include preparing online and print maps, preparing written reports, and developing website content.

• Collecting and compiling spatial data and preparing for public sharing (cleaning data, preparing metadata, reprojecting data, managing geodatabases).
• Analysis with spatial data, including deriving spatial statistics, use of geoprocessing tools, Model Builder and other analytical tools using ArcGIS and Python. Use of automation tools and batch processing required.
• Preparing map services for map-based websites, requiring use of ArcGIS Server and ArcGIS Online. Develop and maintain data portals.
• Prepare professional maps for online applications and print publications, using advanced cartographic skills.
• Researching and developing attribute databases; maintaining databases.
• Using satellite imagery to validate forest change data, develop roads datasets; acquiring and analyzing satellite imagery
• Working with a diverse group of collaborators, including many international organizations
• Maintaining GIS hardware and software; installing software and upgrades; troubleshooting software issues and providing technical support.
• Preparing maps, posters and graphics summarizing findings
• Responding to requests for information and data.

• Proficiency in GIS software including ArcGIS Desktop 10.x, ArcGIS Server, ERDAS Imagine
• Experience in spatial analysis and modeling (e.g., use of ArcGIS Model Builder, Python scripting, or equivalent)
• Strong analytical skills, including raster analysis, generating statistics and indicators from spatial data, automating common tasks.
• Strong communication skills, including presentation experience.
• Excellent English speaking and writing skills required; fluency in another language (Spanish, French, Bahasa Indonesia, or Portuguese) a plus.
• Experience working in developing countries a plus
• Ability to work on a variety of projects while meeting tight deadlines
• Supervisory or mentoring experience teaching the use and applications of GIS software is helpful.
• International work experience and good cross-cultural and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in graphics software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator) with an ability to produce high quality maps for publication highly preferred.
• Knowledge of forestry and tropical ecology is also desirable.

Salary and benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package. 

Duration

The position is full time, subject to funding. The start date is as soon as possible.  

The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org/wri) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. As an Equal
Opportunity Employer, it is WRI’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status,
sexual preference, parental status, or disability. WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI's policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from U.S. minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations), and from women of all backgrounds.

About WRI

The World Resources Institute is a global environmental think tank that goes beyond research to put ideas into action. We work with governments, companies, and civil society to build solutions to urgent environmental challenges. WRI’s transformative ideas protect the earth and promote development because sustainability is essential to meeting human needs and fulfilling human aspirations in the future.

Established in 1982, WRI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization respected globally by policymakers, NGOs,
and corporate leaders because of the rigorous quality, balance, and independence of its work. With its think-tank roots, WRI values innovative ideas, working collaboratively, and thinking independently. WRI employees see the results of their hard work and have the satisfaction of making a significant difference in the world.

Currently a $45 million organization with an international staff of approximately 200, WRI works with more than 400 partners in 50 countries. WRI provides objective information and practical proposals for policy and institutional change that foster environmentally sound, socially equitable development.

Values
In its day to day work, WRI is guided by several core institutional values:

Innovation: To lead change for a sustainable world, WRI is creative, forward thinking, entrepreneurial, and adaptive.

Independence: WRI’s effectiveness depends on work that is uncompromised by partisan politics, institutional or personal allegiances, or sources of financial support.

Urgency: WRI believes that change in human behavior is urgently needed to halt the accelerating rate of environmental deterioration.

Independence: Our effectiveness depends on work that is uncompromised by partisan politics, institutional or personal allegiances, or sources of financial support.

Respect: Our relationships are based on the belief that all people deserve respect.

Approach
Everything WRI does is built on four key elements:

Focus on Results: WRI organizes all of its work to produce powerful and practical solutions, strategies and tools, policies and partnerships.

Analytical Excellence: WRI identifies problems, drivers of change, economic incentives, and consequences to arrive at comprehensive, incentive-based, practical solutions.

Partnerships: WRI works with scientists, governments, businesses, NGOs, and international institutions worldwide to create incentives and pressure for change.

Communications: WRI fosters change by disseminating their solutions and ideas to targeted audiences.