PNSN PROGRAM OPERATIONS SPECIALIST-1
Req #: | 165968 |
Department: | EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES |
Job Location: | Seattle Campus |
Posting Date: | 03/26/2019 |
Closing Info: | Open Until Filled |
Salary: | Salary is commensurate with education and experience. |
Shift: | First Shift |
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. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for five consecutive years.
The Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network (PNSN), in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington, has an outstanding opportunity for a Program Operations Specialist to coordinate the establishment of 50 new strong motion accelerograph sites and 15 new accelerograph & broadband seismometer sites in Cascadia for the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning system. The position will be integral to the siting, permitting, and coordination of installation of the seismic stations.
The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of summer in 2020. This position is contingent upon funding through August 2020, and continuation beyond that point is contingent upon funding. The ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning project is a multi-million dollar effort that is collaborative with the US Geological Survey and several universities in California and Oregon. The new stations will augment the more than 300 sites in Washington and Oregon currently operated by PNSN. Data from these instruments are collected at the University of Washington via real-time telemetry and are used to monitor earthquake activity. The new stations will become a cornerstone of the nation's Earthquake Early Warning system. The staff of the PNSN consists of seismologists, data analysts, field technicians and computer support personnel.
Duties:
The position works in close coordination with permanent PNSN staff to: contact landowners where PNSN would like to install stations, negotiate and obtain land use permits, and coordinate with external construction and installation contractors to plan and schedule station build schedules. This position oversees and documents, under supervision of PNSN management, the determination of seismic station locations, maintains communication with and among site landowners or managers and the technical teams (engineers, construction crews, installation crews), and monitors the terms of site occupation and schedules of site deployment. We value the capacity to work with a minimum of direct supervision and independently but in a highly coordinated fashion within a collegial team, both in the office and the field. The position also involves coordinating with scientific colleagues throughout the US to define and employ best practice, and to communicate PNSN innovations. Work sites will range from our seismology lab at the University to off-campus locations in Washington and Oregon. Some overnight travel may be necessary.
Under supervision of PNSN managers and in coordination with PNSN staff:
•Investigate potential target sites for seismic station occupation (most potential sites have been pre-identified, but alternatives will be needed for some should negotiations falter).
•Contact landowners and/or property managers at sites desirable for seismic station occupation. Explain the project goals and needs and seek permission to use the site.
•Communicate with contractors responsible for permitting, construction, installation, and with PNSN project staff, to schedule the site development.
•Monitor and document progress and status of stations. Report to PNSN ShakeAlert project managers.
Other Duties:
•Planning meetings with PNSN staff for site design and scheduling.
•Contacting and coordinating with potential and/or planned site hosts.
•Contacting and coordinating with external contractors (permitting, construction, installation).
•Travel to sites for reconnaissance, evaluation, and coordination/planning.
•Document preparation and record keeping.
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.
Requirements:
•Bachelor’s Degree in a technical or scientific field, or the equivalent education/experience.
•Two years experience siting environmental monitoring stations in urban or rural settings.
•Excellent communication skills.
•Excellent organization and time management skills.
•Proven ability to work well both autonomously and in team-oriented group.
This position requires a variety of skills and knowledge. An excellent ability to communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders is foundational. Also extremely strong organizational skills to keep a number of sub-projects going on while at the same time remaining flexible to adjust to changing field conditions. A well-rounded knowledge of the needs of seismic station location including individual site conditions and data telemetry modes and paths.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Desired:
•Work experience in environmental monitoring, especially with seismological or geodetic networks.
•Knowledge of the seismotectonics of Cascadia.
•Experience and/or educational training in project management tools and technologies.
•Off-road driving experience.
•Experience with seismic or related data acquisition systems.
Conditions of Employment:
Must be able to operate a state vehicle on a daily basis, which requires a valid driver’s license recognized by the State of Washington
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 Workforce 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.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, your experiences, perspectives and unique identities will be honored at the University of Washington. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.