Job Description
Job ID: 365892
About the Job IPUMS makes the world's largest collection of population and health survey data freely accessible online.
Hundreds of thousands of researchers worldwide use these data, and you can contribute to developing and enhancing this public
good.
We seek a data analyst interested in U.S. census data and geographic information systems (GIS) to join our diverse team of
research and information technology professionals. We are looking for a technically-minded person who enjoys working with data and has the
ability to learn new skills and knowledge quickly. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and motivated by task completion, knows when to
ask questions, has strong organization skills, and is eager to develop technical skills in geographic data processing and IPUMS
data.
The current opening is for work on the National Historical Geographic Information System (IPUMS NHGIS - nhgis.org ). NHGIS provides summary tables and time series of population, housing,
agriculture, and economic data, along with GIS-compatible boundary files, for years from 1790 through the present and for all levels of U.S.
census geography. The primary responsibility for this position is to coordinate our effort to digitize all 1980 and 1970 census block
boundaries, helping to lead a small team of student assistants. The work will also include a range of tasks involving the development and
documentation of geographic data; user support and outreach; and various additional initiatives for NHGIS and other projects at IPUMS or the
Minnesota Population Center.
RESPONSIBILITIES
You will be involved in all stages of the development, documentation, and
dissemination of IPUMS NHGIS data, with an emphasis on our GIS data.
- 40% Coordinating a GIS data development
project. Coordinate work tasks for a team of 2 to 8 undergraduate student assistants working to digitize 1980 and 1970 census block
boundaries by editing existing shapefiles to match with published data tables and paper maps. Prepare base data for editing. Manage the
acquisition and distribution of library materials. Train and guide student assistants and monitor their work. Organize completed files for
publication.
- 25% Supporting research projects. Aid in data processing and mapping tasks for various research
projects conducted by members of the Minnesota Population Center, a university-wide interdisciplinary cooperative for demographic
research.
- 15% Supporting other IPUMS data projects. Aid in data production tasks and special projects on NHGIS or
other IPUMS projects, primarily IHGIS, the international counterpart to IHGIS.
- 10% Improving workflows and processes.
Identify, design, and implement improvements to established workflows, including modifying and developing scripts to automate data
production.
- 5% Documentation. Author and edit text describing data products and workflows for both internal and
external audiences.
- 5% Outreach. Prepare and give public presentations on campus or at professional conferences or
other venues to disseminate information about IHGIS or other IPUMS projects.
Work location: This position is
eligible for hybrid or fully on-site work arrangements only, with a
requirement of at least two days per week in the
office .
ISRDI is located in Willey Hall at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN.
Qualifications Required for job duties: - A bachelor's degree or a combination of
education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years
- Experience and/or coursework using GIS and spatial
data
- Experience and/or coursework in programming or scripting (especially R or Python)
- Excellent data manipulation skills
and ability to learn new information technology
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to
work independently with limited supervision and to collaborate with others
- Attentive to detail and committed to accuracy
Additional selection criteria*: - Experience using one of the IPUMS databases or other large-scale census
or survey datasets
- Experience with a data development project
- Experience with project coordination
- Experience with
technical writing, web content design, and/or public communication
- Degree in a social science or other field where census data are
directly applicable
*Are you excited about this job and meet the
required qualifications , but
your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every preferred qualification? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less
likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply because you just may
be the right candidate for this role.
About the Department IPUMS is part of the Institute for Social
Research and Data Innovation ( isrdi.umn.edu ). ISRDI is an interdisciplinary
research organization that includes the Minnesota Population Center ( pop.umn.edu ), the Life Course Center ( lcc.umn.edu ), and the Minnesota Research Data Center ( mnrdc.umn.edu ). ISRDI supports a work-life balance for our staff with 40-hour work weeks and flexible work
hours. The University also offers excellent health insurance, retirement benefits, and tuition assistance. ISRDI encourages and supports
staff training and development.
Diversity and inclusion are core values of our organization! We are committed to creating a work
environment that celebrates and promotes diversity and advances a culture of inclusion for persons from historically excluded and
underrepresented groups. We strongly encourage members of underrepresented groups to apply.
Pay and
Benefits Pay Range: $23.10 - $28.85 per hour ($48,000 - $60,000 annual salary range); depending on
qualifications
Time Appointment : 100% Appointment
Position Type : Civil-Service
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more
information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive
wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking
programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
- Low-cost
medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA
contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with
employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee
Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
- Employee Transit
Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
How To Apply Application
deadline is December 23, 2024 and review will begin January 8, 2025 . All applications must include a
cover letter and a
resume . Please detail in your cover letter how your experience (e.g., coursework,
internships, employment, community involvement) addresses the qualifications listed above.
Questions concerning the application
process, including requests for accommodation, may be addressed to isrdi-jobs@umn.edu .
Diversity The University recognizes and values
the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.
The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of
Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed,
religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender
identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent
upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal
convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M The
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public
research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and
research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in
Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government
agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the
Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018,
2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Work experience placement, Worldwide, Flexible hours, 2 days per week,