Position Announcement: Librarian for Geospatial Systems and Data
Vanderbilt University and the Vanderbilt Libraries are in an exciting time of transformation. With new leadership at the Chancellor, Provost and University Librarian levels, the Libraries are re-envisioning the future of library services at Vanderbilt. Through radical collaboration we seek to deepen student and faculty engagement with the libraries, equip students for life-long information proficiency, increase faculty research impact, create more opportunities for interdisciplinary experimentation, and optimize access to collections and resources, including marginalized and hidden histories and cultures.
We are seeking a team member to help us educate the next generation of leaders and enable research that solves our most pressing problems. We are looking for an innovative and user-centered problem solver ready to join our collaborative environment and transform library services.
The Librarian for Geospatial Systems and Data advances GIS services broadly through a combination of training, consultation, project management, and management of a newly created GIS lab. The incumbent manages hardware, software, data resources and user support to facilitate geospatial analysis, research and teaching activities within the GIS lab, and in partnership with units across campus. Working closely with the Assistant Director of Geospatial Initiatives, the Librarian for Geospatial Systems and Data actively contributes to the Libraries' and University's strategic priorities by promoting and fostering the use of GIS technology in research and learning.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure that the GIS lab environment is conducive to research and learning, including hardware and software availability and functionality.
- Explore and implement new software tools, hardware upgrades, and emerging technologies relevant to geospatial analysis both independently and in coordination with campus partners.
- Keep software licenses up-to-date and ensure compliance with licensing agreements.
- Provide technical assistance and support to the campus community, including troubleshooting software and hardware problems.
- Assist users in the discovery of, acquisition, curation, organization, and access to geospatial datasets.
- Engage the campus community to deliver relevant group and individual trainings focused on GIS technologies and methods.
- Develop and manage metadata standards and classification systems for geospatial materials.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS), environmental or social sciences, or a graduate certificate in GIS is required.
- Strong knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, tools, and concepts is required.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills is required.
- Familiarity with geospatial data formats, metadata standards, and cataloging practices is required.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail is required.
- Ability to design and deliver in-person and online trainings to both individuals and groups is preferred.
- Knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in geospatial information management is preferred.
- Experience with programming languages (Python, R, etc.) for geospatial analysis is preferred.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.