Black Rock, the Columbia Center for New Media Teaching & Learning (http://ccnmtl.columbia.edu), and the Center for Digital Research and Scholarship (http://cdrs.columbia.edu) are collaborating on a project known as the Virtual Forest Initiative. This initiative is developing a technological framework to support and enhance research, education, and community activities centered on scientific activities at Black Rock Forest. At the heart of this initiative is the provision of searchable, downloadable forest data and resources for use by scientists, educators, and the general public.
Through consultation with scientific researchers as well as Black Rock Forest, CCNMTL, and CDRS staff, the Black Rock Forest Data Manager will be responsible for gathering, examining, and cleaning up the Forest's repository of electronic data files for key research projects taking place at the Forest. The Manager will also design and implement a methodology for the Forest to maintain these datasets in their newly "curated" form as new data is accumulated. The Manager will document this methodology and assist CCNMTL and CDRS staff in defining and testing metadata schemes and digital archiving techniques in support of the goals of the Virtual Forest Initiative.
We expect the above work to take approximately 2-4 months, with time split between the Columbia University's Morningside campus and Black Rock Forest. Additional work could follow.
Qualifications
• B.S. or greater in a scientific field; preference for those with M.S. or higher, and preference for an environmental science-related discipline.
• Proficiency with relevant software, especially Excel, including macros, and other data entry and analysis tools.
• Attention to detail and aptitude for working with numbers; ability to work for extended periods on tasks requiring consistent accuracy and precision.
• Ability to communicate clearly about data with researchers and computing staff (both oral and written communication).
• Ability to provide own transport between Columbia University Morningside campus and Black Rock Forest located near Cornwall, NY.
• Self-managing autonomous individual who can work independently but will seek assistance pro-actively as appropriate.
• Preference for skills/familiarity with XML and Oxygen XML editor.
Pay commensurate with experience.
To apply, please write to Alice Cox at ajc2141@columbia.edu with Black Rock Data Manager in the subject line.