Geographic Information Systems Fellows
Overview
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides a set of tools and methods for analyzing spatial information - a skillset that is in high demand across the research, business, government, and non-profit sectors. Some examples of GIS "in action" include: creating 3-D visualizations of the impact of a proposed development for use in environmental planning, determining the potential pathways of an approaching hurricane in time to develop evacuation plans, and supporting phone apps that allow customers to identify the closest restaurant or arrange for an Uber or Lyft. As a GIS Fellow, you will provide ongoing support for the use of GIS on the Roanoke College campus in teaching, research, and campus operations. You will develop hands-on skills in GIS and apply these skills to support the use of GIS by students, faculty, and staff. Program Components Training and Mentoring As the GIS Fellow, you will work one-on-one with a faculty member to develop hands-on skills in ArcGIS and provide technical support for GIS on campus. Initially, the fellow would work closely under the supervision of a faculty member to support the teaching of GIS in specific courses and to assist with troubleshooting technical issues with Information Technology. As skills in GIS increase, the Fellow will take on additional responsibilities that allow them to serve as a resource for GIS on campus by providing technical and analytical support for students, faculty, and staff interested in using GIS. Although prior experience with GIS is beneficial, it is not a requirement for this position. All necessary training will be provided.
Program Components
Training and Mentoring
As the GIS Fellow, you will work one-on-one with a faculty member to develop hands-on skills in ArcGIS and provide technical support for GIS on campus. Initially, the fellow would work closely under the supervision of a faculty member to support the teaching of GIS in specific courses and to assist with troubleshooting technical issues with Information Technology. As skills in GIS increase, the Fellow will take on additional responsibilities that allow them to serve as a resource for GIS on campus by providing technical and analytical support for students, faculty, and staff interested in using GIS. Although prior experience with GIS is beneficial, it is not a requirement for this position. All necessary training will be provided.
GIS Fellow
Initially, the GIS fellow will be responsible for:
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Providing support for the use of GIS in teaching and research within specific courses
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Serving as a liaison to staff in Information Technology to help identify and troubleshoot technical issues related to GIS
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Helping respond to and resolve technical questions related to the use of GIS
As skill in GIS increases, the GIS fellow would begin to take a greater role in:
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Assisting students, faculty, and staff across the campus in using GIS
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Helping with outreach to offices on campus to identify ways in which GIS can contribute to the operation of the college and provide technical support for GIS-based projects.
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Supporting student and faculty research using GIS
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Providing training for campus staff and others interested in using GIS
Qualifications
Ideal candidates for the GIS Fellows Program have qualities that include:
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Strong interest in GIS and/or information technology
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Self-motivated/self-starter
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Dependable and reliable
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Excellent organizational skills/ detail oriented
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Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
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Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
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Willing to take on challenging tasks and to troubleshoot problems as they arise
Application Details
Applying to the program begins with an online application, including the following essay questions: (1) Please explain your prior experience (if any) with and interest in Geographic Information Systems, and (2) How do you see the development of GIS skills contributing to your academic and professional goals?
If you are chosen as a finalist, you will interview during a campus visit and receive a $500 scholarship per year.
Finalists will be interviewed during an on-campus Fellows Competition. Only one fellowship will be awarded in this category.