The Office of Chief Scientist (OCS) is the nexus of science at EDF, ensuring that the science that is the backbone for all EDF policy positions is based on the best available information. To be most effective in this role, OCS provides programmatic support for all scientists at EDF and fosters relationships with scientists outside the organization.

Overall Function

The Remote Sensing team is seeking a Geospatial Analyst with proven geospatial analytical and research skills in support of a major satellite mission to assess methane emissions with a focus on global oil and gas sector using geospatial data and analytics. The Geospatial Analyst will be a key team member of the EDF team and will work closely with EDF’s Office of the Chief Scientist and EDF scientists, technologists and external partners from academia and industry. The Geospatial Analyst will work on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of methane emissions, satellite/airborne observations, large-scale oil and gas and non-oil and gas relevant data, and a variety of geospatial data and analytics. This position will report to the Senior Scientist at EDF and will work closely with other EDF and MethaneSAT staff and key partners.

This is a 3-year fixed-term position with opportunity for extension.

Key Reponsibilities

• Compile, integrate, and analyze multiple and disparate geospatial datasets, including methane emissions data and oil and gas and non-oil and gas activity data reported in peer-reviewed publications and by governments and companies to support the development of robust analytics on global oil and gas methane emissions.
• Create automated geoprocessing workflows and conduct geospatial, statistical, and other advanced data analyses for EDF/MethaneSAT’s methane emission assessment, methane inventory development, and methane source attribution work and prepare data visualizations and reports of findings.
• Perform data and geospatial analytics of the MethaneAIR and MethaneSAT observations and geospatial targets development.
• Ensure high degree of confidence in the projects’ data products including but not limited to the development and implementation of QA/QC strategies regarding methane emissions characterization and source attribution analytics.
• Support and manage key components of ongoing projects with internal and external partners, including from academia, industry, and research organizations.
• Perform literature reviews and analyze and synthesize scientific/technical information on a variety of topics to support MethaneSAT project and related EDF activities.
• Help develop reports, fact sheets, blog posts, and other materials for general and specific audiences on the topics of focus.
• Work with a team of scientists and technologists to write up project results for staff, partners, donors, and peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Represent EDF in external meetings with a high degree of professionalism.
• Support other “rapid response” and/or project development efforts on an as-needed basis.
• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 2 or more years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree in Geoinformation Science and Analytics, Geospatial Technologies, Geography, Earth Systems Science, Remote Sensing or in a related discipline with little professional experience.
• Strong quantitative background in geospatial data analytics and tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, geostatistics).
• Background or interest in methane emissions, including from oil and gas and non-oil and gas sources, is desired.
• Proficiency in programming languages is desired (Python preferred).
• Experience working with large geospatial and satellite datasets is highly desired.
• Intellectual agility and comfort with working on a wide variety of environmental topics.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Comfortable with translating quantitative geospatial analytical information for non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to work independently and support a multi-disciplinary team, using independent judgment to plan, prioritize, and organize a diverse workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.