About this Research Associate 3, 4, or 5 role at Louisiana State University
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Job Posting Title:
Research Associate 3, 4, or 5
Position Type:
Other Academic
Department:
LSUAM ORED - Louisiana Geological Survey (Gregory Brian Upton Jr. (00009417))
Work Location:
3079 Energy, Coast, and Environment Building
Pay Grade:
Job Description:
This position supports the Louisiana Geological Survey's research and mapping mission through cartographic production, geographic information systems (GIS) data development, and spatial data analysis. The Research Associate will be responsible for assisting in creating geologic quadrangle maps, developing and maintaining spatial databases, conducting GPS/GNSS field data collection, and coordinating the production of derivative GIS and cartographic products. This position supports federal USGS StateMap program requirements, Louisiana state geological mapping initiatives, and research projects related to energy resources, environmental studies, and geologic hazards. The candidate will combine technical knowledge in GIS technologies with cartographic skills to produce maps and spatial data products.
Job Responsibilities:
Research Associate 3
Help create geologic quadrangle maps for USGS StateMap programs and Louisiana state mapping initiatives. Help develop map layouts, design legends, apply appropriate symbology, and ensure compliance with USGS standards and specifications. Work to produce derivative maps including surface geology, structure contour maps, and thematic compilations. (35%)
Work with supervisors to help design, develop, and maintain spatial databases for geologic, geophysical, and energy-related data. Assist in creating and editing feature classes, geodatabases, and spatial datasets. Perform spatial analysis, data validation, and quality control. Develop metadata documentation following FGDC and ISO standards. (25%)
Conduct field surveys using global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) equipment to collect spatial data for geologic features, infrastructure mapping (pipelines, wells), and ground control points. Process GPS data, perform differential corrections, and integrate field data into GIS databases. Support geologists and other researchers with field mapping technology. (10%)
Help develop and maintain web-based GIS applications and interactive maps for public data dissemination. Assist in creating online map services, story maps, and data viewers. Help manage LGS website map galleries and digital data repositories. Ensure accessibility and usability of online spatial data resources. (10%)
Provide GIS and cartographic support for research projects including coastal studies, pipeline mapping, geologic hazards assessment, and energy resource investigations. Collaborate with geologists, environmental scientists, and external partners on spatial data analysis and visualization. Prepare maps and figures for scientific publications and technical reports. (10%)
Other duties as assigned. (10%)
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in a related field or a bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of related experience in Geography, Geology, Geomatics, GIS, Cartography, or closely related field.
Professional experience in GIS data development, cartographic production, and spatial data analysis. Demonstrated proficiency with Esri ArcGIS software suite (ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap). Experience creating maps and managing spatial databases.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree and one year related experience in Geography with GIS emphasis, Geology, Geomatics, Cartography, or closely related field.
Experience with geologic mapping and USGS standards; proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) for cartographic finishing; experience with web mapping platforms (ArcGIS Online, QGIS, Leaflet); knowledge of Louisiana geology and energy industry; experience with pipeline mapping or infrastructure GIS; aerial/drone imagery processing; experience with coordinate systems and projections used in Louisiana; publication record with cartographic products. Field experience with GPS/GNSS data collection equipment. GISP (GIS Professional) certification.
Research Associate 4
Partner with leadership to create geologic quadrangle maps for USGS StateMap programs and Louisiana state mapping initiatives. Partner with leadership to develop map layouts, design legends, apply appropriate symbology, and ensure compliance with USGS standards and specifications. Work to produce derivative maps including surface geology, structure contour maps, and thematic compilations. (35%)
Partner with leadership to design, develop, and maintain spatial databases for geologic, geophysical, and energy-related data. Assist in creating and editing feature classes, geodatabases, and spatial datasets. Perform spatial analysis, data validation, and quality control. Develop metadata documentation following FGDC and ISO standards. (25%)
Conduct field surveys using global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) equipment to collect spatial data for geologic features, infrastructure mapping (pipelines, wells), and ground control points. Process GPS data, perform differential corrections, and integrate field data into GIS databases. Support geologists and other researchers with field mapping technology. (10%)
Partner with leadership to develop and maintain web-based GIS applications and interactive maps for public data dissemination. Assist in creating online map services, story maps, and data viewers. Help manage LGS website map galleries and digital data repositories. Ensure accessibility and usability of online spatial data resources. (10%)
Provide GIS and cartographic support for research projects including coastal studies, pipeline mapping, geologic hazards assessment, and energy resource investigations. Collaborate with geologists, environmental scientists, and external partners on spatial data analysis and visualization. Prepare maps and figures for scientific publications and technical reports. (10%)
Other duties as assigned. (10%)
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in a related field and two years of related experience or a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of related experience in Geography, Geology, Geomatics, GIS, Cartography, or closely related field.
Professional experience in GIS data development, cartographic production, and spatial data analysis. Demonstrated proficiency with Esri ArcGIS software suite (ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap). Experience creating maps and managing spatial databases.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree and more than two years related experience in Geography with GIS emphasis, Geology, Geomatics, Cartography, or closely related field.
Experience with geologic mapping and USGS standards; proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) for cartographic finishing; experience with web mapping platforms (ArcGIS Online, QGIS, Leaflet); knowledge of Louisiana geology and energy industry; experience with pipeline mapping or infrastructure GIS; aerial/drone imagery processing; experience with coordinate systems and projections used in Louisiana; publication record with cartographic products. Field experience with GPS/GNSS data collection equipment. GISP (GIS Professional) certification.
Research Associate 5
Create geologic quadrangle maps for USGS StateMap programs and Louisiana state mapping initiatives. Develop map layouts, design legends, apply appropriate symbology, and ensure compliance with USGS standards and specifications. Produce derivative maps including surface geology, structure contour maps, and thematic compilations. (35%)
Design, develop, and maintain spatial databases for geologic, geophysical, and energy-related data. Create and edit feature classes, geodatabases, and spatial datasets. Perform spatial analysis, data validation, and quality control. Develop metadata documentation following FGDC and ISO standards. (25%)
Conduct field surveys using global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) equipment to collect spatial data for geologic features, infrastructure mapping (pipelines, wells), and ground control points. Process GPS data, perform differential corrections, and integrate field data into GIS databases. Support geologists and other researchers with field mapping technology. (10%)
Develop and maintain web-based GIS applications and interactive maps for public data dissemination. Create online map services, story maps, and data viewers. Manage LGS website map galleries and digital data repositories. Ensure accessibility and usability of online spatial data resources. (10%)
Provide GIS and cartographic support for research projects including coastal studies, pipeline mapping, geologic hazards assessment, and energy resource investigations. Collaborate with geologists, environmental scientists, and external partners on spatial data analysis and visualization. Prepare maps and figures for scientific publications and technical reports. (10%)
Other duties as assigned. (10%)
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and six years of related experience OR a master’s degree and two years of related experience OR a terminal degree (Ph.D.) in Geography, Geology, Geomatics, GIS, Cartography, or closely related field.
Professional experience in GIS data development, cartographic production, and spatial data analysis. Demonstrated proficiency with Esri ArcGIS software suite (ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap). Experience creating maps and managing spatial databases.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D in Geography with GIS emphasis, Geology, Geomatics, Cartography, or closely related field.
Experience with geologic mapping and USGS standards; proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) for cartographic finishing; experience with web mapping platforms (ArcGIS Online, QGIS, Leaflet); knowledge of Louisiana geology and energy industry; experience with pipeline mapping or infrastructure GIS; aerial/drone imagery processing; experience with coordinate systems and projections used in Louisiana; publication record with cartographic products. Field experience with GPS/GNSS data collection equipment. GISP (GIS Professional) certification.
Additional Information:
Physical ability and eye-hand coordination necessary to use a computer terminal, copier, telephone, and other standard office equipment; ability to sit in the same position for extended periods (5.5+ hours a day) at a time using continuous hand motions while working on the computer system.
Additional Job Description:
Special Instructions:
Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.
A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.
Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).
For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [email protected].
For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Dr. Greg Upton at [email protected].
Skills Needed:
Preferred Skills:
Posting Date:
June 22, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
October 21, 2026
Additional Position Information:
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Essential Position (Y/N):
LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
HCM Contact Information:
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [email protected]. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.
