Data Scientist jobs in Roanoke, VA

Overview:

The staff data scientist holds a crucial position within Environmental Informatics team, contributing to the understanding and management of contaminated environmental projects. This role is responsible for maintaining and administering the environmental analytical databases, ensuring data integrity, accessibility, and security. Additionally, the incumbent will utilize advanced modeling techniques to simulate groundwater flow, quality, and potential interactions with surface water.

The data scientist collaborates with hydrogeologists, engineers, and other staff to address interdisciplinary project questions. This role will communicate technical findings, methodologies, and recommendations through reports, presentations, web maps and business development case studies.

Key Responsibilities:

Database Administration:

Administrate the established environmental database and related tools. Apply and refine protocols and procedures for data entry, validation, and quality assurance. Regularly update and optimize database structures to accommodate evolving business needs.

Collect, compile, and organize data from various sources, including field measurements, monitoring networks, and remote sensing.

Perform data processing, transformation, and analysis to derive meaningful information.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate datasets.

Contribute to the development of innovative approaches for assessment and management of environmental data.

Groundwater Modeling:

Develop, calibrate, and validate groundwater models using software such as MODFLOW, FEFLOW, or equivalent using multiple model interfaces, i.e. Groundwater Vistas, Model Muse, or Visual MODFLOW.

Conduct scenario analyses to simulate the impacts of various factors on groundwater flow, quantity and quality. Interpret model results and provide actionable insights to project teams.

Stay abreast of the latest advancements in groundwater modeling techniques, tools, and methodologies.

Qualifications:

Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in hydrogeology, environmental engineering, geosciences, or a related field.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.

Proficiency in groundwater modeling software (e.g., MODFLOW, FEFLOW) and GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS). Experience with deployment of asynchronous field collection tools and web map application development.

Strong programming skills in languages including Python, MATLAB, or R for data analysis and model development.

Experience in database design, administration, and SQL programming.

Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for technical and non-technical audiences.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Knowledge of statistical methods and uncertainty analysis techniques.

Prior experience in groundwater research, modeling, or database administration is preferred.

Coursework or research project applications with artificial intelligence and/or machine learning would be beneficial.