Associate Director of the Ocean and Environmental Data Visualization Center
usf.edu, Florida, New York, United States
Associate Director of the Ocean and Environmental Data Visualization Center
Saint Petersburg, FL, United States
Job Description The University of South Florida College of Marine Science and the Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation seek a visionary leader to serve as the Associate Director of an Ocean and Environmental Data Visualization Center. The selected candidate will work with the Center Director, scientific advisory board, and a multidisciplinary team to define and advance the center’s priorities, training programs, professional networks, outreach activities, and major initiatives, establishing the center as a premier hub for collaborative synthesis and visualization of data. The role requires deep expertise in marine spatial science and geospatial analytics, the ability to translate complex environmental data into actionable insights, and a strong record of building collaborative, multidisciplinary initiatives across disciplines and sectors.
Responsibilities
Design, deploy, and maintain innovative workflows that support acquisition, processing, visualization, and sharing of diverse datasets to make science accessible and actionable.
Build the center’s reputation as a trusted source for science‑based information and guidance. Foster partnerships through working groups, training, and open science initiatives that engage researchers, students, managers, policymakers, and Florida communities.
Advance geospatial research and visualization as a Principal Investigator or Co‑Investigator, employing spatial problem‑solving, breaking problems into component parts, seeking multiple solutions, and improving delivery of key solutions.
Develop and deliver presentations that explain visualizations and analytical insights to external groups, including technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
Communicate with visualization center clients to propose solutions illustrating how geospatial data products can address critical challenges. Identify and integrate new and emerging concepts or trends from external sources.
Develop, document, and execute governance structures and technical solutions for data interoperability, metadata standards, and cloud‑based services that align with FAIR principles.
Establish and monitor annual budgets, licensing agreements, grants, contracts, and staff recruitment and performance. Conceptualize, grow, and supervise a team that delivers synthesis, visualizations, and outreach.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum of five years related experience.
Minimum two years of experience supervising research teams or programs. Proven ability to mentor scientists and technical professionals.
Professional recognition in geospatial science, ecosystem‑based management, or related fields via membership on regional advisory boards, teams, or working groups.
Demonstrated success in building collaborative, multidisciplinary initiatives across disciplines and sectors.
Demonstrated ability to provide innovative, visionary leadership that advances the center at the intersection of science, problem‑solving, and education and outreach.
Experience managing complex agreements, budgets comprising millions of dollars, and multiple streams of funding.
Experience presenting to scientific, management, and policy communities. Remarkable presentation, interpersonal, and listening skills.
Strong understanding of the principles of geospatial visualization, cartography, ESRI products, tool development for decision support, data standards, cloud computing, 3D visualization, and web‑based data.
Based in St. Petersburg, FL, with ability to travel domestically or internationally and ability to pass a Level 2 background check.
EEO Statement The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic. This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Application Instructions To apply, submit a detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae. Priority review of applications begins on
February 9, 2026 .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Description The University of South Florida College of Marine Science and the Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation seek a visionary leader to serve as the Associate Director of an Ocean and Environmental Data Visualization Center. The selected candidate will work with the Center Director, scientific advisory board, and a multidisciplinary team to define and advance the center’s priorities, training programs, professional networks, outreach activities, and major initiatives, establishing the center as a premier hub for collaborative synthesis and visualization of data. The role requires deep expertise in marine spatial science and geospatial analytics, the ability to translate complex environmental data into actionable insights, and a strong record of building collaborative, multidisciplinary initiatives across disciplines and sectors.
Responsibilities
Design, deploy, and maintain innovative workflows that support acquisition, processing, visualization, and sharing of diverse datasets to make science accessible and actionable.
Build the center’s reputation as a trusted source for science‑based information and guidance. Foster partnerships through working groups, training, and open science initiatives that engage researchers, students, managers, policymakers, and Florida communities.
Advance geospatial research and visualization as a Principal Investigator or Co‑Investigator, employing spatial problem‑solving, breaking problems into component parts, seeking multiple solutions, and improving delivery of key solutions.
Develop and deliver presentations that explain visualizations and analytical insights to external groups, including technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
Communicate with visualization center clients to propose solutions illustrating how geospatial data products can address critical challenges. Identify and integrate new and emerging concepts or trends from external sources.
Develop, document, and execute governance structures and technical solutions for data interoperability, metadata standards, and cloud‑based services that align with FAIR principles.
Establish and monitor annual budgets, licensing agreements, grants, contracts, and staff recruitment and performance. Conceptualize, grow, and supervise a team that delivers synthesis, visualizations, and outreach.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum of five years related experience.
Minimum two years of experience supervising research teams or programs. Proven ability to mentor scientists and technical professionals.
Professional recognition in geospatial science, ecosystem‑based management, or related fields via membership on regional advisory boards, teams, or working groups.
Demonstrated success in building collaborative, multidisciplinary initiatives across disciplines and sectors.
Demonstrated ability to provide innovative, visionary leadership that advances the center at the intersection of science, problem‑solving, and education and outreach.
Experience managing complex agreements, budgets comprising millions of dollars, and multiple streams of funding.
Experience presenting to scientific, management, and policy communities. Remarkable presentation, interpersonal, and listening skills.
Strong understanding of the principles of geospatial visualization, cartography, ESRI products, tool development for decision support, data standards, cloud computing, 3D visualization, and web‑based data.
Based in St. Petersburg, FL, with ability to travel domestically or internationally and ability to pass a Level 2 background check.
EEO Statement The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic. This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Application Instructions To apply, submit a detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae. Priority review of applications begins on
February 9, 2026 .
#J-18808-Ljbffr