Geospatial Analyst, MethaneSAT

The Environmental Defense Fund is hiring a Geospatial Analyst for the MethaneSAT project, focusing on analyzing satellite data to assess methane emissions in the oil and gas sector. Responsibilities include geospatial analytics, source attribution of methane plumes, and collaboration with internal and external teams. This is a fixed-term, two-year remote position aimed at supporting scientific research and communication related to methane emissions.
48The 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 work closely with scientists at EDF's Office of the Chief Scientist, and with the team of data analysts at the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) of UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO). The Geospatial Analyst will be primarily responsible for the exploitation of MethaneSAT data for the detection and attribution of methane point sources, in particular within IMEO-MARS. This includes the analysis of MethaneSAT data for the detection, verification and attribution of methane plumes and their potential notification to the relevant stakeholders. This interdisciplinary project is 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 will be a fixed term, two-year position.
Key responsibilities

Specific tasks will include, but are not limited to:
• Perform geospatial analytics of MethaneSAT methane concentration maps (level 3 product) and potential methane plume detections (level 4).
• Perform source attribution of the methane plumes detected in MethaneSAT observations.
• Combine the methane sources identified with MethaneSAT with those discovered by from satellites into a common database of satellite-based plume detections.
• Work jointly with the IMEO-MARS team for the external notification and/or archiving of the detected 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.
• Ensure high degree of confidence in MethaneSAT 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.
• 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.
• Background 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.

Location

This role is remote and can be based in Germany, the Netherlands, or the UK. You must have the right to live and work in the country you apply for the duration of the position.
Compensation
• Germany - 48,000-53,000 EUR
• Netherlands - 35,000-38,000 EUR
• UK - 35,000-38,000 GPB

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.
€48,000-€53,000EUR