Data Processing Specialist

The Data Processing Technician will assist with analyzing and assessing data files stored on magnetic tapes for historical scientific materials, primarily seismograms and other earthquake-related materials. The technician will be responsible for ensuring data conversion software runs correctly by reviewing and editing metadata. The main objective of the technician is ensuring the successful conversion of raw audio files to modern format. Knowledge of earth science, especially seismology, is preferred but not required. The work can be performed remotely.

Responsibilities

• Determine if converted data is realistic and that the timing is accurate (by looking at historic events where available)
• Provide a first-order assessment of the noise level of the data
• Assess completeness of converted files
• Review the accuracy of existing metadata
• Create, revise, or update other designated metadata fields for each tape's raw file in an effort to improve data conversion to a modern format.

Requirements

• Competence with using the Unix command line including simple shell scripting.
• Familiarity with working on Linux and macOS systems.
• Basic experience with timeseries processing, preferably of seismic data, though audio data or other “1D-data” may be considered sufficiently similar.
• Basic familiarity with seismic data (e.g. at the level of an introductory geophysics course or similar): should know what typical earthquake signals or microseism looks like, understand the concept of arrival times, etc. but no need for deep theoretical understanding.
• Basic familiarity with the Seismic Analysis Codes (SAC), ObsPy, or similar seismic analysis software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for long periods of time and to maintain focus on projects such as computer screens or detailed paperwork.
• Occasionally lifting of items weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds such as files, books, and other materials.

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum