Forth-era Senior Technical Specialist - Stirling, United Kingdom - University of Stirling

University of Stirling

Verified Company

Stirling, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Post Details
Full time
Fixed term until 31 December 2024

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

The Post
Scotland's International Environment Centre is looking to appoint a highly motivated, forward-looking Senior Technician to join a multidisciplinary team working on the

Forth Environmental Resilience Array:

a programme pioneering the development of a world-leading digital environmental observatory for the Forth Valley Region in Scotland in collaboration with a range of regional and national partners and stakeholders.

You will join a dynamic, innovative team of scientists and technical specialists focussed on delivering a programme that will help deliver on Scotland's net zero and broader environment targets.

Description of Duties

Research and advise on sensor and wireless communication technologies to inform the design, implementation, and future strategy of Forth-ERA
Work with colleagues to procure, install, and commission sensor and wireless communication solutions
You will be expected to assume leadership for specific project tasks and supervise less experienced members of staff
Undertake regular maintenance on the sensor network performing sensor calibrations, repairs, and refurbishments as required. Diagnose and troubleshoot problems as they occur
Design, build and implement lowcost inhouse sensor and wireless communication solutions for environmental monitoring
Process and analyse data from sensors to optimise performance and develop appropriate data quality control routines
Develop standard operating procedures and maintain accurate records on sensor installations, repairs and modifications
Collaborate with researchers to interpret and validate sensor data, contributing to research and commercial projects where appropriate
Contribute to publications, reports, presentations and disseminate results and outcomes using other appropriate media as required

Essential Criteria

Experience installing sensors for environmental monitoring projects. Previous experience working with meteorological and/or hydrological sensors in would be particularly valuable
Ability to take leadership for planning, organizing and undertaking fieldwork to install and maintain sensors in the field. Confidence working on land and near to or on water
Experience designing and building distributed sensor networks using wireless communication standards such as LTE (3G/4G), LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, and/or LTE-M
Knowledge of common sensor and internet communication protocols such as MQTT, HTTPS, SFTP and IPSec
Experience specifying, designing, and building offgrid solutions to power sensors (e.g., solar, microwind turbines)
Strong problemsolving skills and an ability to find innovative solutions to challenging tasks
Excellent interpersonal and time management skills including evidence of being responsible for small projects or identified parts of a larger projects
Selfmotivation, initiative, and independence in thought and working
Experience authoring documentation such as risk assessments for fieldwork activities, technical manuals, and standard operating procedures
Full UK driving licence and confidence to take responsibility for the safe operation of University vehicles and equipment

Desirable Criteria

Skills in computer programming using languages such as C++ and Python preferably in a Linux environment
Experience building lowcost sensors and interfaces to microcontrollers and minicomputers (e.g., Raspberry-Pi, Arduino)
Experience connecting wireless sensors to private cloud networks (e.g., Microsoft Azure). Familiarity with Microsoft Azure IoT Hub would be particularly beneficial
Experience in data processing, analysis, and visualisation in languages such as Python or R. Knowledge of certificatebased authentication and encryption e.g. SSH, SAS, X.509 and sha 26
Working knowledge of relational (e.g., PostGreSQL) and/or nonrelational databases (e.g., MongoDB, COSMOS)
Working knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and spatial databases such as QGIS and PostGIS
Confidence and ability to communicate effectively with external clients and partners from different organisations and disciplines

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

-
Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

-
Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
-
Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opp