IT Engineer

Position Overview

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) is a research and service division of the University of Kansas that investigates and provides information about the state's geologic and groundwater resources. KGS scientists pursue research related to surface and subsurface geology, energy resources, groundwater, and environmental hazards. They develop innovative tools and techniques, monitor earthquakes and groundwater levels, investigate water‑quality concerns, and map the state's surface geology.

Their analyses, findings, and data are shared with the scientific community and general public through publications, online resources, and presentations. The KGS also houses thousands of oil and gas and water well records filed with the state over several decades as well as thousands of rock cores and cuttings brought to Earth's surface during oil and gas drilling.

In support of this research and service mission, the KGS maintains a large, complex, and mission‑critical computing and application environment. Under moderate supervision, this position assists in the design, implementation, support, and ongoing management of key computing systems and IT infrastructure supporting the KGS research and service mission. The position collaborates with the KGS IT management team and KU IT to ensure effective management of KGS technical resources.

The start date is targeted for August 31, 2026, however exact start date is negotiable.

We are unable to provide immigration sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S.

Technologies We Use:

• Server platforms:
  Linux, Windows
• Desktop platforms:
  Windows, OS X, Linux
• Virtualization: XCP-NG, VMware
• Storage platforms: NAS, One Drive, Azure
• Cloud platforms:
  Azure, ArcGIS Online
• Web application environment:
  Apache, Cold Fusion
• Office software: MS365 suite
• Graphic design:
  Adobe Creative Suite
• Collaboration software:
  Teams, Zoom
• Front‑end:
  Cold Fusion, JavaScript, jQuery, Data Tables, Bootstrap
• Back‑end:
  Oracle (SQL, PL/SQL), ArcGIS Enterprise
• Desktop development environments:
  Python, Java, C#
• Frameworks:
  Cold Box
• Dev‑ops:
  Git Lab, Jira
• Agentic coding:
  Git Hub Copilot
• Testing automation:
  Playwright

Research Software We Use:

• GIS:
  ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Global Mapper, QGIS
• Petroleum Modeling:
  Petrel, Petra, Geographix, Golden Software
• Seismic Data Processing:
  Earthworm
• Statistical: SPSS, SAS, & R

• Deploy, configure, monitor, and maintain KGS IT infrastructure, including on‑premises physical and virtual servers and Microsoft Azure compute and storage resources.
• Work within the KU IT security framework to manage user groups, roles, and access controls.
• Implement and manage data & system protection strategies, including backup and recovery solutions for both on‑premise and cloud‑based systems.
• Implement automation technologies to streamline system management procedures.
• Evaluate system performance, security, capacity, and reliability; recommend and implement improvements.

• Analyze complex system requirements and develop effective technical solutions.
• Collaborate on the design, implementation, operation, and monitoring of systems, devices, and technologies that support the KGS research and service mission.
• Partner with researchers on the technical components of research initiatives and contribute to grant proposal development as appropriate.

• Serve as a technical liaison among IT teams, researchers, and external collaborators. Participate in KGS program, project, and research meetings as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation and training resources for KGS systems.
• Maintain active engagement with KU IT, including awareness of centralized systems, initiatives, policies, and security frameworks; participate in relevant KU IT meetings (e.g., workstation technology).

Additional duties as assigned by supervisor.