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Remote Sensing Scientist Jobs in Puerto Rico (NOW HIRING)

Meteorologist

Carolina, PR · On-site +1

$40K/yr

Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or another natural science major that includes: * At ... hours in remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation * 6 semester hours of physics ...

Remote Sensing Scientist information

Is remote sensing and GIS a good career?

Remote sensing scientists and GIS specialists work with satellite imagery, geographic data, and spatial analysis tools to support environmental, urban planning, and defense applications. The field offers growing job opportunities, often requires proficiency in software like ArcGIS or ENVI, and benefits from relevant degrees and certifications. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in geospatial technology and data analysis.

What is the difference between Remote Sensing Scientist vs GIS Analyst?

AspectRemote Sensing ScientistGIS Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, or related fieldsBachelor's/Master's in Geography, GIS, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, government agencies, environmental firmsUrban planning, environmental consulting, government agencies
Industry UsageSatellite data analysis, environmental monitoringMapping, spatial data analysis, infrastructure planning
Common Search IntentRemote sensing data interpretation, satellite imagery analysisGIS mapping, spatial data management

While both roles involve geospatial data, Remote Sensing Scientists focus on analyzing satellite and aerial imagery to monitor environmental changes, whereas GIS Analysts primarily work with geographic information systems to create maps and analyze spatial data for planning and decision-making.

What does a remote sensing scientist do?

Remote sensing scientists analyze data using sensors to solve problems related to local issues like urban planning to global complications like natural resource management. As a remote sensing scientist, your responsibilities include using statistical analysis or image analysis software to analyze data acquired by aircraft, satellites, and other platforms. You monitor atmospheric changes, better understand geospatial information, and even help influence decision making regarding fair and equitable land use. Remote sensing scientists are closely involved in innumerable fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote sensing scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Sensing Scientist, you need a strong background in geospatial analysis, image processing, and a relevant degree in fields such as geography, environmental science, or engineering. Familiarity with GIS software (like ArcGIS or QGIS), remote sensing tools (such as ENVI or ERDAS Imagine), and programming languages (Python, R) is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting data and presenting findings. These competencies are vital for accurately analyzing earth observation data, supporting decision-making, and ensuring the reliability of scientific conclusions.

What is a remote sensing scientist?

Remote Sensing Scientists are professionals who use satellite or airborne sensor data to analyze and interpret information about the Earth's surface and atmosphere. They apply techniques from physics, geography, and computer science to process and analyze remotely sensed images for applications such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management. Their work often involves using software to manipulate geospatial data and create maps or models that inform decision-making. Remote Sensing Scientists may work in government agencies, research institutions, or private industry, and often collaborate with other scientists and engineers.

Does remote sensing scientist pay well?

Remote sensing scientists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. According to industry data, median salaries range from $60,000 to over $100,000 annually, with higher pay often associated with advanced skills in GIS, image analysis, and remote sensing software. Many roles also offer benefits such as flexible schedules and opportunities for professional development.

How do you become a remote sensing scientist?

To become a remote sensing scientist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in fields such as geography, environmental science, or remote sensing, with many roles requiring a master's or Ph.D. for advanced positions. Developing skills in GIS, image analysis, and programming languages like Python or R is important, along with experience using remote sensing tools and satellite data. Gaining practical experience through internships or research projects can also enhance job prospects.

What are some typical challenges remote sensing scientists face when working with large datasets?

Remote Sensing Scientists often work with massive amounts of satellite or aerial imagery, which can present challenges related to data storage, processing speed, and data quality management. Ensuring the accuracy of image analysis and integrating data from multiple sensor types or platforms can also be complex. To address these issues, scientists frequently rely on high-performance computing, cloud-based platforms, and advanced algorithms for data preprocessing and analysis. Collaborating closely with data engineers and software developers is common to streamline workflow and maintain data integrity.
What are popular job titles related to Remote Sensing Scientist jobs in Puerto Rico? For Remote Sensing Scientist jobs in Puerto Rico, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Sensing Scientist jobs in Puerto Rico look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Sensing Scientist jobs in Puerto Rico are:
Infographic showing various Remote Sensing Scientist job openings in Puerto Rico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Meteorologist

US Department of Commerce

Carolina, PR • On-site, Remote

$40K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Offices (WFO) or National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), with vacancies in each listed location.
This job announcement is intended to establish a Standing Register of Eligible Applicants to fill vacancies as they arise with an initial cut-off date of May 22, 2026. Please refer to the Qualifications section for additional information.Qualifications:

This Standing Register Job Announcement establishes an applicant pool under Direct Hire Authority 5 CFR 337.205(b) to fill full-time permanent positions at multiple NWS locations as vacancies occur. The announcement will remain open as stated in the vacancy notice. For consideration during the current review cycle, applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on July 12, 2026.

Applications received after the cutoff may be considered during future review cycles. Applicants remain eligible for consideration for up to six months after the announcement closes or until they withdraw. Applicants who withdraw may reapply for future referrals. Eligible applicants may also be considered for additional vacancies as new certificates are issued.

After the announcement closes, applicants may submit documentation of additional qualifications earned after the closing date to noaa.applicantinquiries@noaa.gov. This information may be considered for up to six months following the closing date.

Incomplete resumes, unsupported questionnaire responses, or missing required documentation may result in an applicant being rated ineligible or not qualified. Applicants may update their application for future cutoff dates.

Qualification requirements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.


BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must meet the positive education requirement and specialized experience requirement (or applicable education substitution/combination). Transcripts must be submitted.

To qualify for the 1340 Meteorology series:

EDUCATION:
A. Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or another natural science major that includes:

  • At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in meteorology/atmospheric science, including:
    • 6 semester hours in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics
    • 6 semester hours in analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale)
    • 3 semester hours in physical meteorology
    • 2 semester hours in remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation
  • 6 semester hours of physics, including at least one laboratory course.
  • 3 semester hours of ordinary differential equations.
  • 9 semester hours in appropriate physical science coursework, including three or more of the following: physical hydrology, statistics, chemistry, physical oceanography, physical climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics, or computer science.

Calculus coursework appropriate for a physical science major is required as a prerequisite or corequisite for atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience that includes the required coursework above.


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower federal grade level. Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the position duties. Qualifying experience may include paid or unpaid work, including volunteer service.


GS-05:
Applicants who meet the basic education requirement qualify at the GS-05 level.


GS-07:
In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must meet one of the following:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, including:

  • Using current hydro-meteorological data to monitor conditions and assist with forecast preparation for weather, water, or climate hazards.

OR

EDUCATION: One full year of graduate-level education in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or a related field.

OR

SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: A bachelor's degree with one of the following:

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher overall or during the final two years of undergraduate study;
  • GPA of 3.5 or higher in major coursework;
  • Upper third ranking in graduating class; or
  • Membership in a qualifying national scholastic honor society.

OR

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of graduate education and specialized experience may satisfy requirements.


GS-09:
In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must meet one of the following:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, including:

  • Using advanced hydro-meteorological data to monitor a geographic area and assist in preparing and issuing warnings, advisories, outlooks, and forecasts for weather, water, or climate hazards.

OR

EDUCATION: Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or a related field, or two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.

OR

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of qualifying graduate education and specialized experience may satisfy requirements. Only graduate education beyond the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience.

Education:

College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), name of accredited institution, course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.

Employment Type: OTHER

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