Job Description

Position Summary:

Colorado State University (CSU) is seeking a Data and AI Product Specialist to support the National Park Service (NPS) in transforming operational workflows and data systems for real-time mapping, accessibility, and visitor information. This role combines business analysis, product strategy, and data automation, with a focus on stakeholder engagement and Agile delivery.

The specialist will play a key role in defining system requirements, coordinating across development teams, and applying AI-enhanced tools to optimize data flow and improve operational efficiency. With experience in technical product delivery, this position supports the long-term sustainability and scalability of national digital services.

Unit Description:

The NREL is a research and teaching unit at Colorado State University with a mission “to ensure the sustainability of the Earth’s ecosystems through the generation and application of new knowledge.” The department’s interdisciplinary, ecosystem research promotes collaborations among disciplines and across fields of expertise at CSU and throughout the world. As a soft-money research unit, this role is critical to ensure adequate funding to sustain its vital role in the research community both locally and across the globe.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Process and Product Management (40%)

• Analyze current-state operational and data workflows across NPS digital systems.

• Lead stakeholder engagement to gather requirements and translate them into product roadmaps, user stories, and sprint goals.

• Align technical solutions with organizational strategy and user needs using Agile and SAFe methods.

• Support the definition of KPIs and success metrics for digital system improvements.

Data Integration and Governance (30%)

• Manage structured datasets related to accessibility, alerts, visitor amenities, and spatial data.

• Collaborate with engineers to ensure data flows cleanly into APIs, maps, and internal tools.

• Define and apply validation logic, data governance policies, and versioning controls.

AI and Automation Strategy (20%)

• Evaluate opportunities for ML and AI-based automation to improve data accuracy, reduce manual workload, and deliver predictive insights.

• Support implementation of AI-enhanced workflows in collaboration with dev and data teams.

• Monitor performance of AI models in production and assist in tuning workflows for better reliability.

Collaboration, Special Projects, and Reporting (10%)

• Facilitate communication across software development, mobile, and operations teams.

• Contribute to special initiatives such as relocations, installations, or infrastructure pilots.

• Prepare technical documentation, dashboards, and presentations for internal and external audiences.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Data Analytics, or a related business-technology field. At least 3 years of experience in business analysis, product delivery, or digital service design. Familiarity with Agile or Scrum methodologies and product road mapping. Experience with structured data systems, automation tools, and API integration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience coordinating cross-functional teams on digital service initiatives

• Exposure to mapping technologies, real-time data systems, or spatial data workflows

• Understanding of AI or machine learning tools and how they support business goals

Professional Development:

This role offers meaningful growth in product leadership, data strategy, and automation planning, with direct impact on national-scale public digital services. The specialist will work in a collaborative Agile team, helping to shape and deliver innovative data solutions that support the NPS mission.

Salary Range

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

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Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.