\n
Erin Weller, Data Manager<\/h3>\nOur hydrographic data contributes to safe navigation, and I ensure data integrity is maintained during data transfers. The data and products we create are made available to the public on NCEI’s website <\/a>and can be used for other research including fisheries habitat studies, tsunami modeling, and digital mapping.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n![\"Erin](\"https:\/\/noaacoastsurvey.files.wordpress.com\/2018\/07\/erinweller_photo.jpg\")
Erin Weller, a data manager for Coast Survey, in front of a wall painted with a NOAA ship.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\nWhat is your job title and how long have you worked for Coast Survey?<\/strong><\/h5>\nI have worked as a physical scientist and data manager for a combined total of eight years.<\/p>\n
What were your experiences prior to working for Coast Survey?<\/strong><\/h5>\nPrior to working with Coast Survey, I was a cartographer for Yellowstone National Park and mapped park utilities, geothermal features, wildfires, wildlife, park trails, noxious weeds, and much more. When I left the Park Service, I worked aboard the NOAA Ship\u00a0Thomas Jefferson<\/em><\/a>\u00a0and NOAA Ship\u00a0Rainier<\/a><\/em>\u00a0as a senior survey technician, and then at Coast Survey\u2019s Pacific Hydrographic Branch as a physical scientist. I took a break from the government to work in the private sector for six years as a hydrographer before returning to NOAA at the Atlantic Hydrographic Branch.\u00a0While in the private sector I worked on NOAA charting contracts, as well other hydrographic surveys that included pipelines along the Northern Canadian coast, unexploded ordnances in Culebra, Puerto Rico, offshore wind farms in Virginia, and lake reservoirs in Alaska, among other projects.<\/p>\nWhat is a day in your job like?<\/strong><\/h5>\nAs a data manager, I maintain the Atlantic Hydrographic Branch’s hydrographic survey data and facilitate data transfer between field units, the Branch, Coast Survey\u2019s Hydrographic Surveys Division and Marine Chart Division, and NOAA\u2019s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). I organize hydrographic and bathymetric datasets and files. I transfer data to NCEI for archival and public dissemination. I respond to public inquiries concerning NOAA\u2019s navigational program and products, and I also work with NOAA field units to adopt best practices and make the most of the tools available.<\/p>\n
Why is this work important?<\/strong><\/h5>\nOur hydrographic data contributes to safe navigation, and I ensure data integrity is maintained during data transfers. The data and products we create are made available to the public on NCEI\u2019s website and can be used for other research including fisheries habitat studies, tsunami modeling, and digital mapping.<\/p>\n
What drew you to this work?<\/strong><\/h5>\nI grew up spending time on the water. I love swimming and recreational boating.\u00a0I have a bachelor of arts in geography with a minor in marine sciences and a master\u2019s in geography\/geographic information systems (GIS) from East Carolina University. This job was a natural path in my career as I choose jobs that reflect what I enjoy.<\/p>\n
What advice would you give someone looking to pursue a career in your field?<\/strong><\/h5>\nTake advantage of opportunities that are presented to you. NOAA internships<\/a> and Sea Grant<\/a> offer great options for exploring various career paths and building skills.\u00a0Pay attention in\u00a0science and math\u00a0classes.\u00a0GIS and programming are a plus. Must have a passion for data organization, and a love for the ocean and nautical charts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Ever wonder what it\u2019s like to be a member of the NOAA Coast Survey team? We use the Coast Survey spotlight\u00a0blog series as a way to periodically share the experiences of Coast Survey employees as they discuss their work, background, and advice. Erin Weller, Data Manager Our hydrographic data contributes to safe navigation, and I … <\/p>\n
Our hydrographic data contributes to safe navigation, and I ensure data integrity is maintained during data transfers. The data and products we create are made available to the public on NCEI’s website <\/a>and can be used for other research including fisheries habitat studies, tsunami modeling, and digital mapping.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n I have worked as a physical scientist and data manager for a combined total of eight years.<\/p>\n Prior to working with Coast Survey, I was a cartographer for Yellowstone National Park and mapped park utilities, geothermal features, wildfires, wildlife, park trails, noxious weeds, and much more. When I left the Park Service, I worked aboard the NOAA Ship\u00a0Thomas Jefferson<\/em><\/a>\u00a0and NOAA Ship\u00a0Rainier<\/a><\/em>\u00a0as a senior survey technician, and then at Coast Survey\u2019s Pacific Hydrographic Branch as a physical scientist. I took a break from the government to work in the private sector for six years as a hydrographer before returning to NOAA at the Atlantic Hydrographic Branch.\u00a0While in the private sector I worked on NOAA charting contracts, as well other hydrographic surveys that included pipelines along the Northern Canadian coast, unexploded ordnances in Culebra, Puerto Rico, offshore wind farms in Virginia, and lake reservoirs in Alaska, among other projects.<\/p>\n As a data manager, I maintain the Atlantic Hydrographic Branch’s hydrographic survey data and facilitate data transfer between field units, the Branch, Coast Survey\u2019s Hydrographic Surveys Division and Marine Chart Division, and NOAA\u2019s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). I organize hydrographic and bathymetric datasets and files. I transfer data to NCEI for archival and public dissemination. I respond to public inquiries concerning NOAA\u2019s navigational program and products, and I also work with NOAA field units to adopt best practices and make the most of the tools available.<\/p>\n Our hydrographic data contributes to safe navigation, and I ensure data integrity is maintained during data transfers. The data and products we create are made available to the public on NCEI\u2019s website and can be used for other research including fisheries habitat studies, tsunami modeling, and digital mapping.<\/p>\n I grew up spending time on the water. I love swimming and recreational boating.\u00a0I have a bachelor of arts in geography with a minor in marine sciences and a master\u2019s in geography\/geographic information systems (GIS) from East Carolina University. This job was a natural path in my career as I choose jobs that reflect what I enjoy.<\/p>\n Take advantage of opportunities that are presented to you. NOAA internships<\/a> and Sea Grant<\/a> offer great options for exploring various career paths and building skills.\u00a0Pay attention in\u00a0science and math\u00a0classes.\u00a0GIS and programming are a plus. Must have a passion for data organization, and a love for the ocean and nautical charts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ever wonder what it\u2019s like to be a member of the NOAA Coast Survey team? We use the Coast Survey spotlight\u00a0blog series as a way to periodically share the experiences of Coast Survey employees as they discuss their work, background, and advice. Erin Weller, Data Manager Our hydrographic data contributes to safe navigation, and I … <\/p>\n
\nWhat is your job title and how long have you worked for Coast Survey?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
What were your experiences prior to working for Coast Survey?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
What is a day in your job like?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Why is this work important?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
What drew you to this work?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
What advice would you give someone looking to pursue a career in your field?<\/strong><\/h5>\n