Applied Climate Scientist - Military Veterans

The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) is seeking a full-time applied climate scientist to draw on a range of weather and climate data to connect how our climate is changing with hazards and impacts on natural and agricultural systems, the built environment, and human health. The scientist will work with the MCAP team to co-produce climate data analyses, decision-support tools, and research syntheses, and engage with partners to inform the planning and implementation of climate resilience strategies in Minnesota and the Midwest region.

The applied climate scientist will join a growing MCAP applied research team with climate modeling, GIS, applied economics, and adaptation science expertise, working at research and application boundaries to strengthen climate resilience planning and decision-making. The scientist will be integral to developing tailored information and resources to help research and Extension colleagues engage with a variety of partners and to collaboratively create, deliver, and evaluate MCAP-led climate services programming related to the management and use of weather and climate data. This position will require working with a diverse set of partners and communities to identify, develop, and implement approaches to increase the use and application of weather and climate information in decision-making, such as:

• Local governments, including townships, cities, and counties;
• Federal and state agency leadership and staff;
• Tribal communities, members, and Inter-tribal organizations;
• Natural resource managers and conservationists;
• Diverse cultural and community groups, including frontline communities;
• Non-profits and foundations;
• Private sector;
• Climate science professionals and researchers, and;
• Colleges and universities

RESPONSIBILITIES

Development of climate data resources that integrate observed and modeled climate data with other geographic and community information (40%)

• Gather and analyze climate data from various sources like weather stations, satellites, and historical records, and model projections to identify patterns and trends.
• Design and create appropriate visualizations and other data summaries to help build an understanding of climate change projections and impacts in Minnesota and the Midwest region for informed decision-making.
• Perform data munging and cleaning to convert data into desired forms for analysis and use.
• Help with designing research methodologies to address requests for technical assistance, including meeting with potential community partners to assess climate data and information needs and modifying and/or designing new research practices to address identified needs.
• Assist with the development of decision-support tools and resources that assist users in evaluating how climate change could affect sectors like agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, and human health.
• Contribute to additional research-related tasks as determined by MCAP Leadership.

Collaboration with the MCAP team of researchers and Extension educators (40%)

• Assist in analyzing weather and climate data to identify patterns and trends, supporting research projects, Extension programs, and the information needs of stakeholders.
• Contribute to applied research that supports Extension programs, education, and outreach related to climate change, climate adaptation, and climate resilience.
• Help develop informational products (e.g., accessible reports, web content, annotated bibliographies, and fact sheets) for diverse audiences including local, state, federal, and tribal governments, natural resource managers, and policymakers.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to communicate climate data and build capabilities to utilize decision-support tools for climate resilience planning and decision-making, including as part of MCAP's Extension programming such as the Climate Adaptation Specialist Training series for professionals.

Engagement with the MCAP team and partners (20%)

• Work collaboratively across the MCAP team and with our partners like the MN State Climatology Office.
• Contribute to research and grant writing related to climate science, impacts, and management actions and outcomes.
• Actively engage as a member of the MCAP team, including regular updates to the team about ongoing work; participation in monthly and weekly meetings, quarterly writing retreats, and other team meetings and activities; and support MCAP-wide activities, as requested.

This person will travel overnight to locations across Minnesota approximately 1-2 nights per quarter and day trips approximately 1-3 times per quarter.

Candidates must meet all REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, and must document them in application materials (cover letter and resume/CV).

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in climatology, atmospheric science, environmental science, meteorology, or related field and two (2) years of related work experience.
• Experience with gathering climate data from various sources like weather stations, satellites, historical records, and modeled projections.
• Experience with R, SQL, Python scripting, or other applications to analyze complex weather and climate data sets.
• Skilled with spreadsheets and databases.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information in clear and concise language appropriate for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, stakeholders, and communities, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills - must be able to track and meet deadlines and have the ability to participate effectively in a remote work environment.
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Excellent communications skills, including through oral, written, and graphic/image formats.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree in climatology, atmospheric science, environmental science, meteorology, or related field and 2 years of related work experience
• Professional experience with the production and/or appropriate use of climate projections data or related future climate information, especially in Minnesota and/or the Midwest.
• Scientific training in climate adaptation and/or climate communication, evidenced by publications or previous professional experience.
• Experience in collaborative research interactions including with a variety of disciplines, agencies, and organizations.
• Experience with participatory research, community engagement, and knowledge co-production.
• Interest in co-authoring peer-reviewed papers based on this programmatic work and that of MCAP.
• Interest or experience writing grants.
• A proven ability to use technology to enhance learning, communication resources, and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle with required liability insurance, to be utilized for travel to workshops and transporting materials and supplies to events; the need to transport other people/employees may occur.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving prolonged sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force, frequent repetitive motions.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.