The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

SEA GRANT NATIONAL CLIMATE/WEATHER EXTENSION SPECIALIST

THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

The University of Oklahoma is seeking a Sea Grant National Climate/Weather Extension Specialist to be located at the National Severe Storms Laboratory and Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies, on the research campus of The University of Oklahoma, Norman.

 
Sea Grant Program

 
Sea Grant has a 30-year tradition of disseminating scientific information to a wide variety of user groups through its well-developed extension programs.  At the same time, its extension personnel gather information from user groups in the private and public sectors and assist in the development of research ideas that focus on solving problems identified.  We seek to create a new position of Sea Grant National Climate/Weather Extension Specialist at NSSL/CIMMS with the initial goals of continuing and advancing the Coastal Inland-Flood Observation and Warning (CI-FLOW) project and further incorporating climate and weather information into the Sea Grant repertoire throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Southeastern coastal areas.

 
Responsibilities

 
The Climate/Weather Extension Specialist will facilitate new relationships among researchers at NSSL, CIMMS, and the various Sea Grant institutions in the Gulf of Mexico and Southeastern states to continue and extend the CI-FLOW project, which will include assessment of the needs of user groups regarding the development of observing systems involving atmospheric, oceanographic, and biological measurements and making that information known to researchers who can develop research projects to address those needs.   The specialist specifically will interact with the Sea Grant Regional (North Carolina/South Carolina) Climate Extension effort, funded by National Sea Grant and the NOAA Climate Program Office.  The specialist may also interact with the Sea Grant Hazards Theme Team.  The specialist also will extend science-based information related to this research, as well as other information related to climate, weather, and natural hazards.  The Climate/Weather Extension Specialist will report to CIMMS/NSSL leadership and to an Advisory Committee made up of that leadership and Gulf of Mexico and Southeastern Extension Leaders from amongst the nine Sea Grant Programs.  Plans of work and formal job evaluations will be developed and conducted jointly by this committee.

 
Position Objectives

 
Incorporate climate and weather-based information into the Gulf of Mexico and Southeastern Sea Grant repertoire in a practical way to inform coastal decision makers of the implications of climate and weather variability for major coastal issues including weather safety, land use changes, health of fisheries, coastal community development, erosion, agriculture, invasive species, salt water intrusion, tourism, and natural hazards.

Build and engage long-term relationships between Sea Grant institutions and the NOAA climate and weather research enterprise, including the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the National Weather Service, acting as an interface to move information across organizational lines and relate climate and weather information to coastal and marine assets.

Provide tailored, decision-relevant information on the implications of climate and weather variability to coastal decision makers such as residents, government officials, and businesses.

Increase the capacity of the Sea Grant network regionally and nationally by developing and delivering outreach programs on the impacts of climate and weather variability for coastal stakeholders.

 
Specific Duties

 
Most of the extension duties listed below will be performed in collaboration with Sea Grant extension specialists:

• Continue and expand the CI-FLOW project in Gulf of Mexico and Southeastern states, helping port the project beyond the present Tar River testbed in North Carolina.
• Plan and implement climate/weather extension programs, public seminars and workshops by communicating science to those who can benefit from it, and evaluate the effectiveness of these activities.
• Help extend high-precision weather forecasting seaward from the coast using technology and models both developed at NSSL and in current use by the NWS.
• Work on relevant Oklahoma watershed issues.
• Work and interact with NSSL and University of Oklahoma scientists to marshal critical expertise for the development and implementation of applied interdisciplinary research and extension projects.
• Give formal and informal presentations to business and community groups, and at conferences and workshops.
• Develop publications and other educational materials, including web-based products.
• Identify and develop training programs for stakeholders in conjunction with NSSL, NWS, University of Oklahoma, and Sea Grant personnel.
• Engage state and county agencies, including emergency managers, in Sea Grant activities.
• Develop grant proposals to fund applied research and extension projects, and to augment the base program.
• Prepare and submit performance reports, statistical analyses and financial data.
• Travel within the relevant coastal zones to meet and interact with client groups to assess their needs and develop solutions.
• Act as an adjunct member of the Texas Sea Grant Extension Program.
• Work as a member of the Sea Grant Extension Program team, initially focusing on North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas Sea Grant programs, performing team and other related duties as required.

 
Qualifications

 
An MS or PhD in Atmospheric Sciences, Geosciences, or related scientific field with climate/weather-related experience required.  A combination of a scientific background and a science policy or communications background is acceptable.  Computer and strong communication skills (written and oral) required.  Experience in public outreach work and an interest in communicating scientific information to non-scientists is essential.  An interest in policy and extending science to help develop policy is desirable.

Key Job Skills

• High level of analytical, organizational and planning skills;
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team;
• Ability to interpret research-based information for non-science audiences;
• Ability to work and communicate with the public and other stakeholders;
• Ability to work and communicate with scientists;
• Effective oral and written communication skills;
• Fluency in computer and communications technology; and
• Demonstrated proficiency in grant writing;

Location and Duration

The south research campus of the University of Oklahoma, Norman, within the new National Weather Center facility.  This position is funded for a three-year period with the possibility of extension.

To Apply:

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and three references to:

Tracy Reinke

Financial and Operations Director

Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies

The University of Oklahoma

120 David L. Boren Blvd., Suite 2100

Norman, Oklahoma 73072-7304

Review of applications will begin in October 2006 and will continue until the position is filled. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Applicants will be contacted for interviews.

The University of Oklahoma is an
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer