Address
Form of workPG193296EP
Internal Recruitment :No
Working Title:Climate Engagement Specialist
Anticipated Hiring Range:$60,000-$70,000
Work Schedule:8 AM - 5 PM, Monday - Friday; evenings and weekends as needed
Job Location:Asheville, NC
Department :NC Inst of Climate Studies
About the Department:The North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies (NCICS) is a UNC inter-institutional research institute whose primary focus is to promote the discovery of new knowledge about global, regional, and local climate variability and its impacts; and to provide information that is critical for determining trends and validating climate forecasts at all these spatial scales. A primary activity of NCICS is the operation of the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth Systems Science (CISESS) formed through a consortium of academic, non-profit, and community organizations with leadership from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) and North Carolina State University (NCSU) on behalf of the University of North Carolina (UNC) System. CISESS provides foci for collaborative research and associated activities in support of NOAA mission goals related to meteorological satellite and climate data and information research and development.
Essential Job Duties:The North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies Climate Engagement Specialist will lead engagement initiatives across a diverse portfolio of environmental research projects such as machine learning assisted wildfire prediction, extreme precipitation and flooding, air quality, and public health. This role entails crafting and executing dynamic engagement strategies that facilitate a two-way exchange of information, and serving as Institute liaison with external partners and entities. The incumbent must be able to effectively convey complex climate science research to a wide array of stakeholders while also collecting crucial insights to guide and enhance the research process. Key responsibilities for this position include:
Project-related Engagement Activities:
- Design and execute engagement strategies for Institute projects within a variety of environmental thematic areas, ensuring the translation of complex scientific research into actionable insights for diverse audiences.
- Engage with stakeholders from academic, government, industry sectors, and underserved and underrepresented communities, facilitating dialogue that bridges the gap between scientific research and societal needs.
- Design and deliver compelling presentations, workshops, and training sessions, tailored to enhance understanding and action on climate science, impacts, and adaptation strategies.
- Promote open data best practices and the principles of Open Science.
- Enhance Service Delivery and Customer Experience through transparent and accessible research outcomes.
- Collaborate with Institute project teams, utilizing a tech stack familiar to researchers (e.g., Python, Jupyter Notebooks, GitLab, AWS) to develop interactive tools and resources that support climate literacy and decision-making.
- Foster relationships with community leaders, policymakers, and the general public, utilizing effective communication strategies to engage non-scientific stakeholders across diverse, rural, and underserved communities.
Additional Engagement Activities:
- Support the Director of Engagement in building and nurturing partnerships with relevant organizations to broaden the impact of the Institute’s climate information initiatives.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in climate science, policy, and communication strategies to continually refine and improve engagement approaches.
- Conduct outreach and community engagement activities to raise awareness of climate change challenges and promote resilience and adaptation efforts at the local level, including travel to events.
- Travel to and participate in local, regional, and national events in support of Institute projects and activities.
- Engage in grant writing and proposal development activities as needed.
- Work cooperatively with Institute staff, partners, team members, and/or external stakeholders in support of task and project objectives.
- Fully participate in unit (NCICS, NCEI, etc.) activities and meetings.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Master’s degree in relevant Earth science (e.g., atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, etc), mathematics, engineering, computer science, or a related field, OR a bachelor’s degree with five (5) or more years of relevant experience.
Other Required Qualifications:- Demonstrated experience in effectively communicating scientific information to a variety of audiences.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience working with climate data information and research.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong passion for impactful research, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to fostering inclusive solutions that address the needs of diverse populations and drive effective research and product development outcomes.
Required License(s) or Certification(s):Valid NC driver’s license
Valid NC Driver's License required:Yes
Commercial Driver's License required:No
Job Open Date:03/25/2024
Anticipated Close Date:Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants:Please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for professional references.
Position Number:00110729
Position Type:EHRA Non-Faculty
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week):1.00
Appointment:12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather:Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events:Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID:063001 - NC Inst of Climate Studies
AA/EEO:NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
