Req #: 241912
Department: EARTHLAB - CLIMATE IMPACTS GROUP
Job Location Detail: Hybrid with 2 days in the office
Posting Date: 12/13/2024
Closing Info: Closes On 12/20/2024
Salary: 20% of $6158 - $9236 per month
Shift: First Shift
Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230701_a11y.pdf)
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The University of Washington Climate Impacts Group (https://cig.uw.edu) (CIG) is hiring a part-time Environmental Outreach Specialist to support the Washington State Climate Office (WASCO). Established in 2003, the Office fills a valuable niche in Washington State, with a focus on historical and current climate, data provision, and extensive media and public engagement on current climate conditions and climate change. We are seeking an individual with deep knowledge and expertise in the weather and climate of Washington State. The purpose of this position is to advise and support WASCO, including engagement, research, and program administration. Candidates who are familiar with our work and passionate about our organizational mission are a must.
About Us
Based at the University of Washington, WASCO works to support access to, and understanding of, information about the past, current, and future climate of Washington State. WASCO developed a new strategic plan in 2022, which can be viewed here. This new position will help ensure continuity through a period of growth and transition for the Office. This includes maintain connections with existing partners and collaborators, helping to build capacity and understanding among new staff, and advising on the goals and decisions of the Office. WASCO is housed within the Climate Impacts Group on the UW Seattle campus.
CIG supports the development of climate resilience by advancing understanding of climate risks and enabling science-based action to manage those risks. WASCO and CIG are member organizations of EarthLab, a visionary institute that pushes boundaries to address our most pressing environmental challenges, with a focus on climate and its intersection with social justice.
EarthLab (https://earthlab.uw.edu/) does this by connecting faculty, students and researchers at the University of Washington to community collaborators in businesses, non-profits, public agencies, Tribal nations and others to co-produce actionable research that generates solutions and strategies for local and global impact. EarthLab’s vision, an equitable, just and sustainable world where people and the planet thrive, supports one of the University’s biggest goals. As a Carnegie-classified Community Engagement University, the UW aspires to be the #1 university in the world as measured by impact. EarthLab is inspired by and committed to this challenge.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The College of the Environment promotes diversity and inclusivity among our students, faculty, staff, and public. Thus, we are strongly seeking candidates whose experiences have prepared them to fulfill our commitment to inclusion and have given them the confidence to fully engage audiences from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. The University of Washington (UW) is located in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, with a dynamic, multicultural community of 3.7 million people and a range of ecosystems from mountains to ocean. The UW serves a diverse population of 80,000 students, faculty and staff, including 25% first-generation college students, over 25% Pell Grant students, and faculty from over 70 countries. The UW is a recipient of a National Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award to increase the advancement of women faculty in science, engineering, and math (see: http://advance.washington.edu/)
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications 60%
- Synthesize recent weather events, climate science, and/or observations/modeling
- Deliver presentations on climate science and climate impacts
- Respond to media questions related to climate change and current events
- Support the development of the WASCO monthly newsletter and “Climate Matters” (a 1-2 page deep dive on climate topics of interest).
- Advise on the development of other communications products, including fact sheets, slides, and web content.
Research 40%
- Analyze data related to regional weather and climate,
- Review and synthesize weather and climate literature,
- Provide technical assistance to internal and external partners, including WASCO staff
- Maintain ongoing research and research collaborations, such as on heat waves and wildfire
- Collaborate on, and contribute to the development of, reports and journal publications
- Advise on the conception and development of grant proposals related to climate and climate impacts in Washington.
Minimum Requirements
Master's degree in a physical, social science or related field plus two years of experience in climate science, meteorology, research, forecasting, teaching, outreach and engagement, Program management, or Program administration experience.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Four (4) or more years of experience in climate science, meteorology, or related field preferred.
- Strong record of academic research and publishing in climate science and impacts in Washington State
- Deep ties and network across researchers and practitioners in Washington State
- Significant experience with program management and administration
- Demonstrated effectiveness in public communication on climate, weather, and associated impacts
- Extensive experience working with the media
- Broad knowledge of climate science, climate impacts, resilience, and impacts in Washington State
- Experience conducting research activities among diverse teams of researchers
Application Process:
The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your “My Jobs” page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
