CPAESS Program Specialist IV

UCAR is excited to announce the job opening for the Program Specialist IV. This position is responsible for supporting the NOAA Climate Program Office's (CPO) Climate Observation and Monitoring (COM) Program and Earth System Science and Modeling (ESSM) Division by providing expert level support in developing scientific and programmatic plans for a suite of research activities. Where You Will Work: At UCAR, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core. The Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (CPAESS) serves the Earth system science community in three distinct areas of service. We partner with federal agencies and businesses to hire critical scientific staff enabling a more robust workforce. Through our scientific programs we seek to edify new research with our postdoctoral programs, our visiting scientist and internship programs, along with our interagency support programs. We also help build the Earth system science community by convening and managing summer schools and institutes, conferences, and advisory committees. Program Location: Silver Spring, MD *You must reside in the US at the time of employment. Job Location Type: This position is open to candidates interested in In-Person, Hybrid (combination Remote and Onsite presence), and Fully Remote opportunities. *Fully Remote employees must reside within the United States, excluding Territories. Position Type & Term: Full-Time, Regular Hiring Range: $109,790 - $129,169 *Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.* Application Notes: Application Deadline: The position will be posted until filled with priority going to applications received by Friday, June 23. Required application materials (preferably in PDF Format): Resume Cover Letter - Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting). Work Authorization: UCAR/NCAR WILL NOT sponsor a work visa (e.g., J-1, H1-B, etc.) for this position. Relocation Assistance: No. Federal screenings and background checks are conducted for candidates selected for hire and must be passed prior to the start date. Learn more. HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT AT UCAR Here is a brief outline of what one would expect to be responsible for in this role. Key Responsibilities Program Leadership Provide scientific and programmatic leadership to the solicitation, peer review, and selection process for proposals submitted to the ESSM COM program. Keep apprised of current scientific research and advances, including assessment of research most needed to advance the field in a useful manner; Identify scientific foci for solicitations of new research proposals and oversee peer review and selection process for proposals submitted to the ESSM COM program- for approval; Provide leadership and critical analysis of scientific content and budgets for proposals; Oversee the preparation of proposal ranking and submitting funding recommendations; Administer grant actions through the NOAA grants management system; and Monitor and maintain progress on supported grant activities through regular communications and interaction with grantees. Program Planning, Representation, and Outreach Lead programmatic plans for ESSM product development in consultation with the federal/extramural community, ESSM Division Chief, and other programs in ESSM, especially in the focus area of developing and improving reference data sets in support of multidisciplinary climate and Earth system research and NOAA services. Represent the program in planning activities, and providing information and expertise regarding the COM program area. Develop and foster beneficial partnerships with the academic research community, other Federal science and mission agency programs, and international observations, modeling, and societal interactions programs. Develop effective relationships and joint activities with other NOAA programs and centers in support of program goals. Develop input to an annual Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcement. Build broader community interest in the program. Recommend project funding allocations for COM Program activities. Write documents highlighting the progress and accomplishments of the program. Provide expert-level support for all ESSM programs. WHO WE’D LOVE TO JOIN OUR TEAM Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria: Education & Experience Master’s degree in ocean, climate, or atmospheric science; At least 6 years of relevant project or program management experience; Experience working with observational data sets targeting the ocean, and/or other relevant long-term environmental records; Or an appropriate combination of education and experience to carry out the duties as assigned. Desired, but not required: PhD in a relevant field Familiarity with ocean, climate, and other assessments Familiarity with the uses of observational data and products in research and/or services Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities In-depth understanding of the principles and concepts of Earth system science, climate observations, climate data records (ocean, atmosphere), climate monitoring, climate modeling, big data analysis, or applications of climate and related data. Advanced understanding of and skill in project management, particularly scientific research project management. Advanced understanding of and skill with budget and proposal development, implementation, and monitoring Advanced written and oral communication skills, including the ability to make public presentations, write articles and develop outreach material (including but not limited to materials for websites), with emphasis on communication of technical/scientific material to non-technical audiences. Advanced organizational skills, including the ability to handle multiple and diverse tasks with short turnaround times and tasks that require long-term planning and sustained implementation over the course of a year. Advanced interpersonal skills in a diverse team environment. Advanced understanding of the climate community and its stakeholders, particularly in the U.S. and government research programs. Demonstrated ability to work with technologies that enable virtual meetings, telecoms, and telework. Demonstrated ability to independently identify program opportunities and challenges and prepare program strategies to further the needs of the program. Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret scientific findings and to translate these results for comprehension and understanding by diverse audiences. Advanced understanding of the climate community and its stakeholders, particularly in the U.S. and government research programs. SOME FINAL CONSIDERATIONS Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace site. Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest! Inclusive Benefits UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional personal development. These include: Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities. UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one. Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions). 10 paid holidays each year. 10 days of paid sick leave each year. 14 weeks of paid parental leave. Backup childcare. Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary. EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost. Flexible Work Arrangement (role dependent). International remote work could be available for a max of 20 days per calendar year with supervisor approval. Flexible Work At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules. Employee Well-Being & Vaccines In support of the health of our employees and their families, as well as visitors and the community, all UCAR employees are required to comply with UCAR’s COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, subject only to legally required accommodations implemented by HR, prior to their start date. Equal Opportunity Employer UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR. Export Control This position is subject to work location requirements for obtaining access to facilities and research systems. These requirements may include a combination of national security checks, credit checks, fingerprinting, or other security clearance requirements. This position is open to U.S. Citizens and Green Card holders. The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization. At NCAR - the National Center for Atmospheric Research - we study weather, water, climate, air quality, and space weather to help protect lives and livelihoods, grow the economy, and enhance our nation’s security and well-being. We collaborate with research partners to advance the science that makes predictions better and with end users to develop applications for forecasters, farmers, resource managers, retailers, the military, and many other stakeholders. UCAR - the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research - manages NCAR on behalf of the National Science Foundation. We are a nonprofit consortium of more than 115 colleges and universities with research and training programs in Earth system science. We bring together the academic community and provide the operational management that are both essential to NCAR's success. UCAR’s community programs, from educational resources to data delivery and other services, extend the reach and impact of NCAR’s world-class research to the community and society. We seek talented people with diverse backgrounds, training, and skills to join us in our mission of science in service to society. Want to learn more? Visit ucar.edu.

Salary : $109,790 - $129,169