University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Working Title Open Rank Professor - Applied Climate Scientist (State Climatologist)

Department School of Natural Resources-0844

Requisition Number F_240004

Posting Open Date 01/10/2024

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 02/15/2024

Posting Close Date 

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work 

The School of Natural Resources (SNR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is seeking applications for an Applied Climate Scientist (State Climatologist) position at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor. This 12-month (calendar year), tenure-track appointment will coordinate and lead the state’s climate program as Nebraska’s State Climatologist through the Nebraska State Climate Office. The apportionment is 50% service, 25% research, and 25% teaching. This position will be located in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Applied Climate Scientist will contribute to the integrated research and teaching land-grant mission of the home unit and IANR as an effective scholar and citizen, including supporting student recruitment, IANR science literacy, and Conservation and Survey, as appropriate.

Specific Duties

• Coordinate and lead the state’s climate program as Nebraska’s State Climatologist through the Nebraska State Climate Office. Provide briefings to state and federal officials as needed.
• Respond to questions from the media and stakeholder groups by evaluating and interpreting data.
• Partner with the Extension Educator in Agricultural Meteorology and Climate Resilience to coordinate with Extension’s network.
• Prepare formal and informal technical reports and presentations on climate projects and issues.
• Confer with other State Climatologists around the country and with national/regional/local weather and climate experts on data needs, climate communication, and climate data interpretation.
• Supervise staff who support the mission of the State Climatologist.
• Partner with the Mesonet Manager to build mesonet stakeholder relationships and participate in mesonet advisory groups to support the provision of high quality, valid data for governmental agencies, tribal organizations, industry, and the general public.
• Seek appropriate funding for functions of the State Climatologist’s role in the Nebraska State Climate Office’s programs and other collaborating programs in the School and with other departments/units.

As appropriate to the appointment, the incumbent will develop a high-impact, nationally and internationally recognized research and teaching program in climate sciences; seek and establish effective disciplinary and transdisciplinary collaborations including effective integration with research groups and/or educational programming; connect with stakeholders, agency, and/or industry partners to strengthen programming; effectively obtain and leverage external and internal support (grants, fee revenue, etc.) for research and teaching activities; mentor graduate students; publish in high-quality, high-impact peer-reviewed journals, and participate in scientific meetings and other appropriate professional activities; and translate research-based information into learner-centered products. This includes creating scholarly, innovative, and high-impact learning programs and tools; identifying issues and opportunities focused on learner needs and emerging regional and national issues with international relevance; measuring the impact of programs and communicating results to administrators, stakeholders, users, and media; and mentoring colleagues through professional development, translational research, grants, and professional writing.

The incumbent will be expected to average 0.25 FTE as determined by the CASNR Academic Appointment Guidelines; contribute to one undergraduate course in climate sciences that contributes to the environmental science degree program’s climate science option as well as other SNR and CASNR degree programs; design digital badges as learning experiences for UNL students; and support curricula for high school students within CASNR learning pathway programs. Specific course assignments may be changed over time based on Academic Unit needs.

In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.

Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the School of Natural Resources are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

• Minimum Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. in climate science, meteorology, or a directly related field at the time of appointment.
• Expertise in applications of climate science for decision-making.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on communicating complex climate issues to a variety of stakeholders.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience interpreting and analyzing weather and climate data for governmental agencies, tribal organizations, industry, and/or the general public through formal or informal reports and/or presentations.
• Ability to engage in scientific teamwork to address major issues related to climate science.
• Experience with mesonet systems including interpretation and provision of high-quality data to stakeholders.
• Experience and commitment to excellence in teaching.
• Experience collaborating with climate research and outreach centers and/or state/tribal/federal climate agencies.
• Evidence of work with diverse or underrepresented communities or groups.

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required 

Criminal History Background Check Required 

Posted Salary 

How to Apply 

Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the information form. Attach the following documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job; anticipated contributions to service, research, and teaching; and your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (3-page maximum). See https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement.
2. Your curriculum vitae.
3. A statement describing your “philosophy of climate engagement with the public.” Attach as “Other Document.”
4. Contact information for three professional references.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contactRachel Szelag

rszelag2@unl.edu

Job Category

Job Category (old) Faculty Tenure/Tenure Leading

Job Type 12 Month (Faculty Only)

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date

Appointment End Date

Organizational Location Default Location