Assistant Research Professional - Regional Drought Information Coordinator
The University of Alabama | Posted Oct 26, 2023
Deadline: Nov 30, 2023
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- Entry Level
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The Assistant Research Professional should show evidence of competence in the disciplinary area of the position and demonstrated promise of moving towards excellence in professional leadership, practice, and/or research and scholarly activities as appropriate for the position. As directed, individuals in this track level independently contribute to the planning and design of research and creative projects. He/she performs supporting research and creative activities such as data analysis, monitoring outcomes, performing lab maintenance, and/or performing experiments and creating creative projects. May assist in both short-term and long-term planning and project goals, as well as in research and creative proposals and dissemination of project findings. This is only a representation of possible duties and is not an all-inclusive listing.
The University of Alabama, as part of the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH), and in collaboration with the NWS Office of Water Prediction (OWP) and the NOAA National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), is seeking a full-time employee to support research activities that will complement NOAA’s national efforts on low-flow information and service delivery and to serve as a Regional Drought Information Coordinator for the Southeast Drought Early Warning System (DEWS). NIDIS is a federal interagency and interstate effort to establish a national drought early warning information system in the U.S.
The successful applicant will serve as a research liaison and coordinate with a team to advance NIDIS and OWP through a number of strategies: Supporting stakeholder engagement to inform service delivery at the National Weather Service and the National Water Center related to hydrological drought and low-flow events, including the Next Generation National Water Model. Supporting the delivery of hydrological prediction services to key DEWS stakeholders including state drought monitoring teams, water supply managers, natural resource managers, and federal partners. Developing the leadership and networks to implement an integrated drought monitoring, forecasting, and planning and preparedness system in the Southeast region. Fostering and supporting a research environment focusing on risk assessment, planning, forecasting, monitoring, impact collection and analysis, and mitigation. Contributing to a drought early warning system to provide accurate, timely, and integrated information specific to regional needs and economic sectors. Developing content and interactive components for the U.S. Drought Portal (drought.gov), as part of the drought early warning information system, including hydrologic information.
This position is supported by a 3-year research project. Due to the work location being at a federal facility applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of external funding derived from research programs or specific projects. To best execute its mission, the Office for Research & Economic Development (ORED) prefers that all ORED employees work on the campus of The University of Alabama. However, ORED will consider, on a case-by-case basis, hybrid remote work for an employee if such work makes strong business sense for ORED based on the scope of work and expectations for that employee. Prior to any remote work, the employee and their direct supervisor(s) and the Vice President will execute a Flexible Work Agreement, per UA policy.
Required Minimum Qualifications: A relevant post-Baccalaureate degree is highly preferred (Master’s degree or higher). For candidates demonstrating comparable independent research and creative productivity, a relevant four-year undergraduate degree (B.A. or B.S.) and one (1) or more years of documented relevant experience may be substituted. May require terminal degree and licensure.
Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in natural or water resources management or engineering, hydrology, geography, meteorology, environmental science, or related field. Work experience in one or more of the following: water resources, natural resources, drought, flood, hazard mitigation, disaster response, climate extremes, public policy or related.
Skills and Knowledge: Knowledge of hydrologic processes and water resource management. Ability to develop effective and cooperative relationships with federal, state, local agencies and universities. Experience with tribal partners is also highly valued. Demonstrated strong project management skills in a fast-paced environment. Experience in developing and implementing comprehensive strategic plans.
Experience in engaging users and stakeholders across a variety of economic sectors and communicating drought and climate information. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a diverse group of partners. Excellent demonstrated written and oral communication skills; ability to present complex ideas concisely through written and verbal delivery for different audiences. Demonstrated strong and effective facilitation skills.
Preferred Qualifications: Graduate degree in natural or water resources management or engineering, hydrology, geography, meteorology, environmental science, or related field. Experience in developing and implementing state drought, water resources, or hazard mitigation plans, and participating in state drought task forces or other similar collaborations.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster