Field Operations Manager
Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes | Posted Apr 3, 2024
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- Experience Level:
- 0-5 Years
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The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) is leading the development and implementation of new research and applications capabilities focused on extreme weather and climate events in the Western US. CW3E is developing and implementing weather and climate observations, numerical models, machine learning algorithms, and decision support tools focused on atmospheric and land-surface conditions related to extreme events and their impacts. CW3E is an interface between UCSD departments, other universities around the country and local, state, and federal agencies, in the operation, utilization and expansion of a new state- of-the-art weather observing network recently deployed in California. A key program of the Center is Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), with goals to develop, demonstrate, and implement tools, including enhanced monitoring, and science that enable more effective management of reservoirs. CW3E’s mission is to provide 21st century water cycle science, technology and outreach to support effective policies and practices that address the impacts of extreme weather and water events on the environment, people and the economy of Western North America. To learn more, refer to the center’s webpage at cw3e.ucsd.edu.
The CW3E Field Operations Manager manages all facets of CW3E's land-based observations effort, including program strategy, goals, and budgets, which are carried out on the US West Coast, throughout the nation, and may include international sites. Serves as primary resource for assigned programs / initiatives within area of responsibility. Independently oversees all aspects of the field program life cycle and contributes original ideas of major significance.
Organizes, manages, coordinates and reports on research as well as coordinating internal collaborations, external partnerships, communications and outreach of the program. Ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, and delivered with high quality. Develops detailed tasks and procurement plans, oversees and manages the day-to-day activities of the field team (researchers, engineers, and contract staff), and regularly interfaces and coordinates with team members to track progress, schedules, budgets, and deliverables. Reports progress on research using field observations to vested program sponsors; collaborates with AR Program Manager, FIRO Program Manager, and management team to ensure coordination of research, communication and internal reporting and administrative processes. Monitors and evaluates progress of grant awards. Develops methods for ensuring project plans have an articulated scope with measurable outcomes and benefits. Clearly identifies deliverables for the project. Communicates project and program progress to key constituents through written documentation, including comprehensive progress reports.
Interprets, educates and informs the PI and research team members about program policies and procedures required for the development and implementation of the project, e.g. safety and training requirements, and logistical and permitting requirements. Ensures that all policies and guidelines are adhered to. Ensures robust archiving, quality control and metadata of CW3E data collected in the field. Leads and co-authors scientific journal publications. Translates research findings into information that can be easily understood by both experts and non-experts and will be responsible for gathering all information for and writing comprehensive progress reports. The CW3E Field Operations Manger is responsible for supervising multiple field team members, including Engineers, Field Researchers, and Research Data Analysts.
The position requires involvement in the scientific, regulatory, administrative and budgetary goals of the program, excellent communication, project management skills, and strict adherence to timelines and milestones.