Applied Climate Scientist

Please note: this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) is seeking a full-time applied climate scientist to draw on a range of weather and climate data to connect how our climate is changing with hazards and impacts on natural and agricultural systems, the built environment, and human health. The scientist will work with the MCAP team to co-produce climate data analyses, decision-support tools, and research syntheses, and engage with partners to inform the planning and implementation of climate resilience strategies in Minnesota and the Midwest region.

The applied climate scientist will join a growing MCAP applied research team with climate modeling, GIS, applied economics, and adaptation science expertise, working at research and application boundaries to strengthen climate resilience planning and decision-making. The scientist will be integral to developing tailored information and resources to help research and Extension colleagues engage with a variety of partners and to collaboratively create, deliver, and evaluate MCAP-led climate services programming related to the management and use of weather and climate data. This position will require working with a diverse set of partners and communities to identify, develop, and implement approaches to increase the use and application of weather and climate information in decision-making, such as:

• Local governments, including townships, cities, and counties;
• Federal and state agency leadership and staff;
• Tribal communities, members, and Inter-tribal organizations;
• Natural resource managers and conservationists;
• Diverse cultural and community groups, including frontline communities;
• Non-profits and foundations;
• Private sector;
• Climate science professionals and researchers, and;
• Colleges and universities

RESPONSIBILITIES

Development of climate data resources that integrate observed and modeled climate data with other geographic and community information (40%)

• Gather and analyze climate data from various sources like weather stations, satellites, and historical records, and model projections to identify patterns and trends.
• Design and create appropriate visualizations and other data summaries to help build an understanding of climate change projections and impacts in Minnesota and the Midwest region for informed decision-making.
• Perform data munging and cleaning to convert data into desired forms for analysis and use.
• Help with designing research methodologies to address requests for technical assistance, including meeting with potential community partners to assess climate data and information needs and modifying and/or designing new research practices to address identified needs.
• Assist with the development of decision-support tools and resources that assist users in evaluating how climate change could affect sectors like agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, and human health.
• Contribute to additional research-related tasks as determined by MCAP Leadership.

Collaboration with the MCAP team of researchers and Extension educators (40%)

• Assist in analyzing weather and climate data to identify patterns and trends, supporting research projects, Extension programs, and the information needs of stakeholders.
• Contribute to applied research that supports Extension programs, education, and outreach related to climate change, climate adaptation, and climate resilience.
• Help develop informational products (e.g., accessible reports, web content, annotated bibliographies, and fact sheets) for diverse audiences including local, state, federal, and tribal governments, natural resource managers, and policymakers.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to communicate climate data and build capabilities to utilize decision-support tools for climate resilience planning and decision-making, including as part of MCAP's Extension programming such as the Climate Adaptation Specialist Training series for professionals.

Engagement with the MCAP team and partners (20%)

• Work collaboratively across the MCAP team and with our partners like the MN State Climatology Office.
• Contribute to research and grant writing related to climate science, impacts, and management actions and outcomes.
• Actively engage as a member of the MCAP team, including regular updates to the team about ongoing work; participation in monthly and weekly meetings, quarterly writing retreats, and other team meetings and activities; and support MCAP-wide activities, as requested.

This person will travel overnight to locations across Minnesota approximately 1-2 nights per quarter and day trips approximately 1-3 times per quarter.

Candidates must meet all REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, and must document them in application materials (cover letter and resume/CV).

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in climatology, atmospheric science, environmental science, meteorology, or related field and two (2) years of related work experience.
• Experience with gathering climate data from various sources like weather stations, satellites, historical records, and modeled projections.
• Experience with R, SQL, Python scripting, or other applications to analyze complex weather and climate data sets.
• Skilled with spreadsheets and databases.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information in clear and concise language appropriate for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, stakeholders, and communities, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills - must be able to track and meet deadlines and have the ability to participate effectively in a remote work environment.
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
• Excellent communications skills, including through oral, written, and graphic/image formats.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree in climatology, atmospheric science, environmental science, meteorology, or related field and 2 years of related work experience
• Professional experience with the production and/or appropriate use of climate projections data or related future climate information, especially in Minnesota and/or the Midwest.
• Scientific training in climate adaptation and/or climate communication, evidenced by publications or previous professional experience.
• Experience in collaborative research interactions including with a variety of disciplines, agencies, and organizations.
• Experience with participatory research, community engagement, and knowledge co-production.
• Interest in co-authoring peer-reviewed papers based on this programmatic work and that of MCAP.
• Interest or experience writing grants.
• A proven ability to use technology to enhance learning, communication resources, and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle with required liability insurance, to be utilized for travel to workshops and transporting materials and supplies to events; the need to transport other people/employees may occur.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving prolonged sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force, frequent repetitive motions.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

About MCAP
The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) works to develop critical climate science knowledge, champion climate adaptation leadership and support climate resilience actions and collaborations across communities, sectors, and levels of government to ensure Minnesota is making needed progress to prepare for our changing climate. MCAP is a leading multi-sector group dedicated to climate adaptation and resilience in Minnesota and partners directly with state, federal, and local governments, the private sector, non-profits, Tribes, community-based organizations, and individuals. MCAP is a joint program of University of Minnesota Extension and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS).

The intended starting salary for this position is $73,500 to $80,500 depending on qualifications and experience. Salary will be negotiated at the time of hire.

• The appointment will be through June 2026 with continuation dependent on performance, results, availability of funds, and program needs.
• University of Minnesota appointment and benefits, including health and life insurance, https://humanresources.umn.edu/new-employees/benefits-summaries
• Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Please note: this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:
* CV/Resume- Include your qualifications based upon the job requirements
* Cover letter- Expressing how your experience and skills match the required and preferred qualifications

Three professional references will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your My Job Applications page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions, https://humanresources.umn.edu/find-job/using-job-app-system .

To request an accommodation during the application process, email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624- UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:
Amanda Farris, MCAP Associate Director, afarris@umn.edu

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).