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Western Kentucky University

Specialist, State Climate Services

Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States, 42103


Location: Bowling Green, KY Category: Staff Posted On: Wed Sep 11 2024 Job Description:

Funding for this position is made possible by a grant from NOAA with the goal of identifying stakeholder needs for climate services across the state of Kentucky. Once the service gaps are understood, the Specialist will work with the KCC team and collaborating partners to research, test, and develop new online climate tools and services in response to stakeholder needs. This position is a unique opportunity to showcase skills and build a portfolio of online climate products and tools for widespread, statewide use. Climate applications are expected to vary widely, primarily focused on Kentucky-centric sectors such as agriculture, conservation, emergency management, energy, public health, and transportation.

Funding for the position is guaranteed for two years, with annual renewals thereafter based upon grant funding availability. It is anticipated that the position will continue with funding from additional grants.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Stakeholder engagement to identify the needs for climate data and products;

Organization and development of online tools for enabling access and visualization of climate data, reanalysis output, and forecast products; and

Development of new, value-added climate products and services for stakeholder applications.

Knowledge and Skills Essential for Success

Fluent in one or more computing languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, ArcGIS, MySQL, or similar)

Comfortable manipulating large data sets

A strong background or experience working in the atmospheric sciences, meteorology, geography, statistics, or related field

Strong analytical and statistical skills

Comfortable working independently and in a team environment

Job Requirements:

BS degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, environmental science, computer science, engineering, or related STEM discipline.

Demonstrated experience developing weather and/or climate products and tools, or similar programmatic work and/or research.

Additional Information:

The position is an in-person position; remote work is not applicable for this position. Annual salary will be commensurate with experience and will range between $46,100 and $62,500 plus benefits.

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.