How to Apply

Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. To apply, please complete the application on the U-M Careers site. A one page cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline experience that is directly related to this position.

For more information, please contact the GLISA Co-Director Dr. Jenna Jorns (jljorns@umich.edu). To learn more about GLISA (Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments), visit http://glisa.umich.edu/.

Summary

GLISA is hiring a part-time Climatologist. You will lead engagement with GLISA's partner organizations and practitioners to implement the goals of GLISA's new five-year NOAA award to accelerate and scale-up adaptation action in the Great Lakes (GL) in an equitable and sustainable way. 

The part-time Climatologist will build and maintain relationships with under-resourced communities to position justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the forefront of GLISA's research and community engagement. You will support co-producing climate knowledge and pursue foundational adaptation science research, serving as the primary contact and coordinator between researchers, communities, and boundary organizations. You will also organize and facilitate workshops, training, and presentations to complete GLISA's research and scale-up its suite of resources.

GLISA is one of 12 Climate Adaptation Partnership (CAP, formerly RISA) teams supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to expand and build the nation's capacity to prepare for and adapt to climate variability and change. Housed at the University of Michigan (UM), GLISA is a partnership between UM and Michigan State University. Since 2010, GLISA's team of social and physical scientists has served the eight U.S. GL states and the Province of Ontario. The team bridges the boundary between climate science and decision making to enhance GL communities' capacity to understand, plan for, and respond to climate impacts now and in the future.

Term Limited Position: This position will be a 50% (20 hours per week) term limited appointment supported by a federal grant to GLISA with an end date of August 31, 2026. Extension beyond this date is dependent upon future federal funding to GLISA and job performance.

What You'll Do

• Cultivate new relationships and build trust with vulnerable GL communities, including small/medium cities, Indigenous communities and rural areas
• Convene the Science Advisory Committee and Practitioner Working Group
• Support external evaluation by coordinating and supporting annual interviews
• Recruit communities to join research projects and participate on project teams
• Scale-up existing GLISA tools (i.e., Floodwise Communities, CHaMP, scenario planning) to new communities in collaboration with GLISA Climatologists
• Solicit applicants to GLISA's Small Grants Program and support grant projects
• Work with GLISA team faculty, staff & students to stay up-to-date on GLISA's resources, tools, and research portfolio
• Facilitate in-person and remote workshops, trainings, and co-production research processes (including `Climate 101' presentations)
• Communicate with similar positions on other RISA teams to share best practices
• Manage glisa-info account, connecting inquiries to GLISA team and coordinating responses
• Contribute to new proposals and review draft publications & products
• Update GLISA's website, maintain email lists, and manage social media accounts

Mission Statement

The School for Environment and Sustainability (https://seas.umich.edu/) is a collaborative and interdisciplinary school. Our mission includes contributing to the protection of environmental resources and the achievement of a sustainable society. We accomplish this by generating and sharing knowledge, contributing to policy and engaging managers and stakeholders. The University of Michigan is a top-ranked public university with excellence in research and teaching.  Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, is a town known for arts, culture, parks and restaurants. 

SEAS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment that respects diverse experiences, promotes generous listening and communications, and discourages and restoratively respond to acts of discrimination, harassment, or injustice. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is deeply rooted in our values for a sustainable and just society.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in related field (e.g., social science, environmental science) and at least 2 years of work experience
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and written communication skills
• Experience working with communities and decision makers in an outreach capacity
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills and proficiency with qualitative data collection & analysis (i.e., interviews, surveys)
• Motivated to work in a broad and interdisciplinary environment
• Passionate about climate change, projected impacts, and adaptation with a focus on issues of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion at the local level
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and remote collaboration software (e.g., Zoom)

Desired Qualifications*

• Advanced degree preferred
• Background or interest in learning about regional climate modeling, evaluation of existing models and developing user guidance
• Experience leading partner engagement processes and facilitating team workshops
• Knowledge of federal climate service providers (RISAs, Regional Climate Centers (RCCs), USGS Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs), USDA Climate Hubs)
• Familiarity with the GL region's geography, climate impacts
• Proficiency with graphic design programs and website design (i.e, WordPress)

Work Locations

The preferred location is Ann Arbor, MI with flexible work arrangements available. Fully remote work may be considered with occasional travel to Ann Arbor. 

Additional Information

Anticipated Start Date: September 15, 2023

Candidate will need to travel regionally and nationally (anticipated <5 trips/year) 

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.