CIRES/ EARTH LAB Fire Risk & Forest Resilience Project Manager PRA
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Job Summary
Earth Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) seeks a full-time Professional Research Assistant (PRA) to provide support for a diverse set of projects related to the impacts of wildfire and other natural disturbances on both human and natural systems. Responsibilities will include managing, documenting, and publishing new derived data sets; collaborating on data analysis, and assisting with project management and logistics. The PRA will work with Dr. Jennifer Balch, a leading fire ecologist, and the Director of the Environmental Data Science Innovation & Inclusion Lab (ESIIL).
The successful candidate will possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental sciences, geography, or a related field; a high level of attention to detail; experience analyzing data using R or python, working in the field, and managing projects. Additional desirable qualifications include experience with database management, familiarity with version control systems (e.g., git and/or Subversion), and collaboration software (e.g., Google docs and sheets, Asana, Slack).
Who We Are
At CIRES, more than 950 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people’s relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth’s poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.
Earth Lab is part of CIRES and the CU-Boulder’s Grand Challenge: Our Space, Our Future. Earth Lab’s mission is to harness the data revolution through research, analytics, and education to accelerate understanding of global environmental change to help society better manage and adapt. Earth Lab:
- Capitalizes on the data deluge from space to accelerate global environmental change science;
- Reduces environmental risk and surprise by understanding and predicting slow and abrupt Earth system change; and,
- Trains a new generation of data scientists in Earth analytics.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Managing a suite of research initiatives related to fire dynamics and ecology (45%).
- Organizing team meetings and collaboration efforts.
- Tracking project achievements and deliverables.
- Planning, coordinating, and implementing field data collection campaigns and scientific events/workshops.
- Drafting project reports.
- Fostering intentional, inclusive, and collaborative project teams and scientific communities.
- Managing and analyzing existing and derived data related to natural disturbances and their interactions with human systems (35%).
- Gathering and integrating data from diverse sources (e.g. remotely sensed, social, field).
- Processing data across a suite of sensor types (satellite-, airborne-, and UAS-systems).
- Producing visualizations representing analysis outcomes.
- Contributing to manuscript writing, proposal development, or workshop development (15%).
- Supervising and mentoring undergraduate research assistants (5%).
What You Should Know
- This is a 2-year position with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funding.
What We Can Offer
- CIRES can offer a generous compensation and benefits package.
- The annual hiring salary range for this position ranges from $60,200 - $90,000. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
- Relocation funds are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes and procedures.
- Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues. Boulder was recently ranked as one of the top places to live in the U.S. by U.S. News.
- As an employee at CU Boulder, you will have free access to the regional public transit system, an outstanding network of buses, and light rail systems that service Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.
Benefits
Be Statements
What We Require
- Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, geography, or another related field.
- At least three years of professional experience working in a science-based organization, or related institution (or equivalent experience).
- Experience in R and/or Python programming languages.
- Experience with data integration (e.g., different types and sources of data).
- Experience with data analysis and visualization.
- Experience with project management at a high level, including setting up team meetings, tracking achievements, reporting, and meeting deadlines.
- Experience collecting environmental data in the field.
What You Will Need
- Familiarity with collaboration software (e.g., Google docs and sheets, Asana, Slack).
- Attention to detail.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
What We Would Like You to Have
Please note that while the position details both required and preferred skills and experience, we invite applicants to apply even if they do not have the preferred skills and experience outlined in this section. If you meet the requirements and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on the job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.
- Master's degree in ecology, environmental science, geography, or another related field.
- Proficiency in R and/or Python programming languages.
- Proficiency with data integration.
- Experience with simultaneous management of multiple projects.
- Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., git and/or Subversion).
- Commitment to open science.
- Experience with UAVs or a strong interest in learning.
- Experience supporting a more inclusive workplace.
- Experience coordinating fieldwork for multiple teams or individuals.
- Candidates with a PhD degree in ecology, environmental science, geography, or other related field will also be considered, but need to demonstrate a strong interest and experience in science facilitation and support.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV.
- Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
- List of contact information for 3 professional references (name, title, professional relationship, email, and phone number) who may be contacted on your behalf. You do not need to include letters of recommendation with your application.
- Additionally, if you are selected as a finalist for this role, the search committee will request a SkillSurvey questionnaire. SkillSurvey is an online automated reference check solution. Please be prepared to submit a list of 5 professional references (2 of whom must be/must have been supervisors or professors). This information will be kept confidential and viewable only by the search committee.
If you are selected for an interview, you will be required to submit both a code and a writing sample.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
Please apply by September 27, 2024 to receive full consideration. The position will be open until filled. Applications will be screened as they are received.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Chelsea Nagy
Posting Contact Email: chelsea.nagy@colorado.edu