Specialist, State Climate Services
The Kentucky Climate Center (KCC), housed within the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences at Western Kentucky University (WKU), is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill a new position as State Climate Services Specialist. Founded in 1978, the KCC operates the State Climate Office and is tasked with making weather and climate data, information and value-added products available for general use and applications. The new Specialist position will be the first KCC hire dedicated to directly servicing user needs.
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
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.
Application Instructions:
The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system:
• Cover Letter
• Resume
You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The candidate review process will generally begin as materials are received.
Please email Dr. Jerry Brotzge (Jerald.brotzge@wku.edu) if you have any questions about the position.
Quicklink to apply:
https://wku.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp;jsessionid=CAE03E5AA49AC759D0CC0F447055237A?JOBID=180901
About Western Kentucky University:
The Kentucky Climate Center (https://kyclimate.org) is an institutional member of the American Association of State Climatologists, and is a charter member of WKU's Applied Research and Technology Program. The KCC provides climate services, conducts research, and engages in weather and climate education with partners statewide. As part of the Kentucky Climate Center, the Kentucky Mesonet (https://kymesonet.org) operates a research-grade statewide infrastructure for weather and climate monitoring and serves as the official source of climatological observations for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The KCC maintains active affiliations with the National Centers for Environmental Information, the National Weather Service, the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, and other non-federal organizations, and is actively engaged with the Midwest Drought Early Warning System. The Kentucky Climate Center receives direct line-item funding annually for the Mesonet from the Commonwealth.
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500 faculty and staff employees.
Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.
Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.
Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at https://www.wku.edu/about.