Job Description Summary: UCAR is excited to announce the job opening for the CPAESS Program Specialist III role working with NOAA’s Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing (GOMO) Program. This position will provide senior-level program support for the design and development of data management approaches and policies for the GOMO and Arctic Research Program (ARP). The position will work closely with the GOMO and ARP Directors, Program Managers, and the broader Data Management community, Principal Investigators, to lead the finalization of the GOMO Data Strategy Plan. Additionally, they will be responsible for formulating an Implementation Plan and establishing a Data Implementation Community of Practice/Group.

　　CPAESS serves the Earth System Science community in three distinct areas of service. We partner with federal agencies and businesses to hire critical scientific staff enabling a more robust workforce. Through our scientific programs we seek to edify new research with our postdoctoral programs, our visiting scientist and internship programs, along with our interagency support programs. We also help build the Earth system science community by convening and managing summer schools and institutes, conferences, and advisory committees.

　　Position Details:

　　Visa Sponsored Job:

　　Yes

　　Relocation Assistance Eligible:

　　Yes

　　Job Location:

　　Boulder, Colorado

　　Position Type & Term:

　　Full time, Regular

　　Compensation Range:

　　$79,698 - $99,624

　　Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

　　Application Notes

　　Application Deadline: This position will be posted until filled with priority given to applications submitted by Monday, January 29, 2024. Applications submitted past this date may not be fully considered, depending on the quality and volume of applications received.

　　Required application materials (preferably in PDF Format) :

　　Resume

　　Cover Letter - Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting).

　　Federal screenings and background checks are conducted for candidates selected for hire and must be cleared prior to the start date. Learn more. (https://www.ucar.edu/opportunities/careers/faqs)

　　Work Location: This position is open to candidates seeking in-person, hybrid (combination of in-person and remote), and fully remote opportunities. Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

　　What You Will Do

　　Technical and Program Management

　　Lead the development of readily accessible and discoverable machine-readable data on GOMO projects and foster greater accountability, consistency, and interoperability program-wide.

　　Foster a community of practice for program data reporting, and analytics, and plan for program user engagement as we establish a data management framework for GOMO.

　　Develop and establish recommendations regarding data and metadata requirements, standard formats, and management policies based on existing standard data models.

　　Lead the data landscape assessment of the whole GOMO program in collaboration with the GOMO Program Managers and PIs.

　　Develop systems that allow for data-driven program decision-making.

　　Strategic Planning and Program Implementation

　　Interpret broad policy and program directives and make recommendations for data management program guides and time-phasing of planning actions.

　　Follow the initial implementation of the data strategy plan, and work with GOMO Program Managers and PIs to provide a path for data user engagement (tracking feedback, response, and actions).

　　Write work plans, white papers, and proposals to sustain and enhance GOMO data management and systems.

　　Along with the Program Managers, review submitted Data Management Plans (DMPs) of proposals and compliance checking of work plans and progress reports.

　　Join close-out calls for projects that have ended after final reports are submitted to ensure data and archival requirements are met.

　　Create tools and relevant documents (e.g., Data submission preparation step-by-step) to ensure smooth and seamless data submission and archiving.

　　Also, serve as a data content manager to assist with more specific guidance upon request.

　　Lead data management training, workshops, and relevant resource materials for program Principal Investigators (PIs) and stakeholders.

　　Program Representation

　　In the areas of design and development of data management approaches and the drafting and implementation of the GOMO Data Strategy Plan:

　　Recommend and leverage activities, systems, and approaches to help minimize additional paperwork, administrative hurdles, and reporting requirements for researchers creating data or publications.

　　Lead continued engagement with data providers and other stakeholders to ensure open lines of communication concerning data and information sharing, best practices, and communicating NOAA, USG, and international policies as data landscapes continue to evolve.

　　Maintain and expand current partnerships within OAR and across the agency, identify new opportunities with potential partners in NOAA, the Federal government, non-governmental organizations, indigenous communities, and academic institutions.

　　Along with Program Managers, GOMO Web Developer, and the Senior Communications Specialist, support the creation, maintenance, and updating of data web pages and corresponding project-specific landing pages.

　　Coordinate with other data experts to disentangle different metadata formats across single platforms (i.e. tide gauges and OceanSITES) and recommend one format per platform.

　　Represent the GOMO and ARP at relevant meetings to present information about current efforts and priorities.

　　Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

　　Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

　　Education & Experience

　　Master’s degree in Physical Science (Chemistry, Biology, Environmental or Marine Science, etc.), Engineering, or Data Management, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field;

　　3 years of relevant program experience;

　　Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience.

　　Desired, but not required:

　　Experience designing and implementing data and metadata requirements, ensuring interoperability, and adhering to established data models.

　　Experience in understanding and managing the expectations of multiple stakeholders, ensuring their needs are addressed while maintaining program objectives.

　　Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

　　Aptitude for interpreting broad policies and drafting strategies and guides.

　　Ability to develop terms of reference to define clear roles, responsibilities, and procedures.

　　Skills in coordinating, organizing, and facilitating in-person, hybrid, or fully virtual meetings, workshops, trainings, and conferences.

　　Demonstrated ability to serve as a technical resource for program areas of data management in the global ocean observations and the Arctic/Alaska regions.

　　Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and foster a collaborative work environment.

　　Ability to identify challenges and efficiently devise solutions, especially in a dynamic environment where rapid responses might be needed.

　　Aptitude for prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively to meet deadlines and program milestones.

　　Skill in applying qualitative and quantitative methods for assessment and improvement of program effectiveness.

　　Skill in preparing technical and administrative reports and giving oral and written presentations to a broad range of audiences, including senior leadership and non-scientists.

　　Skill in synthesizing and summarizing complex data and information from several sources (e.g. observations, models, scientific analysis reports, and published papers).

　　Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time.

　　Desired, but not required:

　　Knowledge in the field of Oceanography, Earth Sciences, or Environmental Sciences

　　Deep understanding of machine-readable data formats, data servers, data portals, and cloud computing.

　　Knowledge of and commitment to staying updated with evolving technologies, methodologies, and best practices in the field of data management and ocean observations.

　　Knowledge of and commitment to promoting and integrating the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) within all facets of data management and program engagement.

　　A strong understanding of FAIR and CARE principles and how to actively implement those principles through data management and related activities.

　　Benefits Overview

　　UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits (https://www.ucar.edu/opportunities/careers/benefits) . In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:

　　Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities

　　UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one

　　Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions)

　　10 paid holidays

　　10 days of sick leave each year

　　14 weeks of paid parental leave

　　Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary

　　EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost

　　Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

　　Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan (https://www.ucar.edu/sites/default/files/documents/related-links/2020-12/ODEI_StrategicPlan_Final.pdf) and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace (https://www.ucar.edu/who-we-are/diversity-inclusion) site.

　　Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience . Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

　　Some Final Considerations

　　At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core.

　　Flexible Work

　　At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.

　　Equal Opportunity Employer

　　UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

　　Export Control

　　All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

　　Visa Wait Times

　　Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.

　　At NCAR - the National Center for Atmospheric Research - we study weather, water, climate, air quality, and space weather to help protect lives and livelihoods, grow the economy, and enhance our nation’s security and well-being. We collaborate with research partners to advance the science that makes predictions better and with end users to develop applications for forecasters, farmers, resource managers, retailers, the military, and many other stakeholders.

　　UCAR - the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research - manages NCAR on behalf of the National Science Foundation. We are a nonprofit consortium of more than 115 colleges and universities with research and training programs in Earth system science. We bring together the academic community and provide the operational management that are both essential to NCAR's success. UCAR’s community programs, from educational resources to data delivery and other services, extend the reach and impact of NCAR’s world-class research to the community and society.

　　We seek talented people with diverse backgrounds, training, and skills to join us in our mission of science in service to society. Want to learn more? Visit ucar.edu.