Climate Change Analysis Discipline Leader
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
This is a strategic leadership position to serve as a Discipline Leader (DL) for Climate Change Analysis in our Climate Resilience transcending Community of Practice and One Water Community of Practice. The DL role works alongside both the Climate Resilience Practice Leader (PL) and the One Water PL, while collaborating with other leaders and practitioners throughout the firm due to the multi-disciplinary nature of the work.
The DL will help grow the firm's technical luminescence and industry presence in the field of climate science and analysis. This may include involvement in R&D projects, professional society committee engagement, developing conference abstracts or journal articles, innovative application of climate change principles on projects, and visible conference attendance. The DL will assist in standardizing, codifying, improving, and teaching the application and interpretation of climate science, tools, and data.
As a leader in the One Water practice, the DL will focus these efforts on water planning and management and incorporating climate change science into the One Water Practice Growth Plan. As a leader in the Climate Resilience practice, the DL will be responsible for applying actionable climate science across CDM Smith business lines by collaborating with the Climate Resilience DLs to incorporate climate science into planning, design, and construction practices across the firm. The DL will participate in executing the Climate Resilience Practice Plan, with special focus on developing the technical capabilities of the Climate Resilience Practitioner team. This includes mentorship, staffing needs, and opportunities for new actionable climate science solutions.
As a strategic member of the CDM Smith team, you will help with development of new tools that can help grow our technical capabilities within and beyond the discipline, developing current and new team members who are interested in climate change analysis, and working closely with Client Service Leaders (CSLs) and Sales Leaders across the country to identify, prioritize, pre-sell, and pursue work that is mutually beneficial to CDM Smith and our clients. Working with the PLs, other Climate Resilience and One Water DLs, and leaders across the organization, you will be empowered to deliver innovative solutions while interacting effectively with clients, company management, project team members, and partnering organizations. This role requires strong communication and teamwork involving staff from various disciplines., * Provide guidance to and coordinate with subject matter experts (SMEs) on appropriate application and interpretation of climate change analysis.
- Collaborate with the Climate Resilience and One Water PLs and sales staff to support Requests for Proposals and review draft proposals for adherence to firm, industry, state, local, and federal regulations and best practices. Meet with current and potential future clients as needed to review their current and future climate change assessment needs.
- Identify and pursue internal and external R&D funding for progressing climate science and development of digital tools to advance it and make it more accessible.
- Attend and present at conferences and symposia to contribute to the technical luminescence and visibility of the firm's products and services in collaboration with PLs, DLs, and sales staff.
- Provide technical guidance and training to senior, mid-level, and junior staff working on projects that require, or could benefit from, quantitative climate change analysis. Supervise and review the work of staff on project work and delegate as necessary to SMEs.
- Actively identify staff to mentor on projects, R&D, and the communication skills associated with climate change science.
- Understand market trends in climate change applications, tools, and methods.
- Advocate for climate change analysis and tools throughout the firm and help develop a successful outreach program to clients.
- Educate clients across CDM Smith's portfolio about climate risks and the value of understanding them.
- Maintain a strong understanding of climate impacts across business lines (water, environment, transportation, infrastructure)., CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Environmental, Civil, Coastal or Chemical Engineering or related discipline. Professional engineering (PE) license. 12 years of related experience. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Driving Requirements
An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong creative problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
Ph.D. or Master's degree in Environmental, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental sciences, or related discipline
Active participation and leadership positions with local and national professional organizations and associations.
Past leadership roles in climate change analysis projects across multiple states.
Skills & Abilities
Expert knowledge of climate science and analysis, including: global climate models, emissions scenarios, downscaling methods, and how to extract, interpret, and utilize data from such models.
Expert knowledge in applying climate science within risk assessment approaches to give practical meaning for projects.
Strong skills in statistical analysis.
Working knowledge of geospatial data analysis and summary at detailed and generalized levels.
Basic coding for large datasets (python, R, etc.) and ability to lead the creation of digital tools for climate risk and resilience projects.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Expert knowledge of Microsoft business software (Excel, Word, etc.).