Extension Specialist and Director of the UGA Weather Network

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (UGA CAES) is seeking a dynamic individual for the position of Extension Specialist and Director of the UGA Weather Network. This position reports directly to the Assistant Dean for Extension. The incumbent will be responsible for providing visionary leadership for the UGA CAES Weather Network, timely communications, and targeted guidance to agricultural stakeholders statewide using both traditional and cutting-edge technologies to increase data accessibility and application.

The University of Georgia Weather Network consists of 91 automated weather stations located around the state. The network provides weather data directly to users, publishes weather and associated climate information on a website, http://weather.uga.edu/, and is operated as a public-private partnership. Five full-time staff are employed to manage the network and data distribution, including the Director. The network is based at the UGA Griffin Campus and the Director works with research and extension programs at Griffin, Athens, and Tifton campuses. The Director has direct responsibility for the overall operation of the network and will have the option for adjunct status in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences to teach, mentor and serve on graduate student committees. Additional Requirements Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification Ph.D. in meteorology, atmospheric science, agricultural engineering, climate science or a closely related field with training and background in developing and conducting Extension programs and weather/climate effects on agricultural production systems. The successful candidate will have a working understanding of the field of climate-services and the ability to transform data into accessible and actionable tools to aid decision making processes for agricultural producers and other stakeholders. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Candidates with a demonstrated record of collaborative applied research/Extension/instruction/administrative programming, extramural grant success, and program development that integrates applied science and Extension are preferred. Familiarity with managing weather networks and data acquisition of weather and climate observations and an understanding of climatology and the ability to use climate products (NOAA Climate Prediction Center, IPCC, mesonets, etc.) to identify agricultural impacts is highly desirable. Candidates should be interested in collaborating with research faculty to jointly develop and deploy climate-related decision support tools for producers and other stakeholders. Physical Demands Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website. Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website., Collaborating with faculty and Agricultural and Natural Resource Extension Agents on research and extension issues related to weather and climate in the fields of agriculture, environment, human and animal health and other areas. Percentage Of Time 40, Managing the financial aspects of the network, including budgeting, securing and spending extramural funding, and negotiating data purchases. Percentage Of Time 20, Developing and providing network-related data and outreach resources in coordination with extension agents and external stakeholder groups. Percentage Of Time 15, Managing network staff and overseeing the operation fo the network, including hiring of new staff members as needed. Percentage Of Time 15, Adding stations to the network and modernizing the station hardware, data handling operations and user interfaces to maximize accessibility. Percentage Of Time 5, Monitoring the operation of sites that form part of three national networks, including EPA Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET), National Atmospheric Deposition Site (NADP), and a USDA-funded UV-B Monitoring and Research Program (UVMRP) site. Percentage Of Time 5

Posting Specific Questions

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Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information
4. Public Svc/Extension Philosophy

Optional Documents

1. Certification

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

M.S. in meteorology, atmospheric science, agricultural engineering, climate science or a closely related field with training and background in developing and conducting Extension programs and weather/climate effects on agricultural production systems.

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine., The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu). USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.