Applied Research Hydrologist

Working Title: Applied Research Hydrologist
Classification: Research Professional 6-Environmental & Natural Resources (#9792EN)
Appointment: Full-time, annually renewable
Office Location: St. Paul campus, Hybrid work options available

ABOUT THE POSITION
The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) [linked to: https://climate.umn.edu/] is hiring a full-time applied research hydrologist with a focus on hydrologic variability and change in the Midwestern region of the U.S. The applied research hydrologist will work with the MCAP team to co-produce applied research, synthesize literature, and engage with partners on climate impacts and adaptation related to hydrologic variability and change. We are looking for a candidate with expertise in water resources management and training in applied social or natural sciences, engineering, planning, or a related field. Candidates should have familiarity with topics such as climate resilience, water management, and adaptation strategies.

The researcher will work at the boundary of scientific research and application by integrating future climate projections with hydrologic models to inform water resources management and
decision making. This will include running hydrological models, publishing research in peer-reviewed journals, and collaborating with a growing team of climate researchers and Extension personnel to bring MCAP-generated research into practice.

Strong oral and written communication skills are critical. This role will involve assisting in the mentorship and supervision of graduate students, post-doctoral scholars and other MCAP staff.
The position will also require working with a diverse set of partners and communities to identify, develop, and implement approaches to increase the use and application of climate science and
hydrologic data and information in decision-making, such as:

* Local governments, including townships, cities, and counties;
* Natural resource managers and conservationists;
* Tribal communities, members, and Inter-tribal organizations;
* Diverse cultural and community groups, including frontline communities;
* Private sector;
* State agency leadership and staff; and
* Climate science professionals and researchers.

Candidates should be able to work collaboratively and proactively to manage competing priorities, project deadlines and deliverables.

Please note: this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Synthesize and Co-produce Research on Hydrologic Impacts to Support Adaptation Actions (50%)
* Lead and conduct research, including coding and running hydrologic models, to assess change under current and future projected climate scenarios in surface and groundwater in Minnesota and throughout the Midwest.
* Summarize results of hydrologic model outputs to help co-produce actionable data and information with MCAP team members, project partners and stakeholders
* Synthesize scientific literature related to hydrologic variability and change, impacts, and adaptation
* Lead and assist with additional research-related tasks as determined by project needs

Collaboration with the MCAP team of researchers and Extension Educators (20%)
* Help develop science products and educational curriculum (e.g., data visualizations, accessible reports, web content, Extension program modules) for diverse audiences to understand their exposure to future hydrologic change including local, state, federal and tribal governments, natural resource managers, and policy makers
* Participate in project-specific meetings to ensure understanding of climate and hydrologic data and information needs for individual projects to inform modeling work
* Participate in stakeholder meetings and workshops
* Provide management support for large projects, which may include coordinating project teams across multiple institutions, facilitating internal project meetings, organizing final reports and deliverables, and holding team members accountable for contributions
* Provide technical support in workshops, meetings, and other external engagement activities focused on understanding and adapting to hydrologic variability and change
* Solicit input on projects and feedback from government agencies, Midwest Tribes, local communities, and other stakeholders

Dissemination of research findings (10%)
* Lead and assist in the development of peer-reviewed journal articles to publish research findings and methodologies
* Participation in workshops and conferences to share the results of research and modeling efforts to help advance the field of hydrologic modeling
* Represent MCAP and conduct outreach on climate impacts and adaptation science for a range of audiences, including the production and delivery of presentations on climate impacts and adaptation practices related to hydrologic variability and change in the Midwest

Proposal Development and Grant Writing (10%)
* Lead and assist with grant proposal development and grant writing related to hydrological change and impacts due to climate change and management actions and outcomes
* Scope projects, conduct engagement, and solicit reviews and feedback from partners and collaborators.

Engagement with the MCAP team (10%)
* Actively engage as a member of the MCAP team, including regular updates to the team about ongoing work; participation in monthly meetings, staff development, and other team meetings and activities; and support for MCAP-wide activities (e.g., Midwest Climate Resilience Conference), as requested

Required Qualifications:
* A PhD degree in hydrology, climate science, geography, or closely related field with substantial publication record.
* Experience running physically-based hydrologic models, including model development, calibration, and analysis of results.
* Experience using GIS software to develop model inputs and perform analyses.
* Experience with modern data analytics using R or Python.
* Experience with github and reproducible workflows.
* Knowledge of, or experience with, applied climate change impacts and adaptation.
* Demonstrated attention to detail and insistence on technical accuracy.
* Experience synthesizing scientific literature and data.
* Experience with co-production and use-inspired research.
* Experience producing science communication materials for diverse audiences, such as water managers and/or policy makers.
* Experience leading or supporting the development of grant proposals.
* Demonstrated ability to lead and co-author peer-reviewed papers.
* Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, stakeholders, and communities, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, cultures, and backgrounds.
* Excellent organizational and time management skills - must be able to track and meet deadlines and have abilities to work independently with little or no supervision, as well as participate effectively in a remote team work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Five or more years of post-degree professional experience designing, managing, and delivering research projects in applied climate science and hydrologic modeling
* Experience with the NOAA National Water Model
* A proven ability using technology to enhance access to and understanding of research-based information.
* Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information including through oral, written, and graphic/image formats in clear and concise language appropriate for a range of audiences (e.g., scientists, community members, decision makers, media, etc.)
* Experience in collaborative research interactions including with a variety of disciplines, agencies, and organizations.
* Experience with participatory research, community engagement, and knowledge co-production.
* Experience working across a diverse range of communities, including Native American tribes, rural communities, and communities of color on issues related to climate change and environmental justice.
* Experience applying a racial equity and social justice lens to create an inclusive office environment and practices.

Additional Requirements:
* Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle with required liability insurance, to be utilized for travel to workshops and transporting materials and supplies to events; the need to transport other people/employees may occur.
* When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense.
* Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
* Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
* Working ability to perform tasks involving prolonged sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force, frequent repetitive motions.
*This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

ABOUT MCAP
The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) works to develop critical climate science knowledge, champion climate adaptation leadership and support climate
resilience actions and collaboration across communities, sectors, and levels of government to ensure Minnesota and the midwest region are making needed progress to prepare for our
changing climate. MCAP is a leading multi-sector group dedicated to climate adaptation and resilience in the Midwest and partners directly with state, federal and local governments, the
private sector, non-profits, Tribes, community-based organizations, and individuals. MCAP is a joint program of University of Minnesota Extension and the College of Food, Agricultural and
Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS).

This position "home" is in the Department of Soil, Water and Climate in CFANS on the St. Paul, MN campus of the University of Minnesota.

Pay Range: $85,000 - $100,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. This position requires that you attach:

• CV/Resume- Include your qualifications based upon the job requirements
• Cover letter- Expressing how your experience and skills match the required and preferred qualifications
• Three professional references will be required during the interview process.

This position will remain open until filled with initial candidate pool review beginning in January 2025.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

SEARCH CONTACT: Amanda Farris, MCAP Associate Director, afarris@umn.edu

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).