Earth Observations Data Management & Field Services Lead

Visa Sponsored Job:

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Job Location:

Position Type & Term:

Annual Salary Range $167,185 - $208,979

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

Job Location: Boulder, CO

Job Type:

• Hybrid (minimum of 3 days a week is required to be on-site)

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 4 weeks per year, domestically and internationally.

Position Type & Term: Full-time, Regular

Work Authorization: Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position

• Must be (a) a U.S. citizen; (b) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (c) a protected individual as defined by 8 USC1324b(a)(3)

Application Deadline:

• This position will be posted until February 17th, 2025.

Required application materials:

• Resume/CV

• 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).

• Questionnaire - As part of the job application, you will be prompted to answer the following questions (Please make sure to answer all the questions as an incomplete questionnaire will result in an incomplete application and dispositioned):

• Describe your experience in managing large-scale Earth science data archives. How have you applied FAIR principles in data management and stewardship, and what modern tools or technologies have you used?

• Please provide an overview of your management and leadership qualifications, including scientific program management and team leadership examples.

• What specific actions have you taken to create an environment where your supervisees or team members feel safe to provide feedback on the projects you're collectively working on, the day-to-day operations of the team, and your management styles?

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a vision for EOL data management and services that aligns with NCAR and NSF priorities, promoting impactful scientific outcomes and advancing the research community's needs.

• Coordinate strategic planning with NCAR entities, NSF, and external organizations to establish shared priorities, achieve program objectives, and address emerging challenges.

• Engage with the scientific and technical communities to stay informed about relevant scientific emphases and technological developments, ensuring DMS remains innovative and aligned with user needs.

• Oversee the development, maintenance, and modernization of data services, including data products, delivery systems, visualization tools, and field project support, focusing on quality, reliability, and user experience.

• Lead and manage a diverse team of scientists and software engineers, fostering professional growth through strategic hiring, mentoring, and career development while optimizing team performance.

• Develop and manage operating budgets to address current needs, future challenges, and opportunities, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.

• Represent DMS on the EOL Management Council, guiding laboratory programs, policies, and initiatives while promoting the interests of EOL and its stakeholders.

• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment in compliance with UCAR policies and federal regulations, focusing on diversity, equity, and staff mentoring.

• Advocate for DMS and EOL tools and services within the Earth science community, conveying their value to NSF-funded and externally-funded research programs.

• Form strategic partnerships and collaborations with public and private sector organizations, nationally and internationally, to enhance the relevance and impact of DMS services.

• Collaborate with the user community to ensure adequate field project planning, execution, and data delivery that meets research goals.

• Engage with NSF and other funding agencies to integrate NCAR and EOL data services into the broader national research enterprise.

• Promote education and best practices in data management and services to support scientific discovery and innovation.

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

Education and Experience (Required):

* B.S. degree + 15 years of experience or equivalentin Data Management or Sciences, Atmospheric or Earth Sciences, Engineering, or a closely related field

*AND demonstratedprofessional experience in leading teams in scientific data services or relevant field

Education & Experience Desired but Not Required:

*M.S. degree + 9 yearsof experience or equivalent, or Ph.D. + 6 years of experience or equivalentin Data Management or Sciences, Atmospheric or Earth Sciences, Engineering, or a closely related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required)

• Expertise in data management and working with large data archives for observational Earth and related sciences.

• Knowledge of and ability to implement Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) principles for scientific data management and stewardship.

• Knowledge of modern tools and concepts for data archival, display, and distribution.

• Working knowledge of metadata standards, data publication practices, and related trends and tools.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with the research community while managing diverse, multidisciplinary teams, with proven expertise in resource planning, budgeting, personnel supervision, and project execution.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills for engaging diverse audiences, including effective advocacy, diplomacy, and employee supervision.

• Working knowledge of software engineering principles and practices (e.g., Network Common Data Form - NetCDF).

• Skill in proposal writing and submission, including developing statements of work and preparing accurate resource and budget estimates.

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive 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

• 12 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

Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.

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 (three days per week) and/or flexible work hours.

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.

Work Location

UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.