Position Function:
This is a 12-month position with a 100% Extension appointment, located at the Coastal Research & Ext Center in Biloxi, MS, with an academic home in the School of Human Sciences. The primary function will be to maintain and expand a research-based, Extension program related to climate science and risk communication with strong emphasis on applied science and effective communication for coastal communities, natural resource management, and associated planning for the effects of sea-level rise and other climate-related flood hazards.
Other functions include supporting the transfer of climate science observations, research, and data products to partners in the northern Gulf of Mexico and beyond to ensure that information is made accessible to a wide range of end-users and stakeholders; and supporting wise stewardship and improved coastal resiliency.
The selected applicant will be expected to develop, implement, and evaluate climate science programs in coordination with partners.
These programs will be utilized in Extension trainings, workshops, printed materials, web sites, social media, etc.; will expand the current state of knowledge regarding climate science and risk communication, improving Extension capacity to support coastal communities and natural resource managers to understand, access, and integrate risk and climate science; and should integrate applied research projects with Extension programming by working with researchers on priorities and ensuring that the projects are mutually beneficial.
The selected applicant will conduct formal and informal observations to assess the effectiveness of programs at generating behavior change regarding future risk and climate change; will be responsible for establishment of new programs and expansion of current programs; communicate lessons learned, best practices, and relevant products through Extension networks; and engage in ongoing climate science Extension related work locally, regionally, and nationally.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
This position is based at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, MS and will be affiliated with the Coastal and Marine Extension Program. The Coastal and Marine Extension Program is the coastal arm of the MSU Extension Service that focuses on environmental, resilience, and socioeconomic issues within the coastal and marine environment.
Area of Specialization:
Climate Science and Community Resilience
Anticipated Appointment Date:
February 2023.
Tenure Track Status:
No.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop, implement, and evaluate climate science programs in close coordination with local, regional, and national partners focused on transfer of knowledge and skills to coastal decision-makers (planners and natural-resource managers). These programs will be transferred to Extension efforts such as trainings, workshops, printed materials, web sites, social media, etc. These programs should integrate applied research projects with Extension programming by working with researchers on priorities and ensuring that the projects are mutually beneficial. These programs could include direct work with researchers on individual research efforts, coordination among researchers/practitioners, communication/training with end-users, or supporting other Extension agents/associates so they may better integrate climate into their ongoing work. There is an existing portfolio of projects and programs under the broader extension program the Program for Local Adaptation to Climate Effects: Sea-Level Rise (PLACE:SLR, www.placeslr.org) which has an active portfolio of projects and fiscal. The selected applicant would be expected to lead this program.
The selected applicant will be responsible for using formal and informal methods to assess effectiveness of programs, adapting the program based on observations, and transferring the knowledge gained to the broader Human Science/Extension community. The selected applicant will be responsible for independently seeking additional funding to support establishment of new programs and expansion of current programs; communicating lessons learned, best practices, and relevant products through local, regional, and national Extension networks; and engage in ongoing climate science Extension work related work in the northern Gulf of Mexico and beyond. The selected applicant will also enter the position overseeing several existing grants with support from existing staff that are focused on climate science extension.
Acceptable candidates must have outstanding English verbal and written communication skills and the assessment techniques required to develop and deliver an Extension program and fulfill job responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications:
* A Master's degree in a combination of environmental science and social science, or closely related fields.
* A minimum of three years experience working with coastal end-users to integrate best available data and science into decision-making.
* The ability to successfully obtain and manage extramural funding. Extension, outreach, and project management experience.
* Facilitation and risk communication training and experience along with the ability to manage projects and partnerships across large geographies through use of technology.
* Experience working with underserved and marginalized communities to address chronic risk issues stemming from climate change.
* Familiar with northern Gulf coast ecosystems, organizations, and agencies.
* Experience integrating coastal observing and monitoring, and other data into decision-making while leveraging current best practices and social science research on climate science communication.
* Experience in evaluating development, dissemination, and adoption of climate resilience tools.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience leading a climate science extension program with demonstrated success.
* Willingness to address climate science related issues as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
* Demonstrated record of extramural funding.
* Ability to manage projects and partnerships across large geographies through use of technology.
* Experience working with underserved and marginalized communities to address chronic risk issues stemming from climate change.
* Familiar with northern Gulf coast ecosystems, organizations, and agencies.
* Experience integrating coastal observing and monitoring, and other data into decision-making while leveraging current best practices and social science research on climate science communication.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
* The individual should be self-motivated, fit well in a multidisciplinary team environment, and exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Demonstrated ability to publish scholarly Extension publications and peer-reviewed journal articles.
* Knowledge and skills in using Microsoft Office Suites especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint; knowledge and skills in using ArcGIS or equivalent; knowledge and skills in multiple document/project management/sharing platforms (e.g., Google Drive, BaseCamp); knowledge and skills in webinar software (WebEx, GoToMeeting, etc.);
* Ability to develop and maintain diverse and robust partnerships.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Ability to travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu. Additionally, submit a cover letter, vitae, a combined statement of research and outreach/Extension interests/philosophy, copy of your unofficial transcripts, and three letters of recommendation (sent separately by your references) to:
Dr. Eric Sparks
Mississippi State University
Coastal Research and Extension Center
1815 Popps Ferry Road
Biloxi, MS 36532
or to eric.sparks@msstate.edu
Screening Date:
February 7, 2023 until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
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If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
