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Mesonet Project Coordinator, Center for Research on the Environment

Job Details



The Center for Integrated Research on the Environment (CIRE) invites applications for a Mesonet Project Coordinator (MPC). This position will serve in a lead role responsible for the day-to-day completion of a joint contract project between the CIRE and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

This position is designed to support and coordinate work, reporting, and permitting; and, to facilitate communications pursuant to the completion of the installation or retrofitting of over 500 snowpack monitoring stations throughout the Upper Missouri River Basin, with the ultimate project goal of improving snowpack and soil moisture monitoring in the basin. This position will serve as the primary project point of contact, responsible agent for reporting, and liaison between the US Army Corps of Engineers and five individual state-sponsored Mesonet groups installing or retrofitting the snowpack sites. This position is a full-time coordinating and reporting position, housed at the CIRE offices, on the University of Montana’s campus in Missoula, Montana.

The MPC will be required to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The complexity of tasks required to successfully manage the sensor system is high, in terms of both intellectual and personnel responsibilities. Project tasks will include:

  • Developing site selection design methodology in partnership with the state Mesonets - utilizing GIS layers, hydrologic models and expertise from the Mesonets
  • Communicating with the relevant project stakeholders
  • Coordinating project logistics and supervising project milestones
  • Managing complex databases and analyzing project results
  • Preparing project results for the annual interagency meeting and preparing report submissions
  • Developing and coordinating snowpack and hydrologic monitoring sensor implementation
  • Collaborative development of site selection methodology designs with multiple stakeholders
  • Developing and coordinating multiple field projects
  • Producing reports for the U.S. Army Corps.


Initiative and independence will be necessary for designing and implementing strategies. The MPC will be responsible for assimilating GIS data, project data and info from the five Mesonet groups to complete Quarterly and Annual Reports, as well as update the project database records weekly.

Incumbent is expected to develop connections and familiarity with a range of stakeholders involved in natural resources management (e.g. state water resources agencies, federal entities such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service); and develop a working knowledge of University of Montana policies and practices related to managing field projects.

Position Details

  • Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
  • Salary for this position is $52,000 per year.


Required Education and Skills
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in natural resource management, biology, hydrology, GIS, ecological restoration, environmental engineering, as well as two (2) years of project coordination or related professional experience; or any combination of experience and education that would provide the competencies required to successfully discharge the duties assigned to this position.
  • Strong theoretical, empirical and application-based hydrological knowledge, skill with complex databases (preferably GIS).
  • Willingness to organize and manage meetings including maintaining a written record, strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Sufficient working knowledge to synchronize the following: GIS developed products, database management, soils, climatology, NEPA, and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
  • Familiarity with the NEPA process and (SHPO – cultural clearances).
  • Master of Science degree in Hydrology, Atmospheric or Soils Sciences, Environmental or Civil Engineering, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Potamology (River Hydrology), Climatology, or a related field.
  • Experience with common GIS mapping techniques, database management, and meteorological and hydrological sample design.
  • Experience in managing field efforts, ensuring reporting compliance, and displaying communications expertise.
Preferred Qualifications

  • Master of Science degree in Hydrology, Atmospheric or Soils Sciences, Environmental or Civil Engineering, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Potamology (River Hydrology), Climatology, or a related field.
  • Experience with common GIS mapping techniques, database management, and meteorological and hydrological sample design.
  • Experience in managing field efforts, ensuring reporting compliance, and displaying communications expertise.


About the CIRE , UM , and Missoula

The mission of the Center for Integrated Research on the Environment (CIRE) is to promote the development of Montana’s science and technology resources at the University of Montana in Natural Resource Management and Ecology and Cultural Resource Management and Human Affairs. It is specifically designed to work with federal, state and tribal administrations and agencies to collect, analyze, and apply environmental and cultural resource data, as well as to implement land rehabilitation and maintenance for management of public lands within a nationwide capacity. CIRE applies best practices for sustainable use of land and water resources, innovative technologies, effective monitoring, education and training. CIRE is a center designed to handle a large Cooperative Agreement (CA) with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with research tasks encompassing natural and cultural resource issues around the world.

The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with over 10,000 students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 72,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “ top 20 best college towns with a population of less than 250,000 ” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th in Outside Magazine’s “ The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America” in 2014 . Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high quality of life . Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.



To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.



Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Monday, November 16, 2020

Applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. Application review will begin after date above and continue until the position is filled.

Please submit the following application materials via "New Resume/CV" button below.

*Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

  • Cover letter – describing research interests, experience, career goals, and your fit for the position
  • Detailed CV - listing education, publications, skills, etc
  • Names and contact information for three (3) professional references


Need additional help? Check out our UM Jobs FAQ website.

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular

Company

University of Montana.

At UM, we approach everything with creativity because that’s what this evolving world needs. We are stewards of this place, its history and our future. We are driving forward together, affecting change that is right for our place and people. We know of no better place than Montana and its university to make a lasting impact on the common good.

As Montana’s flagship university, we set a high bar for academic studies, creative accomplishments and scientific exploration which benefit our students, our community and the world at large.

The University draws a diverse, global population to Missoula – our home and the state’s second-largest city with about 80,000 residents – and helps cultivate an educated, engaged and vibrant community. Our students receive a world-class education in a broad range of subjects that include the arts, sciences, trades, graduate and postdoctoral study and professional training.

Our main campus, nestled in the heart of western Montana’s stunning natural landscape, spans 56 acres at the base of Mount Sentinel and along the Clark Fork River, and includes the park-like Oval at the center of campus, more than 60 architecturally unique buildings and a 25,200-seat football stadium. UM's 180-acre South Campus offers student housing, a golf course, soccer fields and an outdoor track facility. Missoula College occupies two sites, one just across the river from the main campus, and one on the southwest side of Missoula.

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