Climate Adaptation Specialist Jobs

Posting Detail Information
Working Title Climate Adaptation Specialist
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202301198AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate II
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $55,000- $60,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University ( CSU ) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/.
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 07/24/2023
Description of Work Unit
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.
The Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University is interdisciplinary with programs of emphasis in forestry, fire science, fire management, natural resource policy/planning, rangeland ecology, and restoration ecology. The Department’s faculty and staff support the Warner College of Natural Resources ( WCNR ) and the University in fulfilling the Land Grant Mission in these programmatic areas. The Department offers undergraduate majors in Forestry, Rangeland Ecology, and Natural Resources Management in addition to master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees, and a Master’s in Natural Resource Stewardship degree. The Warner College is home to five academic departments and several centers and institutes such as the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, the WESTFIRE Research Center, the Colorado State Forest Service, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. These programs, institutes and centers provide a foundation for research, education and outreach in this field.
Position Summary
This position will focus on several research and outreach projects based out of the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, with responsibilities encompassing applied research and program support of the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change ( ASCC ) Network, climate science communication, adaptation planning and practices, experimental design, implementation, evaluation, data collection protocols and data management, preparation of publications and presentations, and professional training workshop design and delivery. There is a strong emphasis on communication of climate change adaptation and natural resource management principles to a broad professional community. The position may include some supervisory responsibilities.
This position serves as the Coordinator for the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change Network, which has expanded to include international partners and research sites. This creates strategic paths forward as a Network; develops, facilitates, and leads workshops and communications with existing partner sites; develops and disseminates communications for the project including oral and written products and presentations at national conferences; and work effectively with science and management partners on climate change and forest management related outreach projects and trainings.
Required Job Qualifications

• Knowledge of climate change science, ecosystem impacts, and climate adaptation options.
• Proficiency with computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications.
• Master’s in a natural resource-related degree and/or a similar degree such as ecology, human dimensions, OR a combination of a Bachelor’s in a natural resource-related degree AND three + years of professional experience in natural resource management.
• Demonstrated commitment to contribute to an inclusive and safe work environment.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license by start of employment and ability to meet Colorado State University’s vehicle use requirements.
• Demonstrated proficiency using virtual meeting applications.
• Demonstrated experience in ecosystem or natural resources management in terrestrial ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
• Demonstrated experience in compiling, synthesizing, and communicating applied science-based information for natural resource professionals and diverse audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff, and partners outside of the university setting.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment under minimal supervision.
• Experience delivering and/or facilitating workshops, trainings, and/or courses where applied research is translated to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge and ability to think creatively, proactively adapt to changing environments, act decisively, and motivate, develop, inspire, affirm, and empower others.
• Demonstrated experience related to ecosystem climate adaptation and/or carbon mitigation.
• Experience organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple work projects and types of activities with attention to detail, while meeting and managing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking skills in complex situations.
• Ability to perform in a dynamic work environment with colleagues in different physical locations.
• Experience in developing and implementing field studies, including study design, data collection, analysis, synthesis, and reporting of data including peer reviewed publications.
• Ability to conduct necessary travel to field sites to carry out project tasks.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with research and management partners to build and sustain a community of practice on climate change and forest management.

Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category Applied Research & Program Support
Duty/Responsibility

• Support ASCC Network cohesion through coordination of Network-wide opportunities for engagement and cross-site sharing of research methods and lessons learned.
• Conduct necessary travel to field sites to carry out project tasks.
• Support efforts, in collaboration with faculty and other scientists, that address specific topics that may range from broad-scale climate vulnerability assessments, incorporating climate change into the planning process, and development of silvicultural prescriptions for adaptation.
• Collaborate with scientists in developing and implementing field studies, including study design, data collection, analysis, synthesis, and reporting of data including peer reviewed publications.
• Assist scientists with publications and presentations of research findings at professional meetings.
• Work effectively with science and management partners on climate change and forest management related research projects.

Percentage Of Time 50%
Job Duty Category Outreach & Communication
Duty/Responsibility

• Communicate effectiveness of climate-adaptive forest management strategies toward meeting goals through oral presentations to project partners and professional audiences, and through written products, such as refereed journal article submissions, technical reports, project briefing papers, newsletters, website content, adaptation demonstration write-ups, and popular media.
• Utilize the NIACS adaptation toolkit for natural resources managers, which includes “menus” of adaptation strategies and approaches as well as the Adaptation Workbook, a structured decision-support process to help managers assess feasibility of their management goals alongside climate change risks, and develop customized adaptation actions for implementation.
• Maintain and update the ASCC website with to stay up-to-date on climate adaptation and silviculture initiatives and Network happenings.
• Work effectively with science and management partners on climate change and forest management related outreach projects and trainings.
• Collaborate with the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science ( NIACS ) and the USDA Southwest Climate Hub ( SWCH ) on climate science communication and adaptation initiatives with land managers.
• Work effectively with faculty and scientists to synthesize and communicate research information and results into non-technical language for a variety of audiences.
• Design, organize, and assist in delivering and/or facilitating a variety of workshops, trainings, and/or courses where applied research is translated to diverse audiences.

Percentage Of Time 50%
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than 7/24/2023 for full consideration at https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/124668. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
A Complete Application Consists Of
Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials.

• Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot.
• References – please include within your application contact information for 3 professional references including at least one supervisor.
• Resume

References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
Search Contact Courtney Peterson: [email protected]
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected].
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected].
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected].
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested 3
Maximum Requested 3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Optional Documents