Soil Scientist jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL

Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $74,200 - Midpoint: $100,200 (Salaried E12)

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy.

Job Summary: The Hydrologic Scientist I is responsible for research, coordination, integration, and stakeholder outreach activities that will complement NOAA’s national efforts on low-flow information and service delivery and to serve as a Regional Drought Information Coordinator for the Southeast Drought Early Warning System (DEWS).

Additional Department Summary: The University of Alabama, as part of the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH), and in collaboration with the NOAA/National Weather Service Office of Water Prediction (OWP) and the NOAA National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), is seeking a full-time employee to support research, coordination, integration, and stakeholder outreach activities that will complement NOAA’s national efforts on low-flow information and service delivery and to serve as a Regional Drought Information Coordinator for the Southeast Drought Early Warning System (DEWS).

Serves as a research liaison and coordinate with a team to advance OWP, NIDIS and CIROH priorities through a number of strategies. Supports research and engagement efforts to inform service delivery at the National Weather Service and the National Water Center (NWC) related to hydrological drought and low-flow events, including the integration of low flow criteria within the NWC’s Hydrologic Ensemble Forecast Service. Fosters and supports the CIROH, NWC, and NIDIS research environments through the integration of CIROH research projects into NWS and NIDIS national activities related to hydrologic drought. Informs CIROH research through the identification of user needs in NIDIS regional networks and NWS field offices. Supports the delivery of NOAA hydrologic prediction services to regional stakeholders across the nation, including state drought monitoring teams, water supply managers, natural resource managers, and federal partners. Coordinates a regional network to implement an integrated drought monitoring, forecasting, and planning and preparedness system in the Southeast region. Supports collaboration between the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) and the National Integrated Flood Information System (NIFIS) to holistically address hydrological hazards.

This position is supported by a 3-year research project. Very competitive salary and benefits with promotion opportunities. Due to the work location being at a federal facility, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Continuation in this position is contingent upon availability of external funding derived from research programs or specific projects.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in natural or water resources management or engineering, hydrology, geography, atmospheric science, environmental science, or related field and two (2) years of experience in water resources, natural resources, drought, flood, hazard mitigation, disaster response, climate extremes, or public policy. Post-Baccalaureate degree is highly preferred (Master’s degree or higher).

Skills and Knowledge: Knowledge of hydrologic processes and water resource management. Ability to develop effective and cooperative relationships with federal, state, local agencies and universities. Demonstrated strong project management skills in a fast-paced environment. Experience in developing and implementing comprehensive strategic plans. Experience in engaging users and stakeholders across a variety of economic sectors and communicating drought and climate information. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a diverse group of partners. Excellent demonstrated written and oral communication skills. Ability to present complex ideas concisely through written and verbal delivery for different audiences. Demonstrated strong and effective facilitation skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Graduate degree in natural or water resources management, engineering, hydrology, geography, meteorology, environmental science, or related field. Desired 3 to 5 years of professional experience in water resources planning, integrating research into product development, interpreting and communicating water data, and partnership development.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster