Job Information
University at Albany Risk Communication Scientist in Albany, New York
Location: Albany, NY Category: Professional Posted On: Mon Sep 9 2024 Job Description:
This position within the New York (NY) State Weather Risk Communication Center (SWRCC) will serve as the primary expert regarding general risk communication strategies across a variety of mediums. This expertise is expected to improve the meteorological services the SWRCC provides to critical state and other public sector stakeholders. Most NY agencies and authorities do not possess hired meteorologists, which makes the process of preparing for-, responding to-, and examining impactful weather events challenging. This position will work to fill this gap alongside operational weather forecasters and other domain experts, and will contribute to the greater educational and research environment at UAlbany where appropriate. This position may also propose and contribute to externally funded research endeavors, where those endeavors assist with the SWRCC mission. SWRCC appointments are for 10 months per year recurring annually, with the remaining two months being eligible to be filled via research-funded effort.
Primary Responsibilities during the SWRCC 10-month appointment only:
Translate real-time weather risk information during critical events and Emergency Operation Center activations
Hold consistent meetings and communicate with stakeholders at various state agencies such as DHSES, NYSDOT, and others
Build and maintain relationships with core State agencies and authorities
Conduct annual and ad-hoc assessments with all partners on their current weather risk communication needs using rigorous social science methods
Translate risk communication/weather briefings from physical scientists to end-users
Work with SWRCC staff to identify ideal color palettes for products and SWRCC websites, ideal product and text placements on SWRCC websites, and ideal word choices on briefing materials for maximum interpretability by SWRCC stakeholders
Conduct operations-focused research using yearly assessments and stakeholder needs, and present findings at annual research and operational conferences
Contribute to the teaching of microcredentials operated by the SWRCC
On rare occasions, contribute to real-time weather briefing products during times of highly impactful weather
Seek external funding - in partnership with SWRCC staff, UAlbany researchers, and/or state partners - to conduct and translate cutting-edge social science research in weather risk communication and other disciplines to improve information sharing with partners and the public
During optional two months of research-funded time, the scientist will work either independently or with other scientists at or beyond UAlbany on externally funded projects. These projects may or may not directly contribute to the Risk Communication Scientist's 10 month appointment foci, and the SWRCC director may not direct them
to contribute to their 10 month appointment foci without additional extra effort compensation. The SWRCC director may assist the Risk Communication Scientist in procuring additional research funding when qualified to do so.
Functional and Supervisory Relationships:
This position will report to the director at the SWRCC.
Job Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:
MS degree (or PhD) in meteorology, atmospheric science, disaster science, emergency management, risk communication, or a substantially similar field
Ability to apply risk communication theories to practice
Experience developing, conducting, and analyzing data from qualitative research including interviews, focus groups, and content analysis
Experience developing, conducting, and analyzing data from quantitative methods including surveys
Familiarity with emergency management concepts and theories
Ability to work with stakeholders from different state agencies
Familiarity with the National Incident Management System and the Incident Command System
Foundational background in atmospheric science including operational meteorology
Ability to conduct quantitative risk assessments to meet partner needs
Basic knowledge of National Weather Service products and weather forecasting principles
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Good teamworking ability
Able to work competently on independent projects without significant supervision
Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community
Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD preferred
Teaching experience
Basic programming experience (Python, etc) and/or basic web development experience
Have completed National Incident Management System courses offered by FEMA
Experience contributing to (or leading) proposals leading to externally funded research endeavors
Working Environment:
A typical individual office with standard M-F work hours.
Rare but occasional weekend or evening work when working in coordination with a state partner on this position's responsibilities during the 10 month SWRCC appointment.
Additional Information:
Professional Rank and Salary Range: Research Assistant, R3, $65,000
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, without exception, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. The University at Albany's Annual Security Report is available in portable document format [PDF] by clicking this link http://police.albany.edu/ASR.shtml
Pursuant to NYS Labor Law 194-A, no State entity, as defined by the Law, is permitted to rely on, orally or in writing seek, request, or require in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current wage, or salary history as a condition to be interviewed, or as a condition of continuing to be considered for an offer of employment, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation, and for the purpose of verifying information, may such requests be made. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.
THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY IS AN EO/AA/IRCA/ADA EMPLOYER
Please apply online via http://albany.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=180822