Applied Climate Scientist/State Climatologist

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Applied Climate Scientist/State Climatologist to lead the state's climate program. This full-time role involves coordinating research, teaching, and extension activities while engaging with diverse stakeholders. The successful candidate will develop impactful programs, mentor students, and contribute to climate science through research and outreach. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on climate education and policy while working within a renowned academic institution. If you are passionate about climate science and education, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits program

Mentorship opportunities

Professional development programs

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in climate science or meteorology.
• Expertise in climate science applications for decision-making.
• Experience with mesonet systems and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the state's climate program and supervise staff.
• Prepare technical reports and engage with stakeholders.
• Teach an undergraduate course in meteorology or climate science.

Skills

climate science

meteorology

data analysis

communication skills

community outreach

Education

Ph.D. in climate science or meteorology

Tools

mesonet systems

Job description

Applied Climate Scientist/State Climatologist

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applicants should provide a cover letter that includes a summary of their academic background and why they are interested in this opportunity. Other required documents include a CV, contact information for three references, a statement of research interests and how it aligns with or complements existing extension and research at SEBS-NJAES/SAS/Rutgers, a statement of teaching interests and philosophy, and a statement discussing your past experiences and philosophy for promoting equity and inclusion in a rich educational environment through extension, research, teaching, mentoring, and service (https://execdeanagriculture.rutgers.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/diversity-statement-instructions.php).

Review of applications will begin on May 30, 2025, and continue until filled, with an intended

position start date of January 1, 2026.

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title

Recruitment/Posting Title Applied Climate Scientist/State Climatologist

The Departments of Environmental Sciences and Geography at Rutgers University – New Brunswick, seek applications for a tenured faculty position as Applied Climate Scientist/State Climatologist. This 12-month (calendar year) appointment as Associate Extension Specialist or Extension Specialist (at the equivalent rank of Associate or Full Professor, respectively), will coordinate and lead the state’s climate program by directing the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist.
The Department of Environmental Sciences is in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences ( SEBS ) and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ( NJAES ), and the Department of Geography is in the School of Arts and Sciences ( SAS ). The Applied Climate Scientist/State Climatologist will contribute to the integrated research, teaching, and extension land-grant mission of SEBS - NJAES and SAS as an effective scholar, teacher/mentor, and public spokesperson.

Specific Duties Include
• Coordinate and lead the state’s climate program by directing the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist (https://climate.rutgers.edu/stateclim/ ), including the supervision of staff who support the mission of the State Climatologist.
• Provide briefings to state and federal officials as needed.
• Prepare formal and informal technical reports and presentations on climate projects and issues.
• Respond to questions from the media and stakeholder groups by evaluating and interpreting data.
• Engage in robust community outreach with stakeholders from urban to suburban to agricultural clientele, with an emphasis on weather and climate, through the NJAES system.
• Confer with other State Climatologists around the country and with national, regional, and local weather and climate experts on data needs, climate communication, and climate data interpretation.
• Manage and build the capacity of the Rutgers NJ Weather Network (mesonet) (https://njweather.org ), cultivate and maintain stakeholder relationships and participate in mesonet advisory groups to support the provision of high quality, valid data for governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry, and the general public.
· Seek appropriate funding for functions and programs of the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist and other collaborating programs at Rutgers and with other departments/units.

· The successful candidate will develop a high-impact, nationally and internationally recognized extension, research and teaching program in climate science; effectively obtain and leverage external and internal support (grants, fee revenue, etc.) for research and teaching activities; mentor graduate students; publish in high-quality, high-impact peer-reviewed journals and participate in scientific meetings and other appropriate professional activities. The successful candidate will also establish effective collaborations in the Departments of Environmental Sciences and Geography and beyond, including effective integration with research groups, extension and/or educational programming; connect with stakeholders, agency, and/or industry partners to strengthen programming; and translate research-based information into learner-centered products. This includes creating scholarly, innovative, and high-impact learning programs and tools; identifying opportunities focused on emerging regional and national issues with international relevance; and mentoring colleagues through professional development, translational research, grants, and professional writing. The candidate will be expected to teach one undergraduate course in meteorology or climate science per year. Specific course assignments may be changed over time based on programmatic needs. In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to participate in appropriate departmental, school and university service.

Position Status

Position Status Full Time

Posting Number

Posting Number 25FA0454

Posting Open Date

Posting Close Date

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in climate science, meteorology, or a directly related field at the time of

appointment. Ability to contribute to the integrated research, teaching, and

extension land-grant mission of SEBS - NJAES and SAS as an effective

scholar, teacher/mentor, and public spokesperson.

Certifications/Licenses

Required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ph.D. in climate science, meteorology, or a directly related field at the time of appointment.
• Expertise in applications of climate science for decision-making.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on communicating complex climate issues to a variety of stakeholders.

• Experience interpreting and analyzing weather and climate data for governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry, and/or the general public through formal or informal reports and/or presentations. • Ability to engage in scientific teamwork to address major issues related to climate science.
• Experience with mesonet systems, including interpretation and provision of high-quality data to stakeholders.
• Experience and commitment to excellence in teaching.
• Experience collaborating with climate research and outreach centers and/or state/tribal/federal climate agencies.
• Evidence of work with a variety of communities or groups.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Overview

Statement

The Department of Environmental Sciences ( DES ) in the School of Environmental

and Biological Sciences is the oldest environmental sciences department in the nation, with a

history dating back over 100 years. In addition to its programs in Meteorology and Atmospheric

Science, DES is home to programs in Environmental Science and a joint Environmental

Engineering program with the School of Engineering. DES has a strong presence in Extension

through faculty involvement in the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station that is part of the University’s Land-Grant mission. The Department of Geology in the School of Arts and Sciences is currently celebrating its 75th anniversary. The Department is home to academic programs in Geography, Environmental Studies, and International and Global Studies. A member of the Big Ten and the Association of American Universities, Rutgers-New Brunswick is America’s eighth oldest institution of higher learning and New Jersey’s premier flagship public research university. The city of New Brunswick is situated in the heart of America’s vibrant and diverse northeast corridor, which runs from Boston to Washington, D.C. The Rutgers University system includes two other campuses in Newark and Camden as well as Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should provide a cover letter that includes a summary of their academic background and why they are interested in this opportunity. Other required documents include a CV, contact information for three references, a statement of research interests and how it aligns with or complements existing extension and research at SEBS - NJAES / SAS /Rutgers, a statement of teaching interests and philosophy, and a statement discussing your past experiences and philosophy for promoting equity and inclusion in a rich educational environment through extension, research, teaching, mentoring, and service (https://execdeanagriculture.rutgers.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/diversity-statement-instructions.php).

Review of applications will begin on May 30, 2025, and continue until filled, with an intended

14 College Farm Road
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Applied Climate Scientist/State Climatologist Department SEBS - Environmental Science Salary Commensurate With Experience Benefits Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview . Posting Summary The Departments of Environmental Sciences and Geography at Rutgers University – New Brunswick, seek applications for a tenured faculty position as Applied Climate Scientist/State Climatologist. This 12-month (calendar year) appointment as Associate Extension Specialist or Extension Specialist (at the equivalent rank of Associate or Full Professor, respectively), will coordinate and lead the state’s climate program by directing the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist.
The Department of Environmental Sciences is in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences ( SEBS ) and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ( NJAES ), and the Department of Geography is in the School of Arts and Sciences ( SAS ). The Applied Climate Scientist/State Climatologist will contribute to the integrated research, teaching, and extension land-grant mission of SEBS - NJAES and SAS as an effective scholar, teacher/mentor, and public spokesperson.

Specific Duties Include
• Coordinate and lead the state’s climate program by directing the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist (https://climate.rutgers.edu/stateclim/ ), including the supervision of staff who support the mission of the State Climatologist.
• Provide briefings to state and federal officials as needed.
• Prepare formal and informal technical reports and presentations on climate projects and issues.
• Respond to questions from the media and stakeholder groups by evaluating and interpreting data.
• Engage in robust community outreach with stakeholders from urban to suburban to agricultural clientele, with an emphasis on weather and climate, through the NJAES system.
• Confer with other State Climatologists around the country and with national, regional, and local weather and climate experts on data needs, climate communication, and climate data interpretation.
• Manage and build the capacity of the Rutgers NJ Weather Network (mesonet) (https://njweather.org ), cultivate and maintain stakeholder relationships and participate in mesonet advisory groups to support the provision of high quality, valid data for governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry, and the general public.
· Seek appropriate funding for functions and programs of the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist and other collaborating programs at Rutgers and with other departments/units. · The successful candidate will develop a high-impact, nationally and internationally recognized extension, research and teaching program in climate science; effectively obtain and leverage external and internal support (grants, fee revenue, etc.) for research and teaching activities; mentor graduate students; publish in high-quality, high-impact peer-reviewed journals and participate in scientific meetings and other appropriate professional activities. The successful candidate will also establish effective collaborations in the Departments of Environmental Sciences and Geography and beyond, including effective integration with research groups, extension and/or educational programming; connect with stakeholders, agency, and/or industry partners to strengthen programming; and translate research-based information into learner-centered products. This includes creating scholarly, innovative, and high-impact learning programs and tools; identifying opportunities focused on emerging regional and national issues with international relevance; and mentoring colleagues through professional development, translational research, grants, and professional writing. The candidate will be expected to teach one undergraduate course in meteorology or climate science per year. Specific course assignments may be changed over time based on programmatic needs. In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to participate in appropriate departmental, school and university service. Position Status Full Time Posting Number 25FA0454 Posting Open Date Posting Close Date Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience • Ph.D. in climate science, meteorology, or a directly related field at the time of appointment. Ability to contribute to the integrated research, teaching, and extension land-grant mission of SEBS - NJAES and SAS as an effective scholar, teacher/mentor, and public spokesperson. Certifications/Licenses Required Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ph.D. in climate science, meteorology, or a directly related field at the time of appointment.
• Expertise in applications of climate science for decision-making. • Excellent oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on communicating complex climate issues to a variety of stakeholders. • Experience interpreting and analyzing weather and climate data for governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry, and/or the general public through formal or informal reports and/or presentations. • Ability to engage in scientific teamwork to address major issues related to climate science.
• Experience with mesonet systems, including interpretation and provision of high-quality data to stakeholders.
• Experience and commitment to excellence in teaching.
• Experience collaborating with climate research and outreach centers and/or state/tribal/federal climate agencies.
• Evidence of work with a variety of communities or groups. Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment Overview Statement The Department of Environmental Sciences ( DES ) in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences is the oldest environmental sciences department in the nation, with a history dating back over 100 years. In addition to its programs in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, DES is home to programs in Environmental Science and a joint Environmental Engineering program with the School of Engineering. DES has a strong presence in Extension through faculty involvement in the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station that is part of the University’s Land-Grant mission. The Department of Geology in the School of Arts and Sciences is currently celebrating its 75th anniversary. The Department is home to academic programs in Geography, Environmental Studies, and International and Global Studies. A member of the Big Ten and the Association of American Universities, Rutgers-New Brunswick is America’s eighth oldest institution of higher learning and New Jersey’s premier flagship public research university. The city of New Brunswick is situated in the heart of America’s vibrant and diverse northeast corridor, which runs from Boston to Washington, D.C. The Rutgers University system includes two other campuses in Newark and Camden as well as Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences. Posting Details Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants should provide a cover letter that includes a summary of their academic background and why they are interested in this opportunity. Other required documents include a CV, contact information for three references, a statement of research interests and how it aligns with or complements existing extension and research at SEBS - NJAES / SAS /Rutgers, a statement of teaching interests and philosophy, and a statement discussing your past experiences and philosophy for promoting equity and inclusion in a rich educational environment through extension, research, teaching, mentoring, and service (https://execdeanagriculture.rutgers.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/diversity-statement-instructions.php). Review of applications will begin on May 30, 2025, and continue until filled, with an intended position start date of January 1, 2026. Quick Link to Posting https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/247810 Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Cook (RU-New Brunswick) City New Brunswick State NJ Location Details 14 College Farm Road
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Pre-employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Teaching Philosophy

Curriculum Vitae

Other Document

List of Professional References (contact Info)

Research Statement

Optional Documents

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement .

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