Job Description Summary: NSF NCAR is excited to announce an opening for the Research Operations Manager (ROM) at the Research Aviation Facility.

The Research Operations Manager (ROM) ensures the effective use of NCAR aviation resources to support the scientific and engineering needs of the scientific community. In partnership with the Aviation Operations Manager, the ROM sustains a program of scientific research at the Research Aviation Facility to advance airborne measurement capabilities, facilitates airborne field deployments and instrumentation developments, and manages and supports RAF employees.

As a facility within NSF NCAR's Earth Observing Laboratory (EOL), the Research Aviation Facility (RAF) is a national resource for the advancement of airborne research in the geosciences. Serving the NSF geosciences community since 1964, the RAF provides a unique set of airborne research platforms together with a broad suite of instrumentation maintained by RAF scientists and technicians. An array of related services including data management, field project logistic support, and assistance with certification and integration of user-supplied instruments ensures comprehensive support for field deployments and subsequent data analysis. Research and development efforts at the RAF focus on the future scientific needs of the community while aligning with EOL and NCAR strategic priorities.

The Earth Observing Laboratory, one of seven NCAR laboratories, provides state-of-the-art atmospheric observing systems, leadership, and scientific expertise to enable the university-based research community to advance climate, weather, and related Earth system science. EOL manages most of the NSF Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities and deploys them to support observational field campaigns for researchers from universities, government agencies, and NCAR, as well as in support of education.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the National Center for Atmospheric Research NCAR is devoted to research, education, and service in the atmospheric and related Earth system sciences. NCAR's mission is to understand the behavior of the atmosphere and related Earth and geospace systems; to support, enhance, and extend the capabilities of the university community and the broader scientific community, nationally and internationally; and to foster the transfer of knowledge and technology for the betterment of life on Earth. NCAR is a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and operated by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, a nonprofit consortium of 120+ North American academic institutions.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Job Location:

Broomfield, Colorado

Position Type & Term:

Full time, Regular

Compensation Range:

Salary Range $163,107-$225,000

Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Application Notes

Job Location:

• KBJC - NCAR Research Aviation Facility, 10802 Airport Ct, Broomfield, CO 80021

Job Type:

• Hybrid (minimum of 3 days a week is required to be on-site)

Position Type & Term: Full-time, Regular

Work Authorization: Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position

• Must be (a) a U.S. citizen; (b) lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; or (c) a protected individual as defined by 8 USC1324b(a)(3)

Relocation Assistance: YES

Application Deadline: October, 2nd 2024

Required application materials:

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter - Please take a look at how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting).

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more (https://www.ucar.edu/opportunities/careers/faqs) .

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides scientific and technical leadership and management of RAF research, development of measurement capabilities, and research operations that serve the NSF research community and integrate with other EOL Facility and NCAR research priorities.

• Works closely with the RAF Aviation Operations Manager and RAF Administrator to ensure strategic and logistical alignment between RAF Research Operations, RAF Aviation Operations, RAF staff, EOL, and NCAR leadership.

• Develops budget, personnel requests, and actions aligned with RAF research, development, and research operations challenges and opportunities.

• Serves as supervisor and manager of group leaders for scientists, engineers, data managers, project managers, and technicians.

• Oversees field project support, from initial planning stages and feasibility assessments to data quality review and data management, ensuring safe and productive field missions.

• Interfaces with EOL as a member of the EOL Management Council, NCAR, and UCAR management on developing and implementing strategy, resource distribution, policies, and procedures.

• Conducts personal research in areas aligned with NCAR/EOL/RAF priorities and professional service such as service on panels, organizing committees, reviews, and editorial boards.

• Works as an ambassador for RAF to garner interest from potential users in the broader community and assist in campaign conceptualization and planning.

• Maintains a safe, productive, supportive, and inclusive working environment, following UCAR policies and Federal regulations, and otherwise addresses institutional priorities for the workplace, including attention to diversity and career development and mentoring of staff.

Education and Experience (Required):

• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in atmospheric science, Earth science, related science, or engineering AND

• At least ten years of professional experience as a scientist or engineer in field research AND

• Previous supervision and/or management experience or reputation/experience in a leadership role.

​Education & Experience Desired but Not Required:

• Experience with leading or participating in airborne research campaigns.

• Experience in developing, using or deploying atmospheric airborne observation systems.

• Experience in field experiments conducted by collaborative multi-institution projects in atmospheric science.

• Experience managing budgets and personnel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED:

• Expertise in scientific and technical aspects of atmospheric observational science, specifically in airborne research applications, as demonstrated through a documented record of research and scientific or technical accomplishment in an area related to RAF’s mission.

• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with the research community and a diverse and multidisciplinary staff.

• Strong team leadership skills and ability to work in a team.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and effective advocacy and diplomacy skills.

• Demonstrated skills in managing scientific and technical personnel, as well as budget administration in a research setting.

• Demonstrated skill in the planning of major scientific field deployments.

  Benefits Overview

  UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits (https://www.ucar.edu/opportunities/careers/benefits) . In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:

• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities

• UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one

• Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions)

• 10 paid holidays

• 10 days of sick leave each year

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave

• Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary

• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost

  Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan (https://www.ucar.edu/sites/default/files/documents/related-links/2020-12/ODEI_StrategicPlan_Final.pdf) and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace (https://www.ucar.edu/who-we-are/diversity-inclusion) site.

  Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience . Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

  Commitment to Job Application Fairness

  Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.

  Some Final Considerations

  At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

Visa Wait Times

Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.