Applied Climate Scientist/State Climatologist

Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
Applied Climate Scientist/State Climatologist
Department
SEBS - Environmental Science
Salary Details
A minimum academic base of $96,856 for calendar year appointments.
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discounts programs

For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: .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 ( ), 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) ( ), 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.
Preferred Qualifications
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 ( 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
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,