Tribal Research Lead

The Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (SW CASC) an applied research collaboration between the United States Geological Survey and a consortium of universities led by the University of Arizona seeks a Tribal Research Lead to lead its research and outreach programs with Tribal communities in Arizona California Nevada and Utah. The mission of the SW CASC is to develop actionable science and implementable climate adaptation solutions in partnership with natural and cultural resource managers policy makers Native Nations and researchers across the Southwest.

This position will guide the development and implementation of a research program to identify Tribal needs for weather and climate monitoring infrastructure and will respond to other climate adaptation science needs of Tribal communities as they arise. Climate impacts like changes in water availability altered fire regimes extreme weather events and changes in soil and ecosystem health are making the environment more unpredictable. With increasing likelihood of drought wildfire flooding heat stress and other natural hazards Tribal Nations need increased access to climate data to inform their land management practices to be able to apply for funding that requires climate data and to be better positioned to be able to assert their sovereignty in policy-making spaces.

• Work with Tribes throughout the Southwest (CA AZ UT NV) to assess gaps in weather and climate monitoring and co-develop solutions to address these gaps.
• Work to connect Tribes throughout the Southwest to climate adaptation resources available through the USGS Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (SW CASC) and other relevant partners.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health dental and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation sick leave and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Develop plan design and conduct research to meet Tribal needs.
• Partner with Tribal communities to co-develop research needs and methods.
• Author/co-author articles in peer-reviewed journals books or chapter publications.
• Present and/or participate at conferences.
• Ensure regulatory compliance of the research program by collaborating with granting agencies and regulators as required by research program.
• Partner in the acquisition of research funding by initiating and writing grant proposals.
• Provide input on program development and processes.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center and its approach to actionable science.
• Knowledge of climate change impacts on Tribal communities in the southwestern United States and adaptive responses to address climate impacts.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelors degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• A masters degree in Environmental Science Natural Resources Management American Indian Studies Geography or a related field.
• Experience developing and conducting outreach and education programs with Tribal communities in the southwestern United States.
• Experience developing and conducting research programs with Tribal communities in the southwestern United States.
• Experience with Tribal IRB and research approval processes.
• Existing relationships with Tribal communities throughout the SW CASC region.