MESONET DIRECTOR

The University of Oklahoma is hiring a Mesonet Director for the Oklahoma Climatological Survey. The role involves overseeing a statewide network of environmental monitoring stations, managing an annual budget of $3.5 million, and ensuring the integrity of data collected. Responsibilities include guiding team leaders, developing a long-term vision, managing operations, and fostering a creative work environment. Candidates should have a relevant bachelor's degree and experience in scientific research and weather network implementation.
About the position

The Oklahoma Climatological Survey (OCS) is seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to fill the position of Director for the Oklahoma Mesonet. The Mesonet is a statewide network comprising over 110 automated environmental monitoring stations. With an annual budget of $3.5 million, the Mesonet plays a crucial role in providing real-time weather and climate data to support various stakeholders. The Director will coordinate and oversee all aspects of the Oklahoma Mesonet, Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Micronets, and related networks. These aspects include sensor calibrations, field operations, technology and software development, outreach, data and climate services, and research. The Mesonet Director will report to the OCS Director and receive guidance from the Oklahoma Mesonet Steering Committee. The Mesonet Director's primary duties include providing strong guidance and oversight to the Mesonet Team Leaders, ensuring the mission of delivering accurate data and valuable products to customers is fulfilled. The Director will develop and communicate a long-term vision for the Mesonet, driving its evolution and growth while overseeing the scientific integrity of the data collected. Operations management will involve delegating responsibilities and authority for day-to-day operations, including sensor calibrations, field operations, and software development. The Director will also define and manage the role of any Mesonet consultants and plan for enhancements and improvements to the network, calibration laboratory, and associated IT infrastructure. Effective communication is essential, as the Director will need to communicate evolving needs and challenges to the OCS Director and the Mesonet Steering Committee, as well as disseminate information about Mesonet operations to scientists, customers, and the public through presentations, emails, and other channels. The Director will foster a healthy and stable work environment that encourages creativity among employees and collaborate on writing and securing Mesonet-related grants and contracts.

Responsibilities
• Provide strong guidance and oversight to the Mesonet Team Leaders.
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• Develop and communicate a long-term vision for the Mesonet.
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• Oversee the scientific integrity of the data collected by the Mesonet.
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• Delegate responsibilities and authority for day-to-day operations, including sensor calibrations, field operations, and software development.
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• Define and manage the role of any Mesonet consultants.
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• Plan for enhancements and improvements to the network, calibration laboratory, and associated IT infrastructure.
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• Communicate evolving needs and challenges to the OCS Director and the Mesonet Steering Committee.
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• Disseminate information about Mesonet operations to scientists, customers, and the public through presentations, emails, and other channels.
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• Foster a healthy and stable work environment that encourages creativity among employees.
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• Collaborate on writing and securing Mesonet-related grants and contracts.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
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• Minimum of 3 years of experience in scientific research.
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• Minimum of 3 years of experience in weather network design and implementation.
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• Ability to speak, read, and write clear, concise English.
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• Basic math skills.
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• Advanced computer skills with wide knowledge of business software.
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• Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information.
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• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
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• Able to communicate well and build rapport quickly with students, faculty and staff.
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• Able to produce reports and complete work within deadlines.
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• Strong initiative to solve problems.
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• Able to work well with interdepartmental teams and initiatives.
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• Must be able to perform basic data analysis.
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• Must be able to read and interpret policy as well as State and Federal regulations.
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• Able to effectively evaluate projects/programs and produce comprehensive reports.
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• Must be able to supervise staff and communicate directions and expectations effectively.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience calibrating meteorological instruments or maintaining field instrumentation.
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• Strong public outreach skills.
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• Systems administration and web development expertise.
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• Master's degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
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• Experience publishing refereed journal articles.
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• Experience obtaining competitive external grants or contracts.

Benefits