Filing Deadline: Fri 2/21/2025
UC San Diego values equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
This is a two (2) year 100 % Contract position. This appointment may be extended or converted to career status based on the needs and funding of the department.
THIS POSITION REQUIRES ABILITY TO TRAVEL.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) is leading the development and implementation of new research and applications capabilities focused on extreme weather and climate events in the Western US. CW3E is developing and implementing weather and climate observations, numerical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and decision support tools focused on atmospheric, land-surface, and hydrologic conditions related to extreme weather events and their impacts. CW3E is an interface between UCSD departments, other universities, and local, state, and federal agencies in the operation, utilization and expansion of a new state-of-the-art weather observing network recently deployed in California. Efforts undertaken by the Center include scientific research, technology development, numerical and neural network model development and testing, and the development/deployment of smart tools that aid decision makers affected by extreme weather, water, and climate events. A key activity of the Center is the development of methods and systems to aid reservoir operations for flood control, water supply, and sustainable ecosystems. CW3E is a focus of national and international research on atmospheric rivers (ARs).
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Under the guidance of the Deputy Director of Administration, Principal Investigators, and Project Managers, the Research Project Coordinator uses skills as a professional with a full understanding of analytical practices, policies and procedures in providing project coordination, team management, budget development, analysis and reporting for multiple related projects. CW3E projects apply science and technology to optimize water resources, including the Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) program.
The Research Project Coordinator takes the lead on coordinating projects as needed, including scheduling meetings, preparing timelines, tracking milestones, reviewing financial resources, updating Gantt charts and other tools to assure timely and efficient completion of projects. Provides tracking for CW3E projects, including FIRO, that require assistance with project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and closure. Effectively communicates with PI and Project Managers when projects are not progressing according to timelines. Provides written and oral reports on status of active projects. Works with program management to improve efficiency, organize and support committee meetings, including preparing minutes and establishing the agendas.
The Research Project Coordinator assists with project planning, project charters, statements of work, resource planning, risk analysis, status reports, and “lessons learned” documentation. Provides project-specific administration and serves as point of contact for work teams, meeting attendees and/or collaborating institutions. Schedules meetings, summarizes meetings, produces progress reports and follow-up opportunities for future collaboration by writing project summaries and aiding dialogue. Assists with editing, revising, and producing professional documents. Organizes all aspects of conferences, workshops, colloquia and other professional project meetings. Travels to workshops and meetings as needed and writes summaries of sessions attended.
Analyzes issues and problems, gathers data and information, finds and evaluates alternatives and makes sound recommendations. Alerts Project Managers about potential risks and roadblocks while proposing solutions. The Research Project Coordinator works within technical, highly collaborative research teams that fosters cross-disciplinary relationships with department leadership, faculty, post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, private industry leaders, consultants, as well as, university and government officials.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in project coordination. Proficient with project management applications and software for milestone tracking and reporting. Strong technical writing, editing, proofreading, and page composition skills desired.
- Working knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques.
- Demonstrates ability to analyze, research and synthesize large amounts of data with strong attention to detail. Skill in independently researching, compiling, organizing, interpreting and selecting data and materials from various sources. Ability to accurately interpret and implement policies and procedures and effectively communicate and disseminate information. Compiles data to prepare regular and ad hoc reports that present information such as the status of funds, expenditures, and encumbrances. Demonstrated ability to develop clear, concise, and accurate reports and recommendations for Principal Investigators, Program Managers and other stake-holders.
- Working knowledge of personal computers and MS office suite with the ability to effectively use software for word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, email, calendar, databases and has experience working with project management software. Knowledge of computer application programs or cloud based applications with features that include: project planning and scheduling, team collaboration, time tracking, reporting and project budgeting. Working knowledge of report/manuscript editing software programs.
- Proficient in communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to work effectively with a diverse population. Ability to write and speak clearly and present detailed information and analysis. Ability to write and communicate technical content effectively in a variety of mediums (web, summaries, reports, brochures, presentations, etc.) and in ways appropriate to targeted audiences (executives, business partners, end-users, general public, formal agencies, etc).
- Proficient in ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
- Demonstrates ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.
- Proficient in ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes. Proven organizational, office management, project management, and administration skills. Extensive organizational, analysis and decision-making skills to continually prioritize between long- and short-term needs, to tolerate rapid shifts in direction, competing demands and constant requests for priority changes from a variety of sources, keep track of ongoing projects and tasks simultaneously and meet multiple concurrent deadlines. Ability to oversee the scheduling of a variety of meetings and conferences for large and small groups – recognizing and making allowances for conflicting schedules. Demonstrated capacity to anticipate obstacles and plan for contingencies.
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® or Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is preferred but not required.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- The job offer is contingent upon a satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
- Must be willing and able to travel.
- Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $58,600 – $100,800 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $28.07 – $48.28
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.
UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
a. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
