Director of the Oklahoma Climatological Survey

Director of the Oklahoma Climatological Survey – Professor of Meteorology, Renewable Term Location:
University of Oklahoma - School of Meteorology - Norman, OK
Open Date:
Feb 14, 2024
Description:

The University of Oklahoma invites applications for appointment as Director, Oklahoma Climatological Survey , a state agency located within the University of Oklahoma. The Director or their designee serves as the State Climatologist for Oklahoma. This position includes appointment to a 1.0 FTE (12-mo.) Renewable Term Professor of Meteorology in the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences, with an appropriate distribution of effort between administrative and academic duties . The desired start date is 1 July 2024. The position is for an initial 5-year term, with the possibility of renewal.

The Mission of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences is to offer innovative and multi-disciplinary education, research, and outreach programs in an environment that empowers students, faculty, and staff to seek solutions to grand environmental and humanitarian challenges; to advance technology and propel knowledge that addresses our changing planet; and to develop engaged individuals for rewarding careers in the private sector, academia, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and entrepreneurship.

The Survey is a service and research organization that is internationally recognized for innovative state-of-the-art observation, service, and public outreach programs. The Survey is co-located in the National Weather Center along with the School of Meteorology, a wide range of University weather research programs, and NOAA research organizations and operational facilities. The South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center () and several private sector weather companies are housed nearby. The Survey plays a leading role in a dynamic weather community where education and research are linked directly with practical applications of climate data.

The Survey houses two major programs including: (1) the Oklahoma Mesonet, a widely recognized statewide monitoring network that is a partnership effort of the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University and (2) the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program, which is a NOAA Climate Adaptation Partnerships team . The Survey has close ties to other state agencies, such as the Oklahoma Water Resources Board; the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety; and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. Additional information may be obtained from the following web pages: The University of Oklahoma – ; College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences – ; National Weather Center – ; the Oklahoma Climatological Survey – ; the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program – ; and the Oklahoma Mesonet – .

The University of Oklahoma   is a Carnegie-R1 comprehensive public research university known for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, serving the educational, cultural, economic, and health-care needs of the state, region, and nation from three campuses: Norman, the Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, and the Schusterman Center in Tulsa. The University of Oklahoma enrolls over 30,000 students and has more than 2,700 full-time faculty members in 21 colleges.

Norman is a vibrant university town of around 130,000 inhabitants with a growing entertainment and art scene. With outstanding schools, amenities, and a low cost of living, Norman is a perennial contender on “best place to live” rankings. Visit and for more information. Within an easy commute, Oklahoma City features a dynamic economy and outstanding cultural venues adding to the region’s growing appeal.

Qualifications:

The Survey seeks a Director who brings innovative perspectives and a forward-thinking vision for the future of climate services, research, and outreach. The Director will strengthen and enhance the Survey’s leadership position in surface observations, prepare the State for future climate extremes and hazards, anticipate and react positively to the on-going rapid economic and societal changes in the State, engage with all stakeholders and tribal rightsholders to forge and bring to reality a shared vision for the future based on the Survey’s enabling legislation and other governing agreements, and work effectively to augment the Survey's funding base from industry, government sources, and non-profit organizations. Specific qualifications for the Director include:

· Administrative skills and experience that align with leading and managing a large university department with a staff of full-time and student employees;

· Ability to work effectively with the Oklahoma State Legislature and a range of state and federal agencies;

· Extensive track record of being awarded a diverse portfolio of grants or contracts relevant to the operational, service, and research activities of the Survey;

· Experience with any of the following areas: climate services, operation of a mesoscale observing network, climate adaptation planning, climate data processing and analysis, scientific data visualization, or braiding traditional ecological knowledge and Western science in climate-related decisions;

· Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of constituencies and partners at the University of Oklahoma, at Oklahoma State University, and across the state, including emergency managers, tribal governments, city and county governments, the private sector, and the media;

· Ability to co-chair the Oklahoma Mesonet Steering Committee, working in close cooperation with Oklahoma State University to maintain and enhance this premier surface observing network;

· A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline. The area of expertise in scholarship, mentoring, and teaching is open and could include, for example, climatology, meteorology, geography, meteorological instrumentation, climate analysis/policy, adaptation/mitigation strategies, agricultural meteorology/climatology, etc.

· Ability to continue a record of scholarly achievement consistent with the expectations for a full Professor at the University of Oklahoma.

Application Instructions:

To apply, submit as one single pdf document a comprehensive cover letter (not to exceed 10 pages), current  curriculum vitae , and a list of at least 3 people who can serve as references. The cover letter may address each of the qualifications outlined above, as well as outline the candidate’s approach and experiences in research, teaching, and service.

Screening of applications will begin on 15 March 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit your application to the link here: Please direct any inquiries about this position to the search committee chair Dr. Cameron Homeyer ( ). 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to: admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.

Diversity Statement 

The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

Mission of the University of Oklahoma

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.