Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2809P

Working Title

Extension Specialist and Director of the UGA Weather Network

Department

CAES-Weather Network

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date

01/01/2027

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

09/18/2026

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy

Griffin Area

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Public Service Professional AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Senior Public Service Associate

Contract Type

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

M.S. in meteorology, atmospheric science, agricultural engineering, climate science or a closely related field with training and background in developing and conducting Extension programs and weather/climate effects on agricultural production systems.

Position Summary

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (UGA CAES) is seeking a dynamic individual for the position of Extension Specialist and Director of the UGA Weather Network. This position reports directly to the Assistant Dean for Extension. The incumbent will be responsible for providing visionary leadership for the UGA CAES Weather Network, timely communications, and targeted guidance to agricultural stakeholders statewide using both traditional and cutting-edge technologies to increase data accessibility and application.

The University of Georgia Weather Network consists of 91 automated weather stations located around the state. The network provides weather data directly to users, publishes weather and associated climate information on a website, http://weather.uga.edu/, and is operated as a public-private partnership. Five full-time staff are employed to manage the network and data distribution, including the Director. The network is based at the UGA Griffin Campus and the Director works with research and extension programs at Griffin, Athens, and Tifton campuses. The Director has direct responsibility for the overall operation of the network and will have the option for adjunct status in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences to teach, mentor and serve on graduate student committees.

Additional Requirements

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Ph.D. in meteorology, atmospheric science, agricultural engineering, climate science or a closely related field with training and background in developing and conducting Extension programs and weather/climate effects on agricultural production systems. The successful candidate will have a working understanding of the field of climate-services and the ability to transform data into accessible and actionable tools to aid decision making processes for agricultural producers and other stakeholders.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Candidates with a demonstrated record of collaborative applied research/Extension/instruction/administrative programming, extramural grant success, and program development that integrates applied science and Extension are preferred. Familiarity with managing weather networks and data acquisition of weather and climate observations and an understanding of climatology and the ability to use climate products (NOAA Climate Prediction Center, IPCC, mesonets, etc.) to identify agricultural impacts is highly desirable. Candidates should be interested in collaborating with research faculty to jointly develop and deploy climate-related decision support tools for producers and other stakeholders.

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

Yes

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Yes

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Collaborating with faculty and Agricultural and Natural Resource Extension Agents on research and extension issues related to weather and climate in the fields of agriculture, environment, human and animal health and other areas.

Percentage Of Time

40

Duties/Responsibilities

Managing the financial aspects of the network, including budgeting, securing and spending extramural funding, and negotiating data purchases.

Percentage Of Time

20

Duties/Responsibilities

Developing and providing network-related data and outreach resources in coordination with extension agents and external stakeholder groups.

Percentage Of Time

15

Duties/Responsibilities

Managing network staff and overseeing the operation fo the network, including hiring of new staff members as needed.

Percentage Of Time

15

Duties/Responsibilities

Adding stations to the network and modernizing the station hardware, data handling operations and user interfaces to maximize accessibility.

Percentage Of Time

5

Duties/Responsibilities

Monitoring the operation of sites that form part of three national networks, including EPA Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET), National Atmospheric Deposition Site (NADP), and a USDA-funded UV-B Monitoring and Research Program (UVMRP) site.

Percentage Of Time

5

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information
4. Public Svc/Extension Philosophy

Optional Documents

1. Certification