Geoscience Workforce and Diversity Specialist (UNAVCO)

Are you interested in broadening participation in geoscience by inspiring and supporting the next generation of geoscientists? Do you want to make an impact in diversity and inclusion in the workplace? UNAVCO invites applications for a staff position responsible for managing the portfolio of work under the geoscience workforce diversity initiative and working to advance Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) at UNAVCO.

Position Summary:

The Geoscience Workforce and Diversity Specialist (ECE Specialist) is a part of the Education and Community Engagement (ECE) program. The incumbent will manage the geo-workforce initiative which facilitates the development of a robust, well-trained and diverse geoscience workforce with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to tackle emerging scientific and societal issues. The work portfolio includes managing internship programs (RESESS and USIP), supporting UNAVCO's national efforts in increasing diversity in the geoscience workforce, and developing programmatic support for students, early career professionals, and researchers in the geodetic and geophysics community. The successful candidate will have life experience such that they will be able to guide and mentor student interns as well as support early career professionals. The incumbent will also work collaboratively with Human Resources to improve internal workplace culture at UNAVCO with a focus on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.

UNAVCO is currently in a work-from-home model. We anticipate this position would continue as a telecommute position with up to quarterly travel for team meetings and the possibility of temporarily working on site with internships if we return to an in-person model in 2021.

Working Relationships:

The Geoscience Workforce and Diversity Specialist reports to the ECE Program Director. The incumbent is expected to interact effectively with UNAVCO staff to ensure the completion of assigned responsibilities. This position does not have supervisory responsibility, but may provide guidance on technical matters to others. This position will collaborate with colleagues and community members on projects and products, and report to stakeholders on project results.

Essential Job Functions:

Geo-Workforce Development (75%)

• Manage geoscience research internship programs focused on diversifying the geoscience workforce. Primary responsibility is mentoring interns during their geoscience research internship and guiding them toward careers or graduate programs in geoscience. Other internship responsibilities include: recruitment, selection, programmatic activities including leading professional development workshops, mentoring, conference support and working collaboratively with and guiding science mentors.
• Develop and execute programming to support students from groups underrepresented in geosciences as they pursue academic degrees and careers in the geosciences.
• Develop programming for early career geoscientists/geodesists/geophysicists in collaboration with partner organizations.
• Support students, lead programming, and present work results at diversity and science conferences including, but not limited to AGU, GSA, SSA, NABG, AISES, and SACNAS.
• Conduct occasional travel related to project support, meetings, conferences, and exhibit presence, and respond to external events outside established working hours.
• Maintain RESESS alumni group including an active and vibrant alumni network.
• Engage via social media and other online means with students and early career professionals.
• Maintain online and social presence for geoworkforce and diversity activities within UNAVCO.
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary for the successful operation of the business.

Diversity Specialist (25%)

• Works collaboratively with Human Resources (HR) and senior management to develop and advance Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) within UNAVCO and for the geodetic community.
• Evergreen-member of the internal staff IDEA committee, providing perspective, expertise, and highlighting resources to support committee initiatives.
• Collaborate with HR and senior management to inform and educate staff and community on matters regarding diversity and inclusion.
• Partner with communications team to regularly communicate internal and external diversity and inclusion initiatives, events and progress.
• Represent UNAVCO and participate in local and national science diversity networks.
• Contribute to the development of metrics for measuring the effectiveness of diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Required Skills:

• Experience in supporting diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives
• Experience conducting scientific research
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment with diverse members and different communication styles
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to present to diverse audiences, and ability to translate science for nonscientists.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of this work and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of workplace diversity with regard to culture, race, ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation
• Self-motivated, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, including demonstrated success in interactions with peers, scientists, students, media, and the public.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and interact effectively with internal and external partners and customers.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize work tasks
• Familiar with WordPress or similar content management system
• Knowledge of geodesy, geophysics, or geology
• Willingness and ability to conduct domestic travel, up to 25% of the time.

Required Experience:

Bachelor's degree and 2 years' experience with formal training or work experience in science or education. Master's degree in Geoscience or related field is highly desired.

Desired Education and Experience:

• Bilingual; Spanish highly desired;
• Participation in science internship as a student;
• Members of historically underrepresented groups; different socioeconomic backgrounds, candidates with disabilities, candidates with unique life experiences, etc. 

Physical Requirements: 

Ability to sit and/or stand to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to move about a typical office environment on a daily basis. Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds occasionally. Regular and on-time attendance; hours may exceed 40 hours per week. Occasional travel by conventional means including aircraft, motor vehicle and the like. 

Mental Requirements: 

• Ability to understand complex problems and to collaborate and explore alternative solutions. Ability to organize and prioritize work schedules for self and others. Ability to compute, analyze and interpret data. Ability to make decisions which have moderate impact on the function 
• To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of knowledge, skill, and/or ability required and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with this position.

Salary Range: $67,456.00 - $84,320.00 USD

Travel: Up to 25%

Application Process:

Applications will only be accepted via UNAVCO's career website

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE:

• Cover Letter outlining your specific experience with and interest in this position
• Complete resume
• Name and contact information for at least three (3) professional references
  Incomplete applications will not be considered.
   

Review of applications will begin August 20, 2020, and will continue until the position is filled.

UNAVCO offers very competitive benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Supplemental Benefits, 4 weeks Paid Time Off (PTO), and a retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for work authorization within the United States. UNAVCO is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer. Our long-term success depends on the development of a forward-looking, diversified workforce. UNAVCO values diverse perspectives and backgrounds in all positions within the organization and is fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and State laws, and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. UNAVCO encourages applications from candidates who are members of historically underrepresented groups. This includes candidates from different socioeconomic backgrounds, candidates with disabilities, candidates with unique life experiences, etc. Women, Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities and members of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities are encouraged to apply. All qualified and complete applications will be considered. Individuals with a disability needing an accommodation as part of the employment selection process should contact  HR@unavco.org  or 303.381.7515. 

UNAVCO supports a safe work environment for all staff. As part of our commitment, UNAVCO conducts background checks. Background checks will vary and are based on position requirements. Background checks may include but are not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history and/or education verification. Background checks may also be conducted when required by law or when in the discretion of UNAVCO is reasonable and prudent to do so.