CIRES/NIDIS Regional Drought Information Coordinator

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) and NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) are seeking a full-time Regional Drought Information Coordinator to work as part of an interdisciplinary team as the coordinator for selected regional NIDIS Drought Early Warning Systems (DEWS). NIDIS is a federal interagency and interstate effort to establish a national drought early warning information system in the U.S.

The successful applicant will advance drought science and preparedness through coordination and integration of drought monitoring, forecasting, planning, and information at national, tribal, state, and local levels.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

Who We Are

CIRES is an internationally recognized leader in innovative environmental science and research and is located at the University of Colorado Boulder. At CIRES, more than 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people's relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967.

National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) was first authorized by Congress in 2006 to coordinate drought monitoring, forecasting, planning, and information at federal, tribal, state, and local levels across the country. NIDIS does this work through:

• Developing partnerships to ensure successful implementation of an integrated national drought monitoring and forecasting system.
• Collecting and integrating information on the key indicators of drought to make usable, reliable, and timely drought forecasts and assessments.
• Fostering and supporting a research environment that focuses on risk assessment, forecasting, and management.
• Providing accurate, timely, and integrated information on drought conditions and associated risks to facilitate proactive decision making.

Key Responsibilities

Advancing a Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) (50%)

• Serve as a regional source of authoritative information for federal agency partners, Tribal Nations, states, municipalities, academic institutions and other organizations on drought early warning.
• Develop, sustain, and expand partnerships with partners across the region.
• Identify gaps and needs for advancing drought early warning, and develop partnerships, projects, research studies, and other activities to address those needs.
• Identify strategic opportunities to integrate and apply drought research and information into the regional DEWS.
• Coordinate, organize, and write regional DEWS strategic plans.
• Provide technical support for regional, state, or local drought planning.

Communication and Outreach (30%)

• Communicate drought early warning information in coordination with the NIDIS Communications Team.
• Lead or co-lead virtual and in-person engagements that convene drought partners and team members.

Other Duties

• (15%) Review, evaluate, and manage research project statements of work for NIDIS-funded partners in the DEWS region.
• (5%) Performs other relevant duties as necessary to advance the NIDIS mission.

What You Should Know

• Anticipated start date: September 1, 2026.
• This position requires frequent domestic travel (~6-12 times per year).
• This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but will be physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, Boulder, CO.
• If selected, you will be required to pass a federal laboratory background clearance for site access.

Qualifications

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree and more than three (3) years of post-baccalaureate relevant experience in natural or water resource management, geography, public policy, economics, or relevant environmental sciences field.
• Significant, proven professional work experience in the western United States in one or more of the following: drought, water resources, natural resources, hazard mitigation, disaster response, climate extremes, public policy or related fields.
• Professional experience in engaging users and stakeholders across a variety of economic sectors and communicating drought, water, weather, and climate information.

What You Will Need

• Ability to develop effective and cooperative relationships with federal, state, local agencies and universities.
• Strong knowledge of drought, water resources, natural resources, hazard mitigation, disaster response, climate extremes, public policy or related fields in the western United States.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong and effective facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with a diverse group of scientists and partners.

Benefits and Perks

• Generous compensation package ($67,000 - $97,000).
• Relocation funds available.
• Hybrid work modality available.
• Robust training curriculum and professional development opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Free access to the regional public transit system (ECO Pass).

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a resume/CV and a cover letter addressed to the Search Committee. Applications must be submitted through the CU Boulder Jobs portal. This position will close June 3, 2026.