The University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks applicants for the position of Director of Resilience Planning (Research Assistant 3) in the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) to provide support for activities associated with the development of the Connecticut Connections Coastal Resilience Plan. CIRCA is a multidisciplinary center that coordinates applied research and engagement programs to develop and advance practical solutions to problems caused by changing climate ( http://circa.uconn.edu/ ). CIRCA is located on UConn's Avery Point Campus in Groton, CT.

Position Summary

The Director of Resilience Planning will coordinate and contribute to a four-year project that uses science-informed risk assessment and broad consultation to develop a prototype resilience framework for Connecticut. Activities will include selection and supervision of contractors, coordination with scientists, engineers, architects and state and municipal officials.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordination of the planning, development, design, implementation and evaluation of a Resilience Framework for Connecticut.
• Coordination of the development of municipal and regional resilience plans and climate adaptation strategies at the site scale.
• Manage selection and oversee contractors.
• Manage CIRCA staff, coordinate with faculty, subawardees of CT DEEP and Yale UED Lab, contractors, and postdoctoral scholars on climate change impacts on the natural, built and human environment; coastal and riverine flooding, storm water management; and strategies for protection of critical infrastructure and ecosystems.
• Integrating results of models and risk assessments with work of contractors/other CIRCA staff.
• Translate science for broad audiences.
• Conduct workshops and meetings for municipalities and regional councils of government on climate resilience and adaptation.
• Coordinate and participate in capacity-building studies and engagement programs, including climate science communication, a resilience toolkit, trainings for municipal commissions and committees, policy analysis and case studies, and design and engineering trainings.
• May be responsible for various administrative duties as assigned.
• May participate in the planning, development and implementation of grant proposals.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master's Degree in regional or environmental planning or science, natural resources management, or a closely related field.
2. 2-4 years of relevant experience in municipal, regional or environmental planning or a closely related area.
3. Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
4. Strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively with regional, local, and state agencies and community groups.
5. Strong facilitation and collaboration skills; experience handling public involvement and agency coordination with stakeholders and other professionals.
6. Grant writing ability, as well as the ability to scope, budget, and manage projects with multiple consultants.
7. Ability to work at various locations throughout the state and region and attend occasional evening and weekend meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Demonstrated knowledge of current best planning practices for sustainable resource management in areas such as water resources, climate adaptation and resiliency planning, green infrastructure and living shorelines; and understanding of climate impacts on vulnerable populations;
2. Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations and programs, such as the Clean Water Act, stormwater management, FEMA's Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program, HUD Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery, the Connecticut Coastal Management Program and floodplain management;
3. Ability to build strong working relationships with state and local governments, state, local and regional organizations and other academic institutions;
4. Understanding of local bylaws/ordinances to promote sustainable management of water and other natural resources, climate adaptation, and green infrastructure;
5. A strong understanding of spatial relationships, and analysis of land use and other elements of the built environment;
6. Experience preparing maps, schematics, and diagrams to communicate plans, with Geographic Information Systems (GIS);
7. AICP or CFM certification.

Appointment Terms

This is a full-time (40-hours per week) annually renewable, non-tenure track position at the level of Research Assistant 3. Continuation will be based upon available funding and performance. This position includes a competitive salary plus a full range of benefits. The primary work location will be the UConn Avery Point campus in Groton, Connecticut.

To Apply

Applications must be submitted through the UConn Jobs website: https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/ (under Staff Positions), and should include a letter of application, resume, a short sample of writing, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, please apply by 11:59 pm on July 19, 2018. Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. (Search #2018691)

For confidential inquiries or additional information, please contact Lauren Yaworsky at Lauren.yaworsky@uconn.edu .

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 19, 2018.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.


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