Scientist/Writer, Climate Adaptation Program
Utah State University
Scientist/Writer, Climate Adaptation Program
- Requisition ID
- 2025-9694
- # of Openings
- 4
- Job Locations
- US-UT-Logan
- Category (Portal Searching)
- Research (non-Faculty)
- Position Type
- Non-benefited (hourly) Part-Time
- Job Classification
- Non-Benefited
- Percent of Time or Hours per Week
- Up to 25 hours per week
- College
- Quinney College of Agric & Nat Res
- Department
- Watershed Sciences
- Advertised Salary
- $20-27/hour, depending on qualifications/experience
- Telework Eligible
- No
Overview
We are looking to hire a scientist/writer to support the Climate Adaptation & Resiliency program at Utah State University (https://extension.usu.edu/climate/). We welcome applications from individuals with expertise in writing/journalism, climate adaptation science, policy, and/or data analysis and visualization. Examples of fact sheets we have previously published can be found on the website above.
The main focus of the position will be support of the Climate Adaptation & Resiliency program overall with a specific emphasis on the Climate Adaptation Intern Program (https://qanr.usu.edu/research/caip/). CAIP is a semester-long, cohort-style program where undergraduate interns work with experts and program leadership to create fact sheets, decision tools, or other resources that address climate adaptation needs in Utah and the surrounding region. Through CAIP, we partner with a host of partners (e.g., Utah Clean Energy, Swaner EcoCenter & Preserve, Utah Forest Restoration Institute).
Successful candidates will help us publish CAIP products through contributions to writing, editing, fact-checking, data analysis/visualization, and communication. Opportunities will also exist to leverage unique skills and ideas that candidates bring to the program. If you are selected for an interview, we will request 1-2 writing samples be provided at that time.
Responsibilities
- Attend a weekly staff meeting in person or on Zoom.
- Make significant contributions to program publications.
- Devote up to 25 hours per week to advancing the goals of the program.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ability to attend in-person meetings on the main Logan campus.
- Background experience in science communication, journalism, or another type of professional writing.
- Experience using the Microsoft Office suite of programs, particularly Microsoft Word.
Preferred Qualifications:
- MS or PhD in relevant disciplines (journalism/communication, natural resources, environmental engineering)
- Experience in climate adaptation issues and policy in Utah and the Intermountain West.
Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:
- Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"
- Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application
**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary
ADA
We strive to maintain an inclusive, flexible working environment. The primary demands of this position will be written and verbal communication and writing.
College/Department Highlights
The S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to enhancing lives and landscapes through education, research, and outreach. We work across biological, physical, and socioeconomic boundaries to better understand natural and managed ecosystems and to promote the ethical use of land, food, water, and economic resources. Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarship and engage in collaborations that advance discovery and innovation across disciplines. Many hold Extension appointments that connect their research directly to communities throughout Utah.
With a statewide network of campuses and learning centers, the college serves people in both urban and rural communities as part of the university’s land-grant mission. We foster professional collaboration within and beyond the university, and experiential learning for students at all phases of their academic path. Faculty and students benefit from Utah’s remarkable and varied landscapes, which provide unparalleled opportunities for field-based research, education, and outreach.
The Department of Watershed Sciences in QANR is a powerhouse in the science of ‘wet’ ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and the watersheds that feed them. Faculty are committed to making science useful for planning, management and restoration efforts, and are well-positioned to study and solve complex, interdisciplinary problems with a cadre of ecologists, hydrologists, geomorphologists, biogeochemists, and others.
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.
USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
*updated 09/2025
Notice of Non-discrimination
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.
In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.
The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:
| Matthew Pinner Executive Director Civil Rights & Title IX Office 435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D 1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
| Cody Carmichael Title IX Coordinator 435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D 1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
|
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:
U.S. Department of Education
Denver Regional Office
303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov
*updated 10/2025
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