Technical Coordinator

The Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) is searching for an outgoing, user-oriented individual to serve as Technical Coordinator, working out of our offices in Ann Arbor, MI. GLOS was established to provide public access to critical, real-time and historical information about the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River and interconnecting waterways for use in managing, safeguarding and understanding these freshwater resources. GLOS is focused on identifying and meeting user needs and therefore GLOS staff work closely with multiple Great Lakes user communities. GLOS modeling and assessment efforts are focused on the development of a multi-agency, multidisciplinary ecosystem forecasting modeling framework to support management activities and decisions on the Great Lakes on a lake-by-lake basis, in conjunction with the Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative and other collaborative efforts.

The Technical Coordinator will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the Program Coordinator, as well as relevant partners and contractors. Initially, approximately 50 percent of the incumbent’s time will focus on working with Lake Michigan stakeholders, managers, modelers and researchers in the development of a pilot project designing and implementing an ecosystem forecasting modeling framework designed to meet resource management needs with the prospect of developing similar structures for the other lakes. Additionally, the Technical Coordinator will be responsible for refining and implementing GLOS’ Quality Management Plan, coordinating with all GLOS function teams to develop quality system guidelines and ensure that standards and requirements are met.

The incumbent in this position will operate in a collaborative environment involving public agencies, academia and a range of stakeholder groups.

Duties include:

• Facilitate and coordinate development of a Lake Michigan ecosystem forecasting modeling framework in consultation with Lake Michigan stakeholders, managers, modelers and researchers, with the potential to translate lessons learned and outcomes to the other lakes
• Coordinate GLOS mobile assets (i.e. AUVs and gliders) with relevant Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative processes
• Support implementation of GLOS Quality Management Plan and oversee further development of GLOS quality systems
• Conduct literature reviews and contribute to articles and grant proposals as needed
• Prepare and maintain project plans, records and reports including budget tracking/management;
• Manage registration and database entry for the Great Lakes Model Inventory
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: The incumbent will have a minimum of a Masters Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field, e.g., environmental science, environmental engineering, oceanic and atmospheric sciences, information technology, with experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment; experience developing and/or applying hydrodynamic, ecological or ecosystem models to resource issues; a strong network within the relevant resource management, university and/or Great Lakes industry/business communities; demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team. A minimum of three to five years relevant professional experience preferred. Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize among competing goals; experience with facilitation, outreach and engagement (e.g, guiding and tracking group processes, meeting planning and facilitation, developing and tracking action items); facility with MS applications, e.g., Word, Excel, required; grant writing experience is an advantage. Twelve month position with opportunity for renewal based upon funding availability. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Reply with resume, cover letter, three references, salary history and expectations to Dr. Jennifer Read, Executive Director, Great Lakes Observing System by Friday, February 4, 2011.