Solar Recharge Project Coordinator

27372BR

Kansas Geological Survey

Position Overview

The Kansas Geological Survey at the University of Kansas is seeking a Research Project Coordinator for a new project studying potential water, economy, and energy benefits from the integration of solar energy projects in agricultural landscapes. The project coordinator will play a central role in working with diverse project partners, including farmers, utility companies, government agencies, not-for-profit groups, and researchers, to design, build, and monitor an integrated solar power-groundwater recharge system in southwestern Kansas. This will involve working with partners to construct a novel on-farm experiment linking together the highly regulated utility, energy policy, water, and agricultural sectors, and will require a creative approach to coalition-building and problem-solving. Therefore, we are seeking someone with strong interpersonal skills, exemplary organizational skills, and experience with field-based research in a water-related field.

The position is contingent on sponsored project funding. 

Job Description

The Research Project Coordinator will be responsible for working with stakeholder and research partners to coordinate the development, instrumentation, and monitoring of the proposed solar recharge system and ensuring the project is achieving its goals. We anticipate 4 to 6 overnight trips to western Kansas will be required each year for stakeholder meetings and project fieldwork. Anticipated duties include: 

25% Coordination of research project activities: 

• Work with project scientists, students, and staff to set, implement, and report on annual goals and timelines.  
• Oversee purchasing, arrange travel, and track project budget. 
• Lead annual reporting to funding agency in collaboration with other project team members. 
• Anticipate and coordinate project activities and meetings. 

35% Partner engagement and coalition building: 

• Serve as primary point of contact with stakeholders and project partners. 
• Develop new partnerships with additional relevant groups in agriculture, energy, water, and other sectors as relevant. 
• Develop presentations, outreach and educational activities, events, and other resources to share project outcomes. 
• Attend relevant events and meetings to share information and findings from project.

 30% Research and collaborative activities: 

• Work with scientists, staff, students, and other collaborators to coordinate and carry out research methods.  
• Install and maintain field equipment. 
• Collect, organize, and QAQC environmental sensor data collected on project and other relevant local to regional datasets. 
• Contribute to research and publications through writing, data visualization, review, and other activities. 
• Identify funding sources and develop proposals for additional project funding as needed. 

10% Support KGS research and service mission: 

• Assist KGS scientists, staff, and students with logistical and/or data needs 
• Provide requested information to relevant stakeholders and the public. 
• Identify and develop ideas for new research projects. 

Position Requirements

Required Qualifications

Required qualifications measured by application material, interview, and references.

Preferred Qualifications

Contact Information to Applicants

For additional information contact Sam Zipper, [email protected]
For HR questions, contact Annette Delaney, [email protected] , 785-864-2152

Additional Candidate Instruction

Please submit the following materials as part of your online application:

• Cover letter detailing interest in the position and fit with the required and preferred qualifications (max 2 pages)
• CV
• A technical writing sample that includes visualizations of data (report, paper, thesis chapter, etc.)
• Transcripts for undergraduate and/or graduate degrees (unofficial copies fine)
• Contact information for three references

Advertised Salary Range

$60,000 annual salary ($2,307.69 biweekly)

Application Review Begins

28-Mar-2024

Anticipated Start Date

05-Jun-2024

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding

Work Location Assignment

Hybrid

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.