National Leader for Climate Justice

From wildfires to sea-level rise, climate change creates evolving challenges for ecosystems across the Nation. The USGS National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) is a partnership-driven program that teams scientists with natural and cultural resource managers and local communities to help fish, wildlife, water, land, and people adapt to a changing climate.

Job Description

Successfully adapting to climate change requires climate justice and advancing equity. The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) and Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity (DEO) are advertising for a National Leader for Climate Justice (CJ) to serve as a primary subject matter expert in climate justice; set a vision and path for the CASC network to build and grow climate justice activities and partnerships; and strengthen relationships between the CASCs and the DEO, including collaboration with the USGS Title VI and Environmental Justice Programs. 

Note: This position will be filled through an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreement. 

The National Leader for Climate Justice will bring vision, knowledge, and expertise to:

1. Lead the CASC network’s existing climate justice related programs - e.g. the Climate Adaptation Scientists of Tomorrow (CAST) Program.
2. Contribute to and support a USGS bureau-wide equity service assessment by directing an evaluation of the CASCs’ current climate justice related projects, programs, and efforts as they relate to Executive Orders 12898, 13985, and 14008, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 statutory requirements.
3. Work with DEO to build partnerships with federal programs, conservation organizations, professional and scientific organizations, community groups, and academic institutions with similar and complementary environmental justice goals.
4. Inform an expansion of the scope and impact of CASC research related to climate justice.
5. Serve as a climate justice subject matter expert and liaison to the USGS Environmental Justice Task Force, including contributing to bureau-wide recommendations to better support underserved communities in advancing environmental justice for themselves. 

Through these efforts, the incumbent will shape the direction and contributions of a premier national climate science program, its workforce, partnerships, and both the current and future generations of climate scientists. The position will be supported by CASC senior staff, the DEO office, and a dedicated program coordinator. If time and interests allow, the incumbent may also advise and shape the CASC’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategic plan as a secondary responsibility.   

We are looking for the best possible candidate and have flexibility around duration and schedule (e.g., short-term, part time). Salary is based on a GS-15 pay scale. Location negotiable. This position will be filled through an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreement. 

Qualifications

Demonstrated expertise and recognized leadership in building or shaping environmental or climate justice programs. An advanced degree from an accredited institution in Public Administration, Public Policy, Law, Social Science, Social Work, Communications, Climatology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Justice, or closely related degree are desired.   

Those who may qualify for an IPA agreement include but are not limited to members of state and local governments, Indian tribal governments, federally funded research and development centers, colleges and universities (institutions of higher education) and other eligible organizations.

Compensation & Location

• Salary: GS-15 salary range 112,890.00−112,890.00−146,757.00 
• Duty Station: Negotiable 

To Apply

Those interested in this position, should click "Apply" below to respond with a statement of interest (paragraph) and your resume or CV to Isabella Caltabiano, with a cc to Katherine Smith (katherinesmith@usgs.gov) and Emily Brooks (ebrooks@usgs.gov) by September 28, 2022.