CIRES​/NIDIS Regional Drought Information Coordinator

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) and NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) are seeking a full-time Regional Drought Information Coordinator to work as part of an interdisciplinary team as the coordinator for selected regional NIDIS Drought Early Warning Systems (DEWS). NIDIS is a federal interagency and interstate effort to establish a national drought early warning information system in the U.S. The successful applicant will advance drought science and preparedness through coordination and integration of drought monitoring, forecasting, planning, and information at national, tribal, state, and local levels.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

• Serve as a regional source of authoritative information for federal agency partners, Tribal Nations, states, municipalities, academic institutions and other organizations on drought early warning, including drought monitoring, prediction and forecasting, planning and preparedness, communication, and interdisciplinary research.
• Develop, sustain, and expand partnerships with partners across the region including public and/or private partners at Federal, Tribal, state, and local levels. Use these partnerships to effectively coordinate resources and activities.
• Identify gaps and needs for advancing drought early warning, and develop partnerships, projects, research studies, and other activities to address those needs.
• Identify strategic opportunities to integrate and apply drought research and information into the regional DEWS to help inform decision‑making, leading to more effective drought response and planning.
• Coordinate, organize, and write regional DEWS strategic plans based on team member consultation, and work with partners to implement activities within the strategic plans. Help identify and track appropriate metrics for measuring success.
• Provide technical support for regional, state, or local drought planning, such as selecting drought indicators and triggers or supporting drought scenario exercises.
• Communicate drought early warning information in coordination with the NIDIS Communications Team through regional Drought Status Updates, webinars, the U.S. Drought Portal (Drought.gov), social media, and other communication avenues.
• Lead or co‑lead virtual and in‑person engagements that convene drought partners and team members, including regional and national workshops, DEWS meetings, outlook forums, trainings, webinars, and conferences. Document the findings through meeting summaries, project reports, and other follow‑up documentation.
• (15%) Review, evaluate, and manage research project statements of work for NIDIS‑funded partners in the DEWS region.
• (5%) Performs other relevant duties as necessary to advance the NIDIS mission.

• Anticipated start date:
  September 1, 2026.
• Frequent domestic travel (approximately 6–12 times per year).
• Rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder but physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
• Federal laboratory background clearance required for site access; non‑US citizens without green cards may have limited building access and require an escort.
• Position closes June 10, 2026.

• Generous compensation package. Hiring salary range: $67,000 – $97,000.
• Relocation funds are available following CIRES and the University of Colorado’s relocation processes.
• Hybrid work modality accommodated.
• Robust training curriculum, professional development opportunities, and a mentorship program.
• Access to Boulder’s vibrant community, including trails, parks, dining, transit, and cultural amenities.

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we support holistic health and well‑being. Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. Explore additional perks through the CU Advantage program.

• Bachelor’s degree and more than three…