Climate Data Specialist

Responsibilities

Work on the development and application of technical workflows for analyzing environmental data, including downscaled climate model output, to develop climate projections for several different weather phenomena (e.g., precipitation, temperature, snow) and to assess current and future exposures.Leverage tools and analysis methods to identify and address challenges in climate datasetsSupport the quantitative analysis of exposure, vulnerability, risks, and resilience associated with long-term climate change considerations for a range of clients such as municipalities and infrastructure agencies.Prepare documentation that succinctly summarizes methodologies and results for technical and lay audiences.Participate on multiple projects delivering on project commitments through effective coordination with internal colleagues, external resources and agencies, and consulting team partners.Contribute to a diverse team of experts working to advance the Climate Risk & Resilience Services practice through effective data-driven analysis and decision-making.Participate in the quality control operations of the climate analysis portions of our projects and contribute to the definition of our best practices to ensure consistency and scientific robustness throughout our climate change risk assessment processes.Contribute to research and development initiatives to build innovative practices in the field of climate change risk and resilience.Focus on collaborating with all national business lines within WSP providing advisory services with a focus on climate science, climate risks and adaptation planning.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in data science, hydrology, meteorology, atmospheric science, climate science, environmental engineering or a related field
• Must have strong computer skills including programming skills (e.g., Python) and data management and processing skills related to model output (e.g., familiarity with NETCDF file formats)
• Proficiency in version control systems (e.g., Git, GitHub) for managing code and collaborating on projects
• Experience working with tools and/or coding scripts for effective data processing, analysis, and visualization.
• Experience routinely working on coding projects and adapting scripts and programs written by colleagues, enhanced by a strong aptitude in standard programming practices.
• Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) and parallel processing in cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure).
• Strong statistics background, preferably with demonstrated experience in statistical methods for meteorological data infilling and trend analysis
• Experience with climate change models and data portals, preferably with demonstrated experience in statistical and dynamical downscaling
• Experience with AI and machine learning would be an asset
• Preferable candidates will understand:
• Frequency analysis of extreme climate events (e.g., extreme rainfall, IDF curves)
• Quantifying and correcting for statistical bias in climate datasets
• Hazard modeling approaches that use climate data as inputs (e.g., hydrologic modeling, flood and storm surge modeling, wildfire modeling).
• Conducting climate-related vulnerability and risk assessments
• Experience communicating orally and in writing technical analysis and results to non-technical audiences using data visualization and maps.
• Attention to detail; commitment and skills to identify and detect errors; commitment to thorough quality reviews and checks; and commitment to accuracy, correctness, and excellence.
• Ability to innovate on challenging topics to produce client-tailored products.
• Experience working independently and on efforts requiring remote collaboration.
• You enjoy taking on new challenges that will enhance your professional growth, and you enjoy collaborating on a national, and international level