Overview
Director, Illinois Three Dimensional Mesonet — Illinois State Water Survey / Department of Climate, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the Illinois Three-Dimensional (3D) Mesonet. This position offers an opportunity to lead a statewide, multi-sector environmental observing network designed to transform weather, climate, and environmental monitoring and decision-making across Illinois and the Nation.
About the Illinois 3D Mesonet
The Illinois 3D Mesonet is a partnership among CliMAS, PRI, and partners including DPI, IIN, and NCSA, with external collaborators. It combines surface, subsurface, and autonomous drone-based atmospheric observations up to 8,000 feet, integrates data with a federated statewide environmental data portal, and supports decision-support tools for stakeholders in public safety, agriculture, transportation, power, education, public health, urban planning, manufacturing, and research. It aims to be the Nation\'s first fully three-dimensional, autonomous mesonet.
Leadership objective
Lead the creation of a first-of-its-kind, statewide, multi-sector environmental observing network designed to transform weather, climate, and environmental monitoring and decision-making across Illinois and the Nation.
Key responsibilities include providing strategic, scientific, and operational leadership for the initial deployment phase, planning subsequent phases, coordinating core partners, promoting the Mesonet, sustaining relationships with NOAA\'s National Mesonet Program and other stakeholders, and reporting progress to UIUC leadership and funding sources.
Responsibilities also include reporting to the Head of CliMAS and Executive Director of PRI, serving as the public face of the 3D Mesonet, coordinating internal and external stakeholders, developing the Program Office structure, overseeing senior staff, collaborating on drone-based demonstration projects, and ensuring data quality, metadata standards, and cybersecurity.
Additional duties include performing work to further the mission of the Survey, PRI, and University, and staying current with developments in the field.
Minimum Requirements
- Graduate degree or equivalent experience in the physical sciences, engineering, environmental science, or related field.
- Demonstrated leadership in large-scale environmental observation or data integration projects.
- Experience raising funds, developing proposals, and managing multi-institutional, interdisciplinary programs with government and industry partners.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Valid Drivers License
Preferred Qualifications
- Doctoral degree in the physical sciences, engineering, environmental science, or related field.
- Familiarity with public and private institutions in Illinois and State government relevant to the 3D Mesonet (public safety/emergency management, agriculture, transportation, power utilities, K-12 and higher education, public health, communications, urban planning, manufacturing, and research).
- Familiarity with mesonet operations or public-sector weather networks.
- Experience developing or familiarity with UAV/drone-based sensing programs.
- Proven ability to secure external funding and manage budgets exceeding $1M.
- Understanding of state and federal policy processes related to environmental monitoring and data sharing.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. This is an in-person position requiring occasional travel. The budgetary salary range is $100,000–$150,000. The final salary offer will be determined through assessment of market data, equity, qualifications, and budget constraints. The start date is negotiable. This position is not tenure-track.
This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur a $100,000 fee.
Application Procedures
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 15, 2026. Apply via the Apply Now button or at the Illinois Jobs site. Interviews may occur before the closing date; no offers will be made before closing. For more information, contact the HR Partner listed in the posting.
Champaign-Urbana area. The University offers a benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Retirement Plan, Paid Time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request reasonable accommodations. Details on required background checks, nondiscrimination, and E-Verify are provided in employment notices.
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