CHC Specialist – Climate and Data Services (Associate Specialist)

The Climate Hazards Center (CHC) in the Department of Geography at UC Santa Barbara seeks an experienced scientific programmer to serve as an Associate Specialist supporting data pipeline development and operations. The role bridges internal data processing workflows with product distribution systems designed for end-users. The Associate Specialist will manage and expand internal data pipeline systems, develop data distribution and sharing mechanisms, and collaborate with international partners including meteorological services and NGOs to implement systems that provide critical agro-climatic and environmental data to regional decision-makers, translating technical processes for non-technical, multicultural audiences. Required qualifications: Master's degree in Computer Science, Geography, Environmental Science, Climate/Atmospheric Science, or Data Science, and a minimum of 12 months experience with large-scale data workflows, system scripts, or geospatial datasets. Preferred: UNIX/Linux server environment experience; automated data harvest and cron job management; Python or R programming; Git/GitHub; SQL/PostgreSQL; experience with spatial web services and data distribution protocols (FTP, HTTP, APIs); and a background in remote sensing, climate science, or international development. Salary $80,200-$88,800 (100% time); one-year appointment, start Fall 2026 or later.