Program Specialist (Limited Term)

University of Notre Dame•Notre Dame, IN

About The Position

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you! The Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative (ND-ECI), a unit within Notre Dame Research (NDR), seeks a Program Specialist to support a new interdisciplinary project titled Community Led Environmental AI for Resilient (CLEAR) Watersheds. This project focuses on optimizing flood, water quantity, and water quality management across rural urban landscapes within the St. Joseph River Basin, which drains into Lake Michigan. By joining the CLEAR Watersheds team, the Program Specialist will contribute to cutting edge, community engaged environmental research and AI driven watershed management. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape how rural and urban communities collaborate on resilience focused conservation while supporting technical efforts with direct, measurable impacts on one of the region’s most critical watersheds. The Program Specialist serves as the operational and relational hub of the project, bridging technical field operations with stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate is a versatile professional who thrives in interdisciplinary environments, builds trusted partnerships, and is comfortable performing hands-on fieldwork alongside coordination and communication responsibilities. This is a Limited Term role ending October 16, 2028.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, hydrology, civil or environmental engineering, geography, or a closely related field
Two years of relevant professional experience
Demonstrated experience or strong interest in interdisciplinary, team-based research environments
Experience with agricultural conservation, green infrastructure, or stream and river systems
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities
Experience with environmental sensor networks, stream monitoring, or water quality data collection and QA/QC processes
Ability to perform fieldwork in variable weather conditions, remote locations, and physically demanding environments
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant field
Proficiency in data analysis, management, and visualization using standard tools
Familiarity with cloud-based or decision-support tools and/or interest AI-enabled environmental management
Experience working with hydrologists, ecologists, engineers, data scientists, and community-based organizations

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact and trusted liaison for rural and urban community partners
Facilitate stakeholder meetings and support collaborative co-production of conservation solutions
Organize and coordinate the project’s annual Water Summit, bringing together diverse stakeholders to guide implementation strategies and project outcomes
Translate technical findings into accessible summaries and updates for community partners
Manage field siting, installation, routine maintenance, and data transfer for a stream sensor network across the St. Joseph River Basin
Coordinate field schedules, equipment logistics, and site access in collaboration with the research team.
Conduct in field data transfer and perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks.
Support day-to-day project coordination, including scheduling, meeting preparation, and cross-team communication.
Assist with project reporting, budget tracking, and documentation.
Help identify project opportunities and challenges, coordinate workflows, and ensure deliverables remain on track.
Support the development and launch of decision-support tools in collaboration with technical team members.