Below is a comprehensive list of questions you might have about our organization or our recruitment process. If you don’t see your question below or need more information please contact hrrecruiting@ucar.edu.
NSF NCAR, UCAR, and UCP - Who Are We?
NSF National Corporation for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR)
The NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR), located in Boulder, Colorado, is one of the world’s premier scientific institutions. Our internationally recognized staff and research program is dedicated to advancing knowledge, providing community-based resources, and building human capacity in Earth system science. NSF NCAR is sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is a nonprofit consortium of more than 122 North American colleges and universities focused on research and training in the Earth system sciences. UCAR manages the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) on behalf of the U.S. National Science Foundation. Founded in 1960 to fulfill this role, we are trusted administrators of the financial, human resources, facilities, and information technology functions that are essential to NSF NCAR's success.
UCAR Community Programs (UCP)
Our community programs provide a suite of innovative resources, tools, and services to researchers, educators, and practitioners in the Earth system science community. Activities in UCAR Community Programs (UCP) include everything from training weather forecasters, firefighters, and emergency managers to supporting a constellation of atmosphere-observing satellites. We also develop internship programs and educational resources, provide real-time data and software analysis tools, and manage projects and staffing for scientific programs nationwide and worldwide.
Hiring Process and Application Submission
Hiring Process Overview
UCAR is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce representative of our community and the society we serve. Our selection and hiring process is objectively based on reviewing the required candidate materials submitted and assessing each candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities with the needs of the given role. Development of key skill assessments and screening of candidates is done collaboratively with the hiring manager, the Recruitment team, and a Hiring Committee consisting of members from various parts of the organization.
In general, our process consists of the following:
- Initial Screening of Candidate Materials (minimum qualifications, required materials, and questionnaire responses)
- Candidate Ranking and Assessment (Experience vs Key Skills vs Need of Role)
- Interviews (1-2 rounds, that may be virtual or in-person)
- References (for select roles)
- Offer Extension
- Background Check and Onboarding
How do I apply for a job at NSF NCAR, UCAR, and UCP?
If you do not yet work at UCAR, please visit our career site to view and apply for positions. Once you find the job you are interested in, you will be prompted to create a profile and submit your application for the job(s) in which you are interested.
Whom can I contact about a specific job posting?
Our Recruiting team can be reached at any time at hrrecruiting@ucar.edu. Also, feel free to connect with one of our recruiters via LinkedIn!
Can I apply for multiple positions?
Yes! We encourage you to apply for any or all positions you are qualified for and interested in from our career site.
What are the software requirements for applying for a job at NSF NCAR, UCAR, and UCP?
You can apply on your computer or phone! No additional software is required.
Can I make changes after I submit my application?
To ensure equity for all applicants, candidates are not allowed to directly edit materials already submitted as part of their application. However, in cases where additional information or materials are requested, hrrecruiting@ucar.edu can easily make updates on your behalf, once missing material(s) have been emailed.
How many documents can I upload as part of my application?
When filling out your application, you will have several opportunities to add multiple documents. With that said, we kindly ask that you limit the documents to just the items required for the application.
Application Status and Interviews
How long does the hiring process take?
Our hiring process on average ranges 20-65 days in length.
Will I hear any follow-up on my application?
We receive a large volume of applications for each position and we value everyone who takes the time to apply and show interest in our organization. Someone from our team will reach out to you to let you know any updates about the role you’ve applied for.
You can also check your application status by logging into the Workday profile you created on our career site when you applied for the position.
What is an Inclusion Statement?
To achieve the NSF NCAR, UCAR, and UCP goals of innovative, world-leading science and engineering, we recognize that being inclusive of people of all identities and backgrounds in our workforce is a fundamental requirement. Our employees come from diverse backgrounds, and we strive to create the kind of inclusive, supportive, and welcoming workplace that will attract and retain an even greater diversity of individuals in the future.
As part of this commitment, we require an Inclusion Statement from candidates who progress to the interview stage for STEM and leadership positions. The written statement addresses the candidate's past activities and experiences that reflect their contributions to diversity and inclusion as well as their plans to actively foster and encourage a diverse and inclusive environment. Inclusion statements are reviewed by the hiring committee as part of the screening and interview process.
Employment Requirements and Status
Does NSF NCAR, UCAR, and UCP have pre-employment requirements?
Yes. Pre-employment screenings are conducted for all positions. Risk-based positions that have access to sensitive information also include background checks. For all pre-employment screening, UCAR complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Pre-employment screenings may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following information when relevant to the position: restricted parties screening, employment verification, education verification, reference checks, verification of professional licenses, certifications, and motor vehicle records.
Risk-based positions require the above pre-employment screening, as well as a criminal background check and Sex Offender Registry screening (for positions working with vulnerable populations).
What are the citizenship requirements for employment at NSF NCAR, UCAR, and UCP?
All employees working at NSF NCAR, UCAR, and UCP are required to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship may be available for certain positions within the organization and will be noted within each job posting on the career site. For additional information on working at NSF NCAR, UCAR, and UCP as a foreign national, contact UCAR Immigration at immigration@ucar.edu.
Benefits and Compensation
What benefits are available to NSF NCAR, UCAR, and UCP employees?
UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. Beyond rich medical, dental, vision, and life insurance offerings, UCAR offers:
- Tuition Assistance and other professional development opportunities
- Starting minimum of 20 days of paid time off
- 10 paid holidays
- 10 days of sick leave every year
- 14 weeks of paid parental leave
- Employee automatically contributes 5% and UCAR 10% of gross pay into retirement; 100% fully vested on day one
Does NSF NCAR, UCAR, and UCP provide relocation assistance?
Depending on the position, relocation assistance may be available and will be noted within the job posting. For additional information about the amount of support and type of expenses allowed, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager supporting your search.
Equal Opportunity Employer
NSF NCAR, UCAR, and UCP is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origen or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at NSF NCAR, UCAR, and UCP.
Learn more about our diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
Non-Discrimination
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all program participants, employees, and applicants for employment and does not discriminate based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origen or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.
Find more information about your rights regarding workplace non-discrimination.
Request for Accommodation
UCAR is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in UCAR programs or the job application or interview process, contact Hannah Dennis at hdennis@ucar.edu.
Reporting
Any person excluded from participation in denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origen or ancestry, sex, gender, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy, genetic information, or disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law should promptly report the matter to the UCAR Chief Human Resource Officer at chro@ucar.edu, who serves as UCAR’s Section 504, Title VI, Title VII and Title IX coordinator.