UCAR/NCAR - Who Are We?
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is a nonprofit consortium of more than 120 North American colleges and universities focused on research and training in the Earth system sciences. UCAR manages the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) on behalf of the 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 NCAR's success.
National Corporation for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), located in Boulder, Colorado, is one of the world’s premier scientific institutions, with an internationally recognized staff and research program dedicated to advancing knowledge, providing community-based resources, and building human capacity in Earth system science. NCAR is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).
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 across the country and around the world.
Hiring Process
Whether you're a scientist seeking to help solve the riddles of our complex Earth system, a computing expert hungry for greater challenges, an administrative support professional yearning to contribute your experience, or you're just starting out on your career path, we think you'll like what you find at UCAR/NCAR.
Please feel free to reach out to hrrecruiting@ucar.edu at any time regarding questions about our hiring process or about our organization in general.
Employment Requirements and Status
Does UCAR/NCAR 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 UCAR/NCAR?
All employees working at UCAR/NCAR 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 individual job posting on the career site. For additional information on working at UCAR/NCAR as a foreign national, contact UCAR Immigration at immigration@ucar.edu.
Are UCAR/NCAR employees considered federal employees?
No, UCAR/NCAR employees are government contractors.
Application Submissions
How do I apply for a job at UCAR/NCAR?
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 must create a profile and submit your application. If you are interested in applying for more than one open position, please submit separate applications for each position.
If you are an internal candidate, you must log into Workday, type “Career Opportunities” in the search bar, and apply from there.
Whom can I contact about a specific job posting?
Our Recruiting team can be reached at any time at hrrecruiting@ucar.edu.
Feel free to connect with one of our recruiters on UCAR’s LinkedIn page or speak with UCAR representatives at upcoming conferences and job fairs.
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 UCAR/NCAR?
No particular software is required to apply for a job at our organization, simply visit our career site to get started. If you experience technical issues while applying for a position, please try using Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browsers to submit your application.
Can I make changes after I submit my application?
Our system does not allow applicants to make changes after submission of the application, including changes to uploaded files, you can, however, save your application and return later to finish applying. Please read the “Applicant Note” section on the job posting carefully and make sure to include everything that is required to be considered for that specific position. If you wish to update information on an application after you’ve submitted it, please contact hrrecruiting@ucar.edu and one of our recruiters can assist you.
How many documents can I upload as part of my application?
The “Select Files” section of the online recruitment tool only allows applicants to choose one file to upload initially. Users can upload a single file containing multiple documents, such as a cover letter and resume, using this feature. To add multiple files, proceed to the next screen to upload additional documents.
Application Status and Interviews
How long does the hiring process take?
UCAR follows a consistent and thorough hiring process. Although every position is different, it typically takes approximately one to two months to fill a position.
Will I hear any follow up on my application?
We receive a large volume of resumes for each position, and the review process does take time. If your application is selected after the initial screening, we will contact you for a virtual interview. The best way to check your application status is to log into your profile created in our career site when you applied for the position. You can then log in at any time to view the status of your application.
What should I expect in the interview process?
After resumes are reviewed, selected candidates move to the screening/interview process with a recruiter and/or hiring manager. This screening process confirms that applicants meet the basic job qualifications.
After screening, you may be asked to provide additional written information and/or invited to an official interview for the open position. Candidates can expect either an onsite or virtual interview that will include a one-on-one interview, a panel interview, and/or a candidate presentation.
What is an Inclusion Statement?
As part of our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, candidates who progress to the interview stage for STEM positions, leadership positions and some additional roles can be expected to submit an inclusion statement prior to their interview unless you were required to provide it as part of the initial application materials.
Inclusion statements request candidates address past activities and experience that reflect their contributions to diversity and inclusion as well as their future 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.
Benefits and Compensation
What benefits are available to UCAR/NCAR 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
- EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost
- Employee Assistance Program that provides short-term mental health, legal, as well as additional assistance at no cost or discounted rates
- Low-cost short-term backup childcare and eldercare
Does UCAR/NCAR 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.
Does UCAR/NCAR offer remote, hybrid and/or flexible work arrangements?
Yes! At UCAR/NCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.
Job postings will typically include the type of flexible work available for the specific position. If you are the selected candidate, you and your supervisor will agree upon flexible work details and sign a flexible work agreement form which summarizes terms and conditions.
Equal Opportunity Employer
UCAR/NCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin 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 UCAR/NCAR.
To learn more about our diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, click here.