Wildfire/Atmospheric Modeling Scientist

Company Description

We help the world see new possibilities and inspire change for better tomorrows. Our analytic solutions bridge content, data, and analytics to help business, people, and society become stronger, more resilient, and sustainable.

Job Description

About the Role

Join our growing Research and Modeling department as a member of our wildfire modeling team. You will work with the team to develop, optimize, and deploy advanced computational models that simulate fire ignition, spread, and penetration into the wildland-urban interface at meter-scale resolution for millions of scenarios, and that describe the complex relationships between wildfire activity, weather/climate, fuels, and other factors. As a member of this collegial team, you will work closely with a range of stakeholders to (a) incorporate up-to-date scientific knowledge, data, and modeling approaches into our existing models; (b) develop new models and model components; and (c) deploy existing modeling technologies into new regions and/or for new applications.

About the Day to Day Responsibilities of the Role

•  Understand the principles of our wildland fire models and how their components work together to assess model stability, sensitivity to key drivers (e.g., fuel type, weather), and convergence of output, with a key emphasis on computer model structure and implementation.
• Understand client needs and address those needs with our model products.
• Create, optimize, and run critical model code using the principles of high-performance computing.
• Evaluate large datasets that describe processes and entities affecting wildfire behavior in multiple regions of the world.
• Analyze and validate model solutions and perform sensitivity analyses to answer client questions and constrain uncertainty regarding their wildfire risk.
• Critically analyze and estimate statistical significance of decadal-scale trends in wildfire in the United States and elsewhere.
• Integrate new climatological, wildfire fuel, and wildfire activity data into existing models and explain changes seen in modeled results.
• Keep abreast of current wildland fire research and look for ways to integrate this research into existing and new wildfire models.
• Navigate and manage multiple code repositories, data sets, and data archives to maintain and update our models with appropriate approaches to archiving and version control.
• Prepare accurate and effective technical and non-technical documents describing modeling processes and results, both for client use and internal model improvement.
• Create and deliver presentations to coworkers, company management, and clients.
• Deliver results on time to meet project objectives.  

Qualifications

• Advanced programming skills gained through practical experience using both compiled and interpreted programming languages is essential. Strong proficiency with C++ and R, and a demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, and well-documented code in these or similar languages is required.
• Solid foundational knowledge of atmospheric, climatic and/or hydrological processes and their quantification across large landscapes.
• Practical experience analyzing/interpreting large model output datasets for both model evaluation and improvement.
• Experience applying climate and/or weather forecasting model output to landscape processes is a plus.
• Strong mathematical and/or statistical experience and practical experience developing new models and/or significant new components (e.g., advanced subroutines) in existing models.
• Experience using and managing large datasets; practical experience with SQL is desirable.
• Experience with ArcGIS a plus.
• Ability to gather, understand, and critically analyze information from all relevant sources, such as historical fire/weather/climate databases, scientific papers, government reports, insurance data, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and skills and to meet project objectives and deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of the application of probabilistic modeling to (re)insurance applications and/or climate change science a plus.
• Advanced degree in wildfire, climate, atmospheric, or environmental science, engineering, mathematics, or statistics (Ph.D. preferred).

Additional Information

Extreme event solutions at Verisk (formerly AIR Worldwide) provides risk modeling solutions that help individuals, businesses, and society become more resilient to extreme events. In 1987, Verisk founded the catastrophe modeling industry and today models the risk from natural catastrophes, supply chain disruptions, terrorism, pandemics, casualty catastrophes, and cyber incidents. Insurance, reinsurance, financial, corporate, and government clients rely on Verisk’s advanced science, software, and consulting services for catastrophe risk management, insurance-linked securities, longevity modeling, site-specific engineering analyses, and agricultural risk management. Verisk’s extreme event solutions team is headquartered in Boston, with additional offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. For more information, please visit www.air-worldwide.com. For more information about Verisk, a leading data analytics provider serving customers in insurance, energy and specialized markets, and financial services, please visit www.verisk.com.

At the heart of what we do is help clients manage risk. Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK) provides data and insights to our customers in insurance, energy and the financial services markets so they can make faster and more informed decisions.   

 Our global team uses AI, machine learning, automation, and other emerging technologies to collect and analyze billions of records. We provide advanced decision-support to prevent credit, lending, and cyber risks. In addition, we monitor and advise companies on complex global matters such as climate change, catastrophes, and geopolitical issues.   

But why we do our work is what sets us apart. It stems from a commitment to making the world better, safer and stronger.   

It’s the reason Verisk is part of the UN Global Compact sustainability initiative. It’s why we made a commitment to balancing 100 percent of our carbon emissions. It’s the aim of our “returnship” program for experienced professionals rejoining the workforce after time away. And, it’s what drives our annual Innovation Day, where we identify our next first-to-market innovations to solve our customers’ problems.   

At its core, Verisk uses data to minimize risk and maximize value. But far bigger, is why we do what we do.  

At Verisk you can build an exciting career with meaningful work; create positive and lasting impact on business; and find the support, coaching, and training you need to advance your career. We have received the Great Place to Work® Certification for the fifth consecutive year. We’ve been recognized by Forbes as a World’s Best Employer and a Best Employer for Women, testaments to our culture of engagement and the value we place on an inclusive and diverse workforce.  Verisk’s Statement on Racial Equity and Diversity supports our commitment to these values and affecting positive and lasting change in the communities where we live and work.  

Verisk Analytics is an equal opportunity employer.

All members of the Verisk Analytics family of companies are equal opportunity employers. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran's status, age or disability.

http://www.verisk.com/careers.html

Unsolicited resumes sent to Verisk, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Verisk business mailing address, fax machine or email address, or directly to Verisk employees, will be considered Verisk property. Verisk will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. 

Consumer Privacy Notice

Effective November 15, 2021, and subject to applicable law, all prospective hires for this position will be required to demonstrate that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their start date, or qualify for a legally-required medical or religious accommodation to this vaccination requirement, as a condition of employment. Hired candidates who do not demonstrate that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their start date, and who have not been approved for a legally-required medical or religious accommodation will no longer meet the requirements for employment and their offers of employment will be immediately rescinded, in accordance with applicable law.