Science Fellow
A LITTLE ABOUT US
Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
The Science Fellow (Fellow) works closely with staff of The Nature Conservancy Chapter in MN, ND, SD to research and gather conservation planning and other science data. The Fellow creates relevant reports and data records to support the Chapter’s priority conservation strategies. As a member of the Science Team, the Fellow will tackle the scientific uncertainties around the Conservancy’s priority conservation strategies. The Fellow will assist in many facets of conservation science, including advising on policy issues, communicating science to the public, conservation planning, managing data, and more traditional research and monitoring projects. The Fellow will work on projects across all three of the major habitat types in the Chapter (Forests, Freshwater and Grasslands), with emphasis on grassland ecology and conservation projects. The Fellow will help streamline data collection and management for a variety of research and monitoring projects and add capacity to emerging conservation issues within the Chapter, such as sustainable grazing, promoting pollinators, water quality, forest management, climate adaption or energy development. This position requires a valid driver’s license and good driving record. The Fellow must be willing and able to travel to other Conservancy offices and preserves for meetings, training and work. This is a full-time, 18-month position with benefits.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Fellow gathers and synthesizes data for priority research and monitoring projects. They assist with implementing conservation plans. They conduct scientific surveys, record data and write project reports to help coordinate science needs in support of conservation programs within the chapter.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Perform and coordinate fieldwork, including ecosystem assessment and vegetation monitoring.
- Compile and analyze data, resolve disparities and modify processes to generate plans and reports.
- May work with small group of staff, interns or volunteers on a project basis.
- May purchase equipment and supplies as provided for in budget.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Assist with proposal writing and partnership development for current and emerging science priorities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in science related field and 2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with GIS software and data to create maps.
- Experience conducting surveys, recording data and writing project reports.
- Experience collecting, manipulating, analyzing and interpreting scientific data.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Strong field skills, especially in plant identification.
- Working knowledge of computer technology and common software applications, such as ArcGIS, program R and the Microsoft office suite, including Access.
- Master's Degree in science related field and 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Clearly written, spoken and graphical communication in English.
- Ability to work independently and/or with minimal supervision.
SALARY INFORMATION
Job Family: Science
Job Number: 850003
Salary Grade: 5
HOW TO APPLY
To apply to position number 47042, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 18, 2018.
Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.
If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.