TNC in Virginia has been a VASG partner and in this particular role, works very closely with one of VASG’s seven universities, UVA and their VA Coastal Research Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) project.
The Nature Conservancy Senior Coastal Scientist in Nassawadox, Virginia
OFFICE LOCATION
Nassawadox, Virginia (VA) VA405
WORK WITH US
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in 69 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/about-us to learn more.
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.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Coastal Scientist provides the Virginia Coast Reserve (VCR) and the Virginia Operating Unit of TNC with technical and scientific leadership to inform, plan and develop conservation strategies related to coastal resilience and adaptation, coastal restoration, land and water conservation and protection, barrier island management, avian monitoring and management, and other emerging conservation issues. S/he will develop strategic conservation plans to guide VCR conservation programs, develop monitoring and management protocols to evaluate the progress and success of these programs, create/maintain strategic partnerships with research institutions, agencies and the local community, and develop and maintain an applied science and research agenda to adaptively manage conservation programs over time. S/he supervises and manages staff members.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Senior Coastal Scientist will serve as the lead scientist for TNC’s Virginia Coast Reserve on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. S/he will inform and guide emerging and existing conservation strategies related to coastal resilience and adaptation, coastal restoration, land and water conservation and protection, barrier island management, avian monitoring and management. S/he will lead long-term strategic planning, monitoring and adaptive management of conservation program effectiveness and success, and develop/maintain an applied science and research agenda with partners. The Senior Coastal Scientist will communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences and interact with academics, community partners, the general public, TNC donors and supporters on a regular basis. The Senior Coastal Scientist will manage and lead for TNC’s long-term coastal resilience program on the Eastern Shore and supervise VCR science staff. S/he will develop funding proposals in partnership with other TNC staff and partners and serve as the principle investigator on grants where appropriate.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Works as part of diverse team of professionals within the Virginia Coast Reserve (VCR), the Virginia Business Unit, and the Mid-Atlantic Seascape and Chesapeake Bay programs.
Manages staff or multi-disciplinary team to create or improve techniques and procedures for complex projects.
Conceives and implements strategic, scientific initiatives for the Virginia Coast Reserve.
Acts as a technical communicator and liaison within and outside of the organization.
Collaborates with a wide range of internal and external conservation partners to identify research needs, present technical concepts and support fieldwork.
Develops monitoring, management and funding strategies for scientific work at VCR.
Provides training for internal and external colleagues on principles of ecological and conservation science.
Must work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s Degree in science related field and 6 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Supervisory experience.
Established record of strong scientific writing in white papers, technical reports, proceedings or peer reviewed publications
Experience directing a major program of strategic importance and leading a multi-disciplinary team.
Experience with building relationships and communicating to diverse audiences.
Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.
Must have valid driver’s license and safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program.)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
PhD preferred and 3-5 years related experience considered.
Familiarity with coastal ecosystems.
Strong knowledge of common software applications.
Ability to diagnose complex problems, identify solutions and evaluate success.
Excellent communication skills, written, spoken and graphical.
Ability to operate within budget guidelines to ensure sound financial performance.
AUTO SAFETY POLICY
This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply to position number 44808, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. Please include salary requirement in cover letter. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 27, 2016.
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.*LI-
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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.*
Job Title: Senior Coastal Scientist
Location: Virginia
Job ID: 44808
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time