Spatial Scientist, Africa Region
Job ID: 42736
Location: All International
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
OFFICE LOCATION
Negotiable among the following: Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, United States.
WORK WITH US
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 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/aboutus 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
Africa is developing rapidly. Many of the critical investments happening in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Gabon and Zambia are happening at a large scale driven by Government strategic development plans. These development projects and natural resource extraction efforts drive economic development and are favorable to politicians and citizens alike. But much of this growth does not have to come at the expense of natural habitat, critical freshwater systems and marine and coastline resources.
Conservation priorities in Africa will be impacted by these big natural resource extraction investments. A do-nothing scenario will be counterproductive. The Conservancy’s Africa Region has to be better positioned to help governments and the private sector reduce the negative impacts of these developments while concurrently supporting national development strategies and proving to Governments that growth can happen while still safe-guarding nature’s capital. We need spatial data and accurate maps in order to create better informed decision making at the top levels of Government.
To help us solve these issues, The Nature Conservancy’s Africa Region seeks a broadly trained spatial scientist with expertise in complex spatial analysis, statistical modeling and landscape scenario analysis. This person will work on projects related to data compilation, threat analysis, spatial modeling and alternative scenario planning associated with development activities in priority conservation areas. She/He will focus on impacts that incorporate current and future projections of threat including pipelines, railway, highways/roads, oil and gas development, mining, electrical transmission and perhaps even hydropower dam development. The spatial scientist participates as a team member on various projects and serves as the primary analyst for a development corridor in northern Kenya. She/He is responsible for various project-related tasks, including project planning, analysis, report preparation and publication of results. She/He will be expected to provide detailed spatial analysis and mapping for presentations with Government and corporate partners, starting with those in Nairobi and Lusaka.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The spatial scientist supports spatial and statistical analysis related to The Nature Conservancy’s Development by Design approach – proactive scenario planning to avoid, minimize or offset the negative environmental impact of development – in the rangelands of northern Kenya and key conservation areas in Zambia, along with other geographies as assigned. Requires sufficient knowledge and work experience in one or more of the following functions:
Advanced knowledge of management, manipulation and analysis of both vector and raster spatial data;
Knowledge of statistical analysis, particularly of spatial data and data related to population monitoring;
Experience with remote sensing and basic cartography;
Ability to Manage and Coordinate Projects and coordinate closely with Program Managers and Conservation Director; and
Willingness to present project overviews at conferences and meetings and write periodic progress reports, final reports and scientific manuscripts as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Science Activities: Conducts landscape analyses to assess ecological integrity and identify potential priority sites using standard optimization modeling tools (i.e. Marxan). Develop predictive models of threats and/or species distributions. Integrate spatial data with field surveys to document ecological systems in project areas using standard methods and techniques.
Innovation: Participates in the ongoing development of new tools, methods, processes, and techniques that improve conservation action in The Nature Conservancy’s conservation priority areas and thematic opportunities.
Communications: Communicates the role of the Development by Design initiative in the conservation of biodiversity, and explain the utility of science based conservation to partners. In collaboration with the Conservation Director and Africa TNC Program Managers, communicate regularly with key project partners and others to maintain strong partnerships and facilitate effective conservation.
Information Requests: Responds to requests for ecological information from partners and provide interpretation, as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
MS degree in Geographic Information Science, Ecology, Geography or related field and 4 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in designing, maintaining and analysis of spatial databases to meet organizational needs.
Experience in developing and managing multiple projects.
Experience in cartography and remote sensing
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Graduate degree in biological or information sciences with course work indicating knowledge of complex spatial analysis and/or statistical modeling, or comparable research experience is required. Experience with peer reviewed publication process desirable.
Demonstrated experience with statistical analysis (parametric, nonparametric and spatial methods), spatial analysis and species distribution modeling and/or population viability analysis. Knowledge of climate change and/or development build-out modeling highly desirable. Project management and administrative experience, database management, word processing, and GIS skills.
Ability to work effectively with others under pressure and tight deadlines. Capable of working independently to complete projects.
Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to write technical reports utilizing available resources.
Willingness to travel throughout the project areas such as those in Kenya, Zambia:
Comfort articulating and advocating for The Nature Conservancy’s conservation mission.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply to position number 42736, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 31, 2015.
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