Job Description:

OFFICE LOCATION

San Luis Obispo, California, USA.

This position may be based out of a home office anywhere within the California Central Coast. Local day travel to TNC lands in the area is expected 5 - 8 days a month.

WHO WE ARE

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.

The California Chapter is TNC's largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast.

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state's communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about holding the middle ground in American politics and civic life and doing our part to make conservation a shared national value. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its "big tent" approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We are not activists. We do not litigate. We do not take public stands on matters unrelated to our purpose. We welcome everyone. Everyone in our organization should therefore be adept at working with people who may not share their personal values or opinions. We ask all employees to embrace the critical strategic position of our brand and organization as non-partisan. It is the foundation of our success.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Land Program Applied Scientist provides leadership and support in conservation biology and rangeland ecology for grassland and oak woodlands across The Nature Conservancy's approximately 400,000-acre grazed conservation estate in California. The Applied Scientist will have an important role in growing TNC's grassland/oak woodlands/rangelands conservation program, one grounded in land and rangeland management, restoration, and scientific research. The Applied Scientist will address the use of cattle grazing, prescribed fire, active restoration, and other land management approaches to maintaining and enhancing grasslands and oak woodlands across our grazed conservation estate. The Applied Scientist is a key member of the Land Program, providing the technical and scientific support needed to collaboratively define and advance ambitious conservation objectives, including directing and assisting management practices on TNC Preserves to target species and ecosystems, and establishing a research and monitoring program to support adaptive management of our Preserves. Importantly, the Applied Scientist also works as a member of multidisciplinary project teams which include other scientists, stewardship, and other conservation professionals across the state, and is a conservation thought leader in the wider conservation and research community.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you're looking for a career where you can find purpose, come join our Chapter as the Land Program Applied Scientist. We are looking for a passionate, dedicated person to help build a collaborative science enterprise focused within our grasslands and oak woodlands across TNC's approximately 400,000-acre grazed conservation estate. You will advance the science needed to improve management of species and natural communities within these ecosystems, through independent and collaborative research. You will identify key challenges and develop scientific methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address those challenges. You will develop, lead, and leverage a network of internal and external partners - including agencies, academic institutions, resource management districts, and other scientists - to develop the science, research, and technology to advance conservation objectives across TNC grassland/oak woodlands/rangelands.

This role leads and participates in multi-disciplinary teams, writes proposals, and manages grants and contracts, conducts field research, and manages data, submits peer-review publications and reports, and communicates science to diverse audiences. This role will require that you work across TNC's conservation estate, which stretches from southern to northern California and from the coast to the foothills of the Sierras. The position will focus on supporting Las Piletas Ranch, the San Andreas Corridor, and the Central Coast. In addition, you will occasionally lead field trips for visitors and donors, providing natural history interpretation and context about the importance for conservation and the Conservancy's broader goals. Strong communication skills, experience interpreting scientific information and an entrepreneurial spirit are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

* Master's Degree in ecology, environmental science, conservation farming, rangeland ecology, OR related field and 3 years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
* Experience leading and working with cross functional teams.
* Experience synthesizing, interpreting, and communicating scientific information.
* Experience preparing reports of findings.
* Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.
* Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.
* Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
* Experience translating scientific research into land management decisions.
* Experience working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Ph.D. and 3 years of experience
* Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
* Strong knowledge of common software applications.
* Attention to detail.
* Ability to meet deadlines.
* Knowledge of - and optimally experience working with - a broad set of conservation technologies, including remote sensing, GIS, GPS, wildlife cameras, conservation genetics, eDNA, mobile apps, and coding.

WHAT WE BRING

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "You'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people." To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

We're proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance.

If you're interested in working with us, please apply-we'd love to hear from you.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC'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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay for this position is within the range of $78,000 - $91,725 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and state of employment is California. Where a successful candidate's pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55776, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 8:59 PM PST on Monday, November 11, 2024. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

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 people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

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