The Aquaculture Scientist provides technical and scientific support and leadership for the Nature Conservancy’s Aquaculture Program – “Aquaculture By Design.” The Aquaculture Scientist reports to the Aquaculture Global Strategy Lead and is part of the Nature Conservancy’s Global Ocean Team.
The Aquaculture Scientist provides scientific support and leadership to advance the Nature Conservancy’s Aquaculture Program, a key strategy to advance The Conservancy’s global priority to provide food and water sustainably by the year 2050. Reporting to the Aquaculture Global Strategy Lead, s/he develops of innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks to improve the sustainability of marine aquaculture. S/He will develop research products and peer-reviewed publications by conducting synthesis science and providing scientific guidance and support to field programs. S/He will develop and apply spatial and analytical tools and approaches to improve spatial planning, siting, and sustainability of marine aquaculture in a variety of contexts. S/He will develop will work with the Global Lead to identify future science priorities for the Conservancy’s aquaculture program. S/He communicates scientific results, solutions, and best practices, within The Conservancy and to external stakeholders at meetings and conferences. S/He may manage or lead one or more grant, support grant writing, and donor engagement. The preferred location for this position is in our World Office in Arlington, VA. The successful applicant must have the proper documentation and/or the ability to live and work in the United States effective on Feb 1st, 2019. This position is not eligible for immigration assistance. This position may require work and or travel (both domestic and international) on nights and/or weekends.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Designs, coordinates, and executes aquaculture science projects.
- Designs, develops, and delivers scientific tools, methods, data, and training to Conservancy programs and partners
- Generates scientific reports, publications, and communications documents on priority aquaculture science projects.
- Works effectively within a team-based environment to make decisions and solve problems, based on analysis, experience and context
- Builds productive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders to accomplish scientific goals.
- Manages multiple diverse, science projects or tasks at the same time over many geographic regions
- Effectively communicates scientific information by representing the Conservancy in internal and external meetings
- Identifies ongoing science priorities and needs in line with aquaculture program and organizational priorities.
- Identifies funding opportunities and develops grant proposals in coordination with the Global Lead.
- May manage one or more grant or contract
- Works to maintain optimal performance standards within a grant or budget, including working within/managing a budget to complete science projects.
- Occasional travel domestically and internationally, evening and weekend hours may be required
- Must work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- 2 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 working and communicating with a wide range of people.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Doctoral degree in marine aquaculture sustainability or closely-related field.
- Five years of experience in aquaculture sustainability science or closely-related applied sciences.
- Robust publication track record in marine aquaculture sustainability or closely-related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in developing spatial-analytical products to inform marine aquaculture management
- Demonstrated scientific expertise on the ecological effects of shellfish and seaweed aquaculture on surrounding marine ecosystems.
- Strong knowledge of spatial analytical (e.g. ArcGIS) and statistical software (e.g. R).
- Experience leading or managing one or more science projects,
- Experience in grants management and strong program management skills, including results-based management approaches and budget management.
- Strong knowledge of aquaculture trends, science efforts, and needs within Asia-Pacific, Africa, Mexico and Northern Central America, and the United States.
- Excellent science communication and public speaking skills
- Demonstrated success in grant writing and/or fundraising.
- Ability to produce quality results under tight deadlines.
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.