The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is expanding capacity to design, map, and measure the climate benefits of conservation, management, and restoration initiatives around the globe. We seek a Carbon Analyst to lead the technical dimensions of geospatial, statistical analysis and other analyses for TNC’s Global Carbon Science Team. The primary focus of analyses will be to quantify and map climate mitigation opportunities for TNC’s Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) work, with a particular focus on forests. The Carbon Analyst will be a member of the Global Carbon Science Team, which is embedded within the Tackle Climate Change Strategy. The position is supervised by the Forest Restoration Scientist and is based in Arlington, VA.
This is a full-time, 1 years position. This term may be extended and/or removed.
The Carbon Analyst collects, manages, analyzes, and visualizes data for NCS Science, with a focus on forests. Success in this role requires being savvy in a range of geospatial and statistical tools; working effectively alone and with others in a fast-paced, highly matrixed organization; and being responsive to shifting needs and priorities. The position qualifies as an Applied Scientist I.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Data analysis and management. This position will involve acquisition, development, management and analysis of very large spatial and tabular datasets, as well as a maintaining a large geospatial database (~3TB). Work will require the use of programming platforms (e.g. Python) and various statistical packages (e.g. R),and may require the use of other geospatial/remote sensing software (e.g. ERDAS Imagine, ENVI, IDRISI). Development of new datasets may be necessary (e.g. classification of remote sensing data). Geospatial analysis will range from relatively basic analyses (e.g. zonal statistics) to sophisticated analysis (e.g. spatially explicit modeling of landscape vulnerability and future deforestation). Analyses will require familiarity with a range of data, particularly raster data, but also potentially vector and imagery/remotely sensed files (e.g. Landsat, MODIS, LIDAR, Radar (SAR)). Geospatial analysis may be global or focus on key geographies where TNC NCS initiatives are located (e.g. Canada, Colombia, China, Gabon, India, Indonesia, Mexico).
- Field work. There may be opportunities for field work, particularly in tropical forest locations. Field work may require the use of handheld GPS devices and processing of GPS data. Field work would likely require work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Other. Related responsibilities will include review of scientific literature, writing and editing of technical and non-technical papers and memos, oral presentation of results to technical and non-technical parties, and training of staff in various countries. In addition to coordinating analytical efforts, this position may occasionally require assisting with coordination of events and team activities.
- Experience with ESRI ArcGIS software or other geospatial software, as related to the responsibilities described above.
- Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience coding in R or equivalent statistical computing language.
- Experience collecting, manipulating, analyzing and interpreting scientific data and preparing reports of findings.
- Experience in spoken, written, and graphical English.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated, in particular experience working in developing tropical countries and/or ability to work in Bahasa Indonesia, Spanish, French, or Portuguese.
- Education or experience in ecology and/or conservation science.
- Experience working with Google Earth Engine, Azure, Amazon Web Services, or similar platforms.
- Experience with writing and adapting code in Python, Javascript, or other programming platforms.
- Working knowledge of theory of remote sensing, land use and land cover change mapping, classification and appropriate software such as ERDAS, ENVI etc.
- Experience with designing compelling data visualizations and/or constructing interactive web maps.
- Experience teaching technical and theoretical aspects of geospatial analysis to groups and/or individuals.
- Experience collaborating with other parties to obtain different data sources and/or conduct scientific research.
- Experience developing and implementing multiple, complex projects in an unstructured environment, setting realistic deadlines and managing timeframes.
- Strong team player who can build productive relationships and work collaboratively across the organization and with partners.
- Ability to work independently, and creatively and proactively solve problems.
- Willingness to travel significantly, including internationally, and work under physically demanding remote rural conditions.
- Commitment to the goals and philosophy of The Nature Conservancy.
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.