The Science Fellow (Fellow) works closely with staff of The Nature Conservancy Chapter in MN, ND, SD to research and gather conservation planning and other science data. The Fellow creates relevant reports and data records to support the Chapter’s priority conservation strategies. As a member of the Science Team, the Fellow will tackle the scientific uncertainties around the Conservancy’s priority conservation strategies. The Fellow will assist in many facets of conservation science, including advising on policy issues, communicating science to the public, conservation planning, managing data, and more traditional research and monitoring projects. The Fellow will work on projects across all three of the major habitat types in the Chapter (Forests, Freshwater and Grasslands), with emphasis on grassland ecology and conservation projects. The Fellow will help streamline data collection and management for a variety of research and monitoring projects and add capacity to emerging conservation issues within the Chapter, such as sustainable grazing, promoting pollinators, water quality, forest management, climate adaption or energy development. This position requires a valid driver’s license and good driving record. The Fellow must be willing and able to travel to other Conservancy offices and preserves for meetings, training and work. This is a full-time, 18-month position with benefits.
The Fellow gathers and synthesizes data for priority research and monitoring projects. They assist with implementing conservation plans. They conduct scientific surveys, record data and write project reports to help coordinate science needs in support of conservation programs within the chapter.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Perform and coordinate fieldwork, including ecosystem assessment and vegetation monitoring.
- Compile and analyze data, resolve disparities and modify processes to generate plans and reports.
- May work with small group of staff, interns or volunteers on a project basis.
- May purchase equipment and supplies as provided for in budget.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Assist with proposal writing and partnership development for current and emerging science priorities.
- 2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with GIS software and data to create maps.
- Experience conducting surveys, recording data and writing project reports.
- Experience collecting, manipulating, analyzing and interpreting scientific data.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Strong field skills, especially in plant identification.
- Working knowledge of computer technology and common software applications, such as ArcGIS, program R and the Microsoft office suite, including Access.
- Master's Degree in science related field and 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Clearly written, spoken and graphical communication in English.
- Ability to work independently and/or with minimal supervision.