The Science Manager will work as part of the Palmyra Program team within TNC’s Hawaii Business Unit. This position will manage key science projects tied to the conservation science strategy for CA+RL. This position will report to the Palmyra Program Director of Science, and will be a full-time, termed position running from the hire date to 31 December 2022; continuation of the position will be decided by Palmyra Program leadership 6 months prior to the end-of-term date. The Science Manager will be based in TNC Hawaii’s Honolulu Office, or in another location as determined by Hawaii Program Leadership.
The Science Manager will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the conservation science strategy for CA+RL by working with the Palmyra Program Director of Science, Palmyra Program team members, other TNC colleagues, and external partners and vendors. The Science Manger will participate in the advancement of key science initiatives, including: the Palmyra Open Access Data Library, the Palmyra Atoll Rainforest and Reef Resilience Project, a blue-water marine protected area research project, several invasive species management initiatives, and several biodiversity safeguarding initiatives involving species translocations.
The Science Manager will assist the Palmyra science team with the development of tools and systems used to plan, coordinate, implement, report on, and support TNC’s priority science projects at Palmyra. Daily tasking will require proficiency with spreadsheets (e.g. MS Excel), documents (e.g. MS Word), and cloud-based planning programs (e.g. Smartsheets). The Science Manager will help develop project plans, including budgets, timelines, contracts, and supplies and equipment lists, setting realistic deadlines and employing effective task management.
The Science Manager will work closely with the Palmyra Program staff tasked with operating TNC’s facilities at Palmyra to ensure smooth implementation of key conservation science initiatives. The Science Manager will recruit and supervise one to two conservation science focused TNC Volunteer positions based at Palmyra.
The Science Manager will take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team, including, but not limited to, developing documentation of TNC-supported science projects occurring at Palmyra, enhancing the systems and tools used by the Palmyra science team and coordinating logistics for meetings and events. The Science Manager will coordinate with stakeholders and may serve as the lead liaison with partners or vendors. The Science Manager will also engage TNC staff in various programs across the organization.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Provide science support, as directed, to a range of Palmyra Program priorities and teams.
- Recruit and supervise volunteers or contractors associated with priority Palmyra Program projects
- Conduct literature reviews and research to support the development of strategic documents, workshops, and communication materials to meet conservation objectives.
- Assist in managing and coordinating science projects, contracts and deliverables with the Palmyra Program and partners.
- Deliver tools, data, information, and services to key Palmyra Program staff and partners.
- Perform occasional fieldwork, sometimes with partners, to support priority conservation science engagements.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Experience organizing and supporting science-based teams, workshops and meetings.
- Experience collecting, manipulating, analyzing and interpreting scientific literature and data.
- Experience preparing reports, slide decks, and communication materials of key findings.
- Experience with remote field work and/or remote field stations
- Experience working with a government agency, a non-profit conservation organization, and/or a conservation-focused academic program
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s Degree in science related field and 2-3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with or knowledge of current technology applied to conservation science initiatives
- Experience in tropical, oceanic island and coral reef ecology, conservation science, conservation technology, data science, and/or Geographic Information Systems.
- Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Strong knowledge of computer technology and common software applications.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Interest in prolonged (> 2 weeks) remote work assignments
- Effective communication and interaction style, team-focused and solution oriented
- Ability to implement complex processe
- Ability to become a certified UAS pilot through the FAA Part 107 PIC UAS certification process
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.