The Nevada Conservation Scientist provides technical and scientific support and leadership for conservation initiatives for the Nevada Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, with a primary focus in Southern Nevada. Position is based in TNC’s Southern Nevada office and reports to Southern Nevada Conservation Director.
The Nevada Conservation Scientist manages, collects, and analyzes data on biodiversity and ecosystem services, focused on the Mojave Desert ecoregion in Southern Nevada. They analyze land management proposals and scenarios for their ecological impacts and provide high quality written analysis and comments on environmental planning and policy documents. They classify ecological targets and assess data to prioritize areas for conservation. The Nevada Conservation Scientist conducts field assessments, manages scientific collaborations, maintains positive working relationships and garners support from external partners, and stays up-to-date on knowledge on relevant issues. Drafts reports and supports fundraising and grant proposal efforts to implement projects on relevant topics under guidance from Southern Nevada Conservation Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Develop adaptive management plans, conceptual models and designs ecosystem conservation strategies.
- Draft reports and analyses on public/private land-use and ecosystem/species management plans or scenarios.
- Provide in-depth comments on environmental planning and policy documents.
- Deliver tools, biodiversity data, field services and training to staff and partners.
- Conducts field visits and assessments to ground-truth mapping and data analysis and build knowledge of partners and supporters.
- Design and implement experiments relative to program area.
- May lead staff and consultants on a project basis and coordinate fieldwork and logistical support for research, project development and monitoring.
- Manage grants, contracts, and/or requests for proposals.
- Must be willing to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Master's Degree in science related field and 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience writing documents for environmental planning and policy.
- Experience synthesizing, interpreting and communicating scientific information.
- Strong writing and communications skills.
- Team-oriented and able to work constructively with partners from diverse backgrounds and outlooks.
- Able to independently draft, edit and deliver high-quality written reports and analysis in a timely fashion.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Cross-cultural experience appreciated
- Experience managing staff, project, workloads and finances under deadlines.
- Proficiency in GIS and other common software applications.
- Proven project management and negotiation skills.
- Experience managing projects, grants and scientific collaborations.
- Knowledge and appreciation for Mojave Desert ecology and natural history.
- Flexible and willing to undertake both office and field-based tasks.
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 beyon