We seek an Applied Scientist to provide technical and program expertise to support our freshwater work in India. We seek someone with expertise in water resource management – spanning surface and groundwater hydrology, ecology and water governance. The position will directly support the Program Lead- India Freshwater Program in advancing TNC-India’s Freshwater strategy.
The person in this role utilizes advanced techniques and practices to provide technical and scientific support as a subject matter expert (SME) in lotic and lentic ecosystems hydrology, environmental flows, and other associated initiatives. The Applied Scientist supports project planning and implementation through harnessing strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field and collaborates with other scientists and institutions to advance TNC projects. The Scientist will cultivate partnerships with government agencies, other conservation organizations, and the academic community.
The Applied Scientist will help develop proposals for projects related to the conservation of watersheds and water bodies, project manage aspects of the work, collect data and relevant information from online sources and/or the field, conduct scientific analysis of hydrological/ecological data, interact with government officials to get support for the project work, conduct field studies as and when required and help write technical and project reports. The person should have experience working in integrated teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Supports Program Lead in implementing Freshwater Strategy.
- Leads and advances important aspects of the Freshwater Strategy.
- Project Manages key projects.
- Acts as a technical liaison within and outside of the organization.
- Collaborates with a wide range of partners to identify research needs, present technical concepts and support fieldwork.
- Supports program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment.
- Collects data when needed
- Conducts scientific analysis on hydrological/ecological data – including impact analysis
- Prepares technical and project reports.
- Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget.
- Assists in the development of proposals
- Negotiates complex agreements.
- Frequent travel domestically and/or internationally, evening and weekend hours.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Minimum 4 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Understanding of hydrological processes
- Experience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data.
- Project management experience.
- Experience building and cultivating relationships.
- Experience leading or participating on cross functional teams.
- Experience managing complex projects including the financial aspect and coordinating the work of peers and partners.
- Flexibility and ability to apply science skill set to address an array of interdisciplinary conservation issues.
- Excellent communication skills, written , spoken and graphical means in English and Hindi.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD preferred and 3-4 years related experience.
- Experience in linking ecology with water resources/watershed management
- Strong knowledge of common software applications.
- Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals
- Record of authoring technical reports/ peer reviewed publications in scientific journals
- Ability to diagnose complex problems and identify solutions.
- Ability to operate within budget guidelines to ensure sound financial performance.
- Proven negotiation skills.
- Attention to detail.
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.