Water Scientist

Applied Science to Support Conservation, Restoration, and Policy (50%)

• The Water Scientist (WS) will lead the development and application of water related science to guide The Nature Conservancy’s strategies across Oregon. The WS will identify the evidence needed to evaluate and adapt existing and new conservation strategies that result in effective solutions for both people and nature. The WS will assess the impacts of land and water management, ecological restoration, and climate change for hydrological, biological, and socio-economic outcomes within Oregon’s freshwater and estuarine systems.  These outcomes may include but are not limited to groundwater quantities, surface flows, flood risk to communities, water quality, aquatic biodiversity, drinking and irrigation water provisioning, fisheries, and nutrient and carbon cycling.   
• The Water Scientist will travel throughout Oregon to convene diverse perspectives. The WS will collaborate within and lead multi-disciplinary work groups with internal and external partners including agency, tribal, and academic scientists, as well as land and water managers and conservation practitioners. The WS will work with conservation initiative staff and external partners to develop and implement landscape-scale conservation and restoration projects.  The WS will work with conservation and government relations staff and partners to develop and promote science-based water policy that advances conservation objectives. 

Advancing Science (25%)

• The Water Scientist will work both independently and with colleagues (internal and external) to advance conservation science in freshwater and estuarine systems; developing new tools, testable strategies and approaches, and leading scientific inquiry and problem-solving related to conservation and restoration.  Advancing science includes searching for alternative ways to approach and solve conservation problems.

Communication (25%)

• The Water Scientist will communicate scientific findings and syntheses and the scientific basis for conservation priorities and actions to the general public, partners, media, and the scientific community. Communication channels will include but are not limited to peer-reviewed literature, other published materials and maps, presentations at meetings and conferences, news media, and field tours. They will also work with other Conservancy departments including government relations, marketing, philanthropy, and volunteer programs to educate and inspire Oregonians on the importance of conservation. 

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Reporting to the Director of Conservation Science, serve as a core member of the Oregon Chapter’s Science Team and Conservation Science Lab Group with significant strategic and partnership responsibilities.
• Contribute to Freshwater, Forests, Deserts, Coast, Stewardship, and Cities conservation initiatives via matrix project teams. 
• Develop and manage the scientific evidence base to support water-related conservation and restoration strategies across Oregon.
• Lead research and synthesis projects that guide conservation strategy and or public policy. Responsibilities include identifying questions, building multi-disciplinary collaborations that incorporate varied perspectives, designing analytical approaches, leading interpretation and application of results, developing communication strategies and materials, and managing project timeline and deliverables. 
• Review water policy proposals / legislation and collaborate on the crafting of water policy concepts and proposals. 
• Create, build, and maintain effective collaborations with academic, NGO, agency, and tribal scientists in natural and social science disciplines.
• Provide support and leadership for conservation and restoration projects. 
• Develop compelling written and oral communication. Design and implement strategic communications to support conservation efforts.
• Lead and manage grants, contracts, and requests for proposals.
• May supervisor staff on a project basis and coordinate fieldwork and logistical support for research, project development and monitoring.
• Work statewide (up to 25% travel) in both office and field settings, potentially within variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. May require long and/or flexible hours.