The Applied Economist is a member of California’s Conservation Economics and Finance Department, with the primary responsibility of leading economic analyses that advance the scientific, policy and strategic goals of the California chapter (e.g., freshwater, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, urban, disaster resilience).They work collaboratively on behavioral and economic questions of strategic importance to the California chapter. The ideal candidate has research experience in topics such as behavioral economics, program evaluation, causal experiments and applied econometrics, including spatial econometrics.
The Applied Economist provides technical and scientific support to teams across the California chapter as a subject matter professional on applied economic issues related to environmental conservation. They undertake economics research to build the evidence-base for and evaluate the effectiveness of different conservation approaches. They would be expected to lead the design of research studies in multiple environmental areas, in collaboration with chapter colleagues; undertake literature reviews and meta analyses; and collect and analyze quantitative data. The Applied Economist uses communication strategies and analytical support to enhance the application of economics in support of TNC’s conservation strategies in California. S/he collaborates with other economists and scientists within and outside the California chapter and TNC, and presents and publishes research results. As a core member of the Conservation Economics and Finance Department, this position may also contribute to the design of market-based mechanisms and incentives that advance conservation in California.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Lead, in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, research to develop and implement studies that sharpen understanding of the economics of innovative approaches to conservation in California and beyond.
- Consult with Conservancy project teams around the state to help design and identify interventions that result in benefits to both nature and people.
- Collaborate with colleagues in universities, NGOs and public agencies to integrate economics frameworks into science, policy and strategy initiatives to achieve conservation outcomes.
- Work with policy staff in California to help design and support emerging opportunities to fund or develop policies that rely on economic research and analysis to advance conservation objectives, as needed.
- Engage with Conservancy staff and leaders beyond California to integrate techniques and priorities as a means to effect shared learning across Global, North American and California Conservancy staff, as needed.
- Serve as a spokesperson for economics topics to internal and external audiences, including the media.
- Maintain scientific credibility through peer reviewed publications, research and communication.
- Experience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical, economic, or environmental data.
- Experience in the use of economic theory or practice to address applied conservation issues.
- Strong knowledge of common statistical software applications.
- Experience designing and implementing socio-economic research.
- Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.
- Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5 years of experience working in an applied environment, such as an economics or management consulting firm, government agency or NGO.
- Knowledge of valuation techniques and social dimensions of natural resource management.
- Experience managing smaller projects including financial aspects and coordinating the work of peers and partners.
- Experience working with cross-disciplinary colleagues, internal and external to a large organization.
- Experience communicating economic concepts and principles in a compelling way to non-technical audiences, including the media.
- An understanding of California's complex socio-ecological system as a backdrop for recommending and promoting durable conservation actions
- Familiarity with data visualization concepts, techniques and tools.