The Science Program Specialist provides administrative, programmatic, and scientific support for the Conservancy’s conservation initiatives. They assist with science team logistics and planning, manage the science team’s budgets and contracts, and provide support for spatial analysis, data management, and other scientific activities.
The Science Program Specialist supports a collaborative TNC and University of Washington science team to accomplish an ambitious body of science spanning terrestrial, aquatic, marine and urban ecosystems. They support the development and maintenance of collaborative partnerships with other scientists and institutions to build and enhance Conservancy practices. The Science Program Specialist supports efforts to synthesize and manage spatial data, and they support team logistics and planning. The Science Program Specialist works directly with the Lead Scientist and science team members to deliver a solution-oriented body of applied science supporting the Conservancy’s conservation priorities.
Logistic support for TNC’s Science Team (50%)
- The Science Program Specialist will support the science team by assisting with planning of meetings, field activities and workshops, managing science contracts, managing budgets and calendar management. They will implement processes and practices in order to improve effectiveness of the science team.
Science support for TNC’s Science Team (50%)
- The Science Program Specialist will support the development of the science that supports The Nature Conservancy’s conservation strategies in ecosystems across Washington. They will work with the science team to build the evidence base for the management and restoration of Washington ecosystems, including forests, cities, floodplains, and Puget Sound. The Science Program Specialist will support the science team as they develop new tools, testable strategies and approaches for solving conservation problems. This includes support of mobile mapping technology (including database management and publishing web services) and data management/organization.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Within the scope of the position, the Science Program Specialist will:
- Administer and coordinate programs within the TNC/UW science team.
- Provide support to Lead Scientist including work plan development, meeting agenda development, meeting facilitation, and calendar management, as needed.
- Manage science team contracts and budgets, including providing support on scoping, drafting contracts, navigating the approvals process, and managing contracts through to completion.
- Provide data management, field, and logistical support for research, project development and monitoring.
- Help manage, organize, and enhance spatial data and mobile mapping tools.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Help support effective partnerships with academic, NGO, agency, and tribal scientists.
Work Environment and Schedule
The Science Program Specialist works in TNC’s Seattle Office. They may travel (up to 15%) and will work primarily in professional office settings, potentially with some work in the field, sometimes in inclement weather and within steep and rugged terrain. May require working long and/or flexible hours.
- Experience with GIS software and data.
- Experience with management of scientific data.
- Experience managing budgets and contracts in a professional setting.
- Experience working in a team settings
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to travel within Washington State; must have a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to beginning the position.
- Master’s Degree in science-related field and 4 years of experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Ability to work independently and/or with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated experience in project management.
- Flexibility and interest to understand and move between different subject matter across all Washington ecosystems
- Knowledge and experience working within Pacific Northwest ecosystems.
Estimated starting salary: $55,000 - $65,000/annually, dependent on qualifications and experience.