The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
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Job Title:
New York State Science Director
Job ID:
42047
New York State
Full/Part Time:
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
OFFICE LOCATION
Negotiable: any office within New York State
ABOUT US
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
The Nature Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Over the 60 years since our founding we have grown to be the largest single conservation organization in the U.S. and the world. The Conservancy uniquely embodies the concept of working locally and globally simultaneously, tapping local results to inform national and global strategies and policy. Our scope, size, and track record of success positions us to be a transformative global leader in solving many of the world’s toughest environmental challenges.
The Nature Conservancy’s first project was in New York, the Mianus River Gorge, and the Chapter is now one of the largest and most innovative of the organization, with approximately 125 employees. We have directly conserved three-quarters of a million acres in New York and have a long and deep history of supporting the Conservancy’s efforts around the globe, including Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and Africa. Through our on-the-ground and in-the-water projects across New York’s diverse habitats and communities, we seek innovative solutions that protect critical landscapes and seascapes while providing essential benefits, such as clean air and water, to New Yorkers. Our expertise and experience can be used to shape and inform public policy, the practices of industries, and the actions of conservationists around the world.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The NYS Science Director is a member of New York State’s Senior Staff Team, and is the primary expert resource and facilitator to advance the scientific research, planning, and analysis that is a foundation of our conservation work in New York State. The Science Director provides technical and scientific strategic leadership, as applicable serves as a subject matter expert, and represents The Nature Conservancy in New York as a senior scientist. Expertise includes the ability to plan and measure the success of conservation initiatives from a scientific perspective. Geographic scope and includes New York State (encompassing all conservation activities engaged in by multiple business units within the state), as well as regional efforts (including multi-state initiatives, and North American regional priorities), and interfacing with global initiatives on behalf of New York State. As a scientific leader and authority within the organization, advises senior management on complex aspects of extremely broad and important programs, and in particular works closely with the state Chief Conservation Officer as primary science advisor, strategist, and partner in conservation management. This includes the following functions:
Work with state science staff to develop, support, manage, and monitor planning and implementation of field science and scientific research that is integral to, aligned with, and furthers New York State’s conservation framework as well as other broader organization conservation initiatives;
Work across NYS chapter, regional and other geographic boundaries to collaborate and network with scientists/science community (academic and other) to enhance the conservation practices of others and establish TNC as a global leader in conservation science;
Collaborate with state science staff to develop, promote, and implement the conservation science best practices required to achieve tangible, lasting results consistent with TNC practice and procedures;
Facilitate and manage process for peer review, information sharing, and other collaborative efforts among NYS science staff;
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in science related field and 6 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Leadership experience, including team building, and demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and facilitate group efforts.
Experience initiating, building, and maintaining relationships with key scientists within an organization and with outside partners, state/local/federal agencies or the academic community.
Experience writing grants and research proposals.
Experience conducting original research and publishing peer-reviewed reports in scientific journals relating to conservation practices, species, natural communities, ecosystems, ecosystem processes or related topics.
Experience designing, implementing, and directing complex or multiple projects of strategic importance, including managing finances, supervising multidisciplinary professionals and coordinating the work of partners.
Experience synthesizing & integrating research findings/lessons learned, and/or next steps and communicating them to senior management colleagues.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in science related field and 6-8 years related, PhD and 3-5 years related experience (preferred), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience leading and motivating staff members; must have excellent facilitation and collaboration skills.
Proven strategic thinker with sound technical skills, advanced analytical ability, project management experience, and good judgment.
Ability to apply the best principles of conservation science to the practical needs of TNC projects and programs.
Broad and comprehensive knowledge of relevant conservation issues and commitment to conservation goals and methods utilized by the Conservancy.
Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline and generally in conservation practice.
Network within scientific communities: Has, initiates and maintains extensive contacts with key scientists and officials of other organizations.
Exercising creativity, foresight and mature judgment to plan, organize and and provide guidance with respect to significant scientific projects.
This position generally will not provide an opportunity for individual field research/study, but is oriented toward maximizing the conservation impacts and outcomes for New York by working with, supporting, serving as a resource, and otherwise facilitating and guiding the collective efforts of the highly skilled professional science staff within New York’s multiple business units.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may:
require physical exertion and/or muscular strain
present possibility of injury
This position also requires:
ability to travel up to 25%
flexibility to work long hours during deadline periods
BENEFITS
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, a 401k plan, 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.
TO APPLY
To apply to position number 42047, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 4, 2014.
Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.
You must click “submit” to apply for the position. You may select “save for later” if you prefer to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited.