Science Advisor, Hawai'i Marine Program

Honolulu, Hawai'i (HI)

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 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 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.
 

The Science Advisor (SA) works with the Director of Marine Science to ensure that TNC’s marine conservation work in Hawai‘i is informed by the best available science on water quality and watershed effects on coral reef and associated ecosystems and works collaboratively with other TNC marine staff (in Hawai‘i, across the US, and internationally), partner organizations, and government agencies to build effective marine conservation programs in Hawai‘i.
 

The SA will provide technical and scientific support as a subject-matter resource for marine conservation initiatives; design and implement scientific studies to help advance TNC’s threat-abatement and conservation management objectives; respond to Requests for Proposals; write, manage, and/or provide scientific information for public and private grant requests and reports; liaise for TNC Hawai‘i with local and international scientists and scientific organizations; participate in the planning and extension of theories, precepts, and practices in marine conservation science; and participate in scientific meetings and workshops relevant to TNC’s Hawai‘i marine priorities.
 

• Developing and implementing scientific monitoring and research initiatives with an emphasis on the influence of marine and estuarine ecosystems on coral reefs, especially as related to water quality (e.g., suspended sediment, nutrient enrichment, microbes, water temperature, phytoplankton, etc.);
• Staying informed of the latest scientific findings and working with TNC and partner staff to apply them to priority marine and watershed initiatives;
• Overseeing and assisting in the collection, organization, analysis and presentation of water quality and benthic community data with TNC’s monitoring team and island coordinators, and partner organizations;
• Assisting community groups to design, implement and operate community-based monitoring programs and facilitating research by TNC, university and agency scientists on behalf of communities;
• Training and advising Marine Fellows and other marine staff on the science related to their work and learning objectives;
• Advising conservation action planning (CAP) and other conservation activities and measures of conservation success;
• Translating scientific findings into a form appropriate for non-scientific audiences;
• Sharing the results of TNC’s conservation work with the scientific community via peer reviewed journal articles.

• Graduate Degree in science, environmental chemistry or related field and 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Education, training, and/or experience in watershed science, tools, management and restoration as they concern runoff, contaminant loading and other land-based processes that affect coastal ecosystems.
• Education, training, and/or experience with the development and implementation of scientific monitoring and research initiatives for assessing the influence of marine and estuarine stressors on coastal ecosystems to inform conservation and management.
• Experience analyzing, synthesizing, interpreting and communicating water quality and ecological data and other information, and preparing reports on findings.
• Peer-reviewed publication record.
• Experience with written communication including securing and managing multiple grants.
• Education, training and/or experience with current trends and practices in coral reef conservation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD with in marine science, environmental chemistry, or related field.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary, multi-agency projects to achieve conservation results.
• Experience managing multiple complex projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under tight deadlines.
• Record of success working with and communicating science to diverse groups of stakeholders, including volunteer groups,       to achieve conservation or management success.
• Experience managing multiple complex projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of the Hawai‘i marine environment and coral reef conservation practices in the Pacific.
• Proven ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Access, web browsers) and ability to use computer technology to enhance the quality of work.
• Attention to detail.

To apply to position number 43060, 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 May 1, 2015.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.