Climate and Conservation Associate

SUMMARY:

Friends of the Boundary Waters (Friends) has been the leading voice for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) since 1976. Having played a role in the creation of the BWCA, we are looking to protect the BWCA and northeastern Minnesotan ecosystems from climate change for decades to come.

To this end, Friends is seeking a Climate Change and Conservation Associate. Friends has recently received a grant from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) to fund a project entitled, The Impacts of Climate Change on Northeastern Minnesota. The Climate Change and Conservation Associate will assist in the implementation of this project.

Background on the ENRTF Grant

Climate change is rapidly increasing temperatures in the Quetico-Superior ecosystem of northeastern Minnesota, impacting the habitat and wildlife of the region. A range of government, tribal, academic, and private entities have conducted research relating to existing and future impacts of climate change on the region; however, this information is siloed and fragmented across multiple databases and sources. As a consequence, it is difficult to develop a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of climate change on the region’s ecosystems and assess appropriate responses to these impacts.

Friends’ Climate and Conservation Program looks to provide leadership on climate resilience in the Boundary Waters and northern Minnesota. 

To address these challenges, through the ENRTF grant, Friends will:

(1) Lead a systematic review of climate research in the Quetico-Superior ecosystem while engaging local, state, and federal governments; tribal governments; academic institutions; and nonprofit organizations to collect and aggregate studies, research, management plans and other data relating to the impacts of climate change on land, water, wildlife, management, recreation, and human health in northeastern Minnesota. We will use this data to develop plain-language summaries of findings, identify major research opportunities in northeast Minnesota, test the efficacy of certain land management decisions, and illustrate what the future of northern ecosystems might look like depending on management decisions we make now. 

(2) Develop a publicly available, web-based hub of studies, research, management plans, and other information relating to the impacts of climate change on ecosystems in northeastern Minnesota. The website will serve several purposes. It will support public understanding of climate impacts, arm policy makers with climate-smart land management strategies, and inspire the next generation of ecologists in the region. 

The Climate Change and Conservation Associate will be responsible for assisting with these deliverables. 

These positions and this program will continue beyond the duration of the three-year ENRTF grant and will form the basis for the Friends’ new Climate Change and Conservation Program.

PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports directly to the Climate and Conservation Manager.
• Works effectively with other departments within the Friends, including Development, Policy, Communications, Northern Communities, and Education.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review and synthesize peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports, and data
• Help to organize hundreds of peer-reviewed manuscripts and reports
• Develop maps and public-facing resources that facilitate good land and water management in northeastern Minnesota
• Engage local, state, and federal governments; tribal governments; academic institutions; and nonprofit organizations to identify their needs, collect and aggregate studies, research, management plans and other data relating to the impacts of climate change on the habitat and wildlife of northeastern Minnesota
• Contribute to the development of a publicly available, web-based, electronic database of studies, research, management plans, and other information relating to the impacts of climate change on the habitat and wildlife of northeastern Minnesota
• Monitor scientific and policy developments pertaining to climate change and wildlife conservation  in northeastern Minnesota
• Represent Friends at events and serve as a spokesperson for Friends

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree in natural sciences with interdisciplinary experience, or 3 years applied experience with undergraduate degree in natural sciences
• Understanding of climate change, land and water management (both strategies and tradeoffs), and ecology, particularly in northern ecosystems
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific data or research into easy-to-understand material appropriate for public consumption
• Experience with GIS and map creation
• Experience with data cleaning, carpentry, and summarization in R or Python (proficiency with meta-analysis is a plus)
• Experience doing research synthesis and science communication with state, federal, Tribal, NGOs, or private sector partners
• Initiative, good judgment, and a strong work ethic
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with staff and outside partners
• Ability to engage positively with a broad array of people and constituencies, including Tribal governments
• Ability to work on multiple projects of strategic importance while meeting deadlines
• Experience navigating complicated political landscapes and relationships
• Passion for conserving the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Quetico-Superior ecosystem

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• $60,000 – $70,000 per year
• Paid vacation and sick leave, health and dental insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan.
• In addition to paid vacation and sick leave, Friends provides a $600 stipend and five additional paid vacation days to each employee to take time off and recharge in the Boundary Waters.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working options
• We encourage life-long learning and ongoing professional development.