Ocean Scientist, California

OFFICE LOCATION
California, USA

The location for this position is negotiable within California. 

WHO WE ARE
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world. 

The California Chapter is TNC’s largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast. 

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state’s communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about the middle ground in American politics and life. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its “big tent” approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We ask all employees to embrace this critical strategic position of our organization.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Ocean Scientist provides technical and scientific leadership for marine conservation projects on the California Oceans Team. They work closely with The Nature Conservancy Staff and local partners to advance marine and coastal restoration, recovery of vulnerable species, and mitigation of plastic pollution. Projects may occur across California and selected geographies throughout the Pacific.  The Ocean Scientist convenes stakeholders, practitioners, agencies, academics, and other key partners to support regional collaborations and scaled conservation efforts.  They design and lead science and monitoring efforts to advance marine conservation initiatives and measure conservation outcomes.  The Ocean Scientist develops and conducts scientific research and writes peer-reviewed publications, reports, and proposals to support key initiatives of the California Oceans Program.  Domestic and international travel at 10-20% time likely, and they may need to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU
If you’re looking for a career where you can find purpose, come join the California Oceans Team at The Nature Conservancy as an Ocean Scientist.  We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to represent The Nature Conservancy externally as an ocean conservation expert. You will serve as a scientist, informing actions and strategies with the California Oceans Program by developing innovative and impactful scientific products to advance our mission, particularly around applied marine habitat restoration, species recovery, and plastic pollution mitigation work.  You will work collaboratively within a matrixed, multi-disciplinary team, while building strategic partnerships with community stakeholders, academics, agencies, NGOs, and other key partners.  Strong written and verbal communication skills, experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting scientific information, and an entrepreneurial spirit are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Master’s Degree in ocean science related field and 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge and experience in ocean conservation research and implementation.
• Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.                           
• Experience designing and directing an ecological research program. Experience writing in a variety of formats and for diverse audiences, including translating scientific information for the public.
• Experience building collaborations with peers, partners, government agencies, NGOs, academics, etc.                        

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent communication skills, written, spoken and graphical.
• Strong knowledge of common statistical and/or mapping software applications.
• Experience conducting broad and diverse literature reviews and expert interviews and synthesizing findings for both research and general audiences.
• Strong writing, editing, and fact-checking abilities for academic papers, reports, media pieces, and presentations.
• Experience with quantitative modeling, machine learning, and statistics including collecting, processing, and analyzing environmental data.
• Demonstrated ability to create data visualizations and other graphics for papers and reports.
• Experience with spatial analyses and mapping.
• Experience advancing equity and environmental justice through conservation initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver conservation outcomes supported by robust scientific foundations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse team, navigate interpersonal dynamics, and maintain strong relationships.
• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

SALARY INFORMATION
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $75,000 – $96,000 annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.  Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

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 people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law. 

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