Operations Manager, Science

Department: Applied Science

Reports to: Head of Applied Science

Location: Austin, TX or Remote within Continental US

Applications will be open until 5pm CT on July 13, with an anticipated start date of August 18.

About Funga

Funga is a public benefit corporation harnessing forest fungal networks to address the climate crisis. We combine modern DNA sequencing and machine learning technology with breakthrough research on the forest microbiome to put the right native, biodiverse communities of mycorrhizal fungi in the right place. This leads to more quality wood created more quickly, more carbon sequestered, and more resilient forests. We serve land partners seeking to implement regenerative forestry practices that improve productivity and sustainability, and corporate carbon buyers building high-quality carbon removal portfolios with strong social and biodiversity outcomes. We’re a team of passionate scientists and builders on a mission to draw down at least three gigatons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by 2050.

If you are excited by starting new things, learning as you go, and being hands-on in applying your work to the private sector, you will dig working with us. We encourage you to apply even if only some of the below criteria are met—just make sure to tell us why you’re excited about Funga!

About the Role

Funga is seeking help to scale core systems and processes that support our team, research and forestry partners, and scientific discovery functions in the southeastern US and beyond. In this role, you will own the design and execution of operational infrastructure across forestry, nursery operations, and research and development platforms. While our team focuses on quality execution of our R&D and commercial work in the field, you will be our Mission Controller, ensuring our operational focus is compliant, in line with strategic priorities, and the team is positioned to deliver successfully.

You’ll report to the Head of Applied Science and work closely with cross-functional leads to turn vision into execution. This is a builder role for someone who loves building structure from scratch, thrives in fast-paced environments, and brings a systems-oriented approach to operational excellence. We are a people-centric team that focused on hiring great people and giving them the resources to do their jobs exceptionally well. You must bring a passion for and experience cultivating a dynamic, nimble, and highly engaged workforce.

In This Role, You Will

• Optimize core systems around managing, scheduling, and tracking projects from conception to completion.
• Assist in process design and project management for cross-functional priorities and systems implementation.
• Improve operational workflows across the company to support growth, clarity, and accountability.
• Partner with our Land Enrollment and Operations Teams to ensure cross-functional excellence for scientific research, forestry and nursery operations, and key stakeholder engagement and support.
• Support Science Team on collaboration and engagement with key academic research cooperatives and conservation and restoration partners.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Experience working at a start-up in ecology, forestry, or nature-based solutions.
• A strong generalist operations background, with experience owning systems and workflows across business functions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and build processes from scratch.
• Experience working in early-stage or fast-scaling organizations, ideally in a climate, science, or mission-driven context.
• Fluency in the tools of modern operations (e.g. GSuite, project management tools, Asana, Slack, Notion).
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to switch between execution and strategy
• NOTE—please apply if you feel you are qualified, but don’t necessarily meet all of the above criteria!

Why Join Funga?

• Make a meaningful impact: Contribute to innovative solutions addressing one of the most pressing global challenges—climate change.
• Collaborative environment: Work closely with a diverse team of scientists, foresters, and business leaders who share a common passion for sustainability.
• Career growth: Be part of a pioneering company with opportunities for professional development and leadership.
• Participate in comprehensive healthcare benefits and employee equity programs.

Salary and Benefits

The expected salary range for this role is $70,000 – $90,000 USD, with actual salary based on qualifications and experience.

Funga offers a competitive benefits package including equity in our fast-growing startup; a flexible time off policy; medical, dental, and vision benefits; and a wellness reimbursement program. Our team is in a dynamic growth phase. By joining us at this stage, you can shape our benefits and culture, and participate in our business success!