Scientist/Engineer or Senior Scientist/Engineer RL 2025-01

The San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) is seeking a passionate and experienced mid-level to senior scientist or engineer to help shape the future of nature-based shoreline adaptation in San Francisco Bay. As a core member of SFEI’s Resilient Landscapes Program, you’ll join an accomplished team advancing science to adapt human communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure to the impacts of climate change. From producing influential tools like the Adaptation Atlas, Sediment for Survival, and the Resilience Metrics Mapbook, to advising on local shoreline adaptation projects, our work bridges science and action. We collaborate with local governments, community organizations, and agencies to co-create adaptation strategies that deliver ecological, social, and climate resilience. This is a rare opportunity to lead and grow innovative, high-impact projects at the forefront of climate adaptation.

The successful candidate will support a range of projects within the Resilient Landscapes Program and will work both independently and collaboratively, with guidance from senior staff.

Primary position responsibilities will include:

• Providing technical assistance on shoreline adaptation projects, especially the design and implementation of nature-based solutions
• Undertaking research and developing scientific tools and resources to support restoration and adaptation efforts
• Leading projects, including team and budget management
• Leading fundraising efforts to support future work

If you are excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this, or one of our other roles.

 Qualifications

• This position requires participating in site visits and community meetings at locations around the Bay Area (including occasional weekend and evening events)
• This position requires weekly in-person work at our Richmond, CA, office.

 Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree + 11 years of experience in coastal/estuarine adaptation and restoration OR
• Master’s degree + 9 years of experience in coastal/estuarine adaptation and restoration OR
• PhD + 2 years of experience in coastal/estuarine adaptation and restoration

Required Skills

• Familiarity with San Francisco Bay, its ecosystems, and physical dynamics
• Understanding of sea level rise and shoreline adaptation science
• Experience with estuarine shoreline and wetland restoration and/or adaptation project planning, design, and implementation
• Ability to evaluate site feasibility for nature-based solutions for shoreline adaptation
• Familiarity with design of living shorelines projects (nearshore reefs, eelgrass beds, coarse beaches, etc).
• Proven project leadership and management capabilities
• Creative thinking and scientific vision
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, including presenting at meetings
• Collaborative and supportive work approach

Preferred Skills

• Coastal engineering background and skills
• Familiarity with permitting of restoration and adaptation projects
• Experience supervising and mentoring junior staff