Senior Coastal Adaptation Ecologist

Senior Coastal Adaptation Ecologist at Point Blue Conservation Science

Location: Remote (must reside in the United States; California residency is desirable); ability to travel to in-person meetings in California

Classification: Full Time, Exempt

Deadline to Apply: May 15, 2024

Position Type: Scientist III

Duration: 1-year

Compensation and Benefits: $77,978-$85,219  Annually based on experience and internal equity. Point Blue provides a comprehensive benefit package including employer paid medical and dental for staff and 75% for dependents. Other benefits include life insurance, long-term care, long and short-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans as well as time off benefits.

About Point Blue:

Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit with over 160 staff and scientists based in Petaluma, California. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our mission and programs have evolved over time to include a broad range of conservation activity, from restoration to environmental education to innovative work in the field of regenerative agriculture. We have a proven track record of scientific excellence.

We recognize that increasing racial, gender, cultural, and other diversity, equity, and inclusion factors at Point Blue and in our partnerships is essential for the success of our mission, vision, and strategy. We are actively engaging in a process to create lasting organizational change. We seek applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams. We strongly encourage applications from people with backgrounds that are under-represented in the conservation community.

Job Summary:

The Senior Coastal Adaptation Ecologist contributes to development of, executes the strategy for, and collaborates to achieve Point Blue’s coastal adaptation research and policy goals. Leads and develops key research areas and provides a bridge between coastal science and decision making. Works in partnership with research collaborators, coastal resource managers, and decision makers to use the best available science to plan for and adapt to sea level rise and other climate change stressors along the coast.

Essential Functions:

Research: 65%

• Work collaboratively with staff across Point Blue, as well as externally with public and private partners to carry out research, including synthesis of large data sets, performing complex and varied analyses, and engaging in dissemination of research results.
• Conduct complex data synthesis, data analysis, prepare research results, and communicate results in internal and external meetings.
• Participate in developing and promoting effective and appropriate natural or nature-based approaches to climate-smart adaptation, incorporating the latest scientific results and the needs of stakeholders.
• Conduct literature evaluation, prepare strategies and approaches, and communicate strategies and approaches in meetings.
• Manage projects (including program budgets and expenses, staff hours and progress on deliverables) to ensure that projects are performed on time and on-budget towards achieving Point Blue strategic plan outcomes.
• Lead or participate in the writing of reports, publications, and other literature.

Broader Engagement: 15%

• Represent Point Blue at meetings and conferences relevant to coastal adaptation issues with other NGOs, public agencies, academic institutions, and other partners. Develop and deliver public presentations communicating Point Blue findings and recommendations.
• Represent Point Blue in existing strategic networks, such as regional Climate Collaboratives or the California Coastal Resilience Network.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with key partners via periodic meetings and communications.

Fundraising (10%)

• Participate in preparation of grant proposals and contracts. Communicate and negotiate with funders on scopes of work, timelines, budgets, and deliverables.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• Perform special projects and research as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Manage 1-2 staff or interns as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of the state-of-the-art science relevant to climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems and human communities.
• Ability to lead complex data management and statistical analyses.
• Knowledge of conservation planning procedures and best practices.
• Knowledge of project management procedures and best practices.
• Familiarity with California coastal ecosystems, resource plans, and strategies preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse stakeholders and developing partnerships to achieve strategic goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated success in clearly and concisely translating science to diverse audiences via public speaking and written materials.
• Strong meeting facilitation skills.
• History of successful peer-reviewed conservation science publications is desired.
• Self-directed and highly motivated team player with a good sense of humor.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence and integrity in all aspects of work.
• Must have a passion for nature and conservation.

Certifications and/or Licenses:

• None

Preferred Education and Experience:

This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a master’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, environmental policy and planning, or related field; and 5 years of experience in project management, program/policy development, partnership development, or related field. Graduate degree, preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• This position operates in a professional office environment.
• This position will make occasional field site visits and must be able to work in remote field locations with uneven terrain, limited vehicle access, limited cell phone reception, and sometimes in a solitary capacity.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and filing cabinets
• Work environment is indoors with majority of time spent sitting at a desk
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk, twist and turn
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Ability to use a computer keyboard and calculator

Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:

• This is a full-time position
• Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, though a non-synchronous flexible daily work schedule is negotiable
• Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand
• Occasional travel is expected for this position

Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.