Marine Scientist

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.

We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Marine Scientist will be part of a small team of multi-disciplinary staff working towards achieving The Nature Conservancy’s marine conservation goals in New York and along the Atlantic coast. The successful candidate will join the New York Oceans and Great Lakes Fisheries team to help advance ecosystem-based approaches to marine fishery management and will also work with our climate change mitigation team to help ensure offshore energy development is compatible with goals for marine ecosystem conservation. The Marine Scientist will work with The Nature Conservancy’s NY government relations, science, and philanthropy teams and with marine scientists across the Atlantic coast and North America. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Marine Scientist will synthesize existing scientific knowledge and build partnerships to generate new knowledge applicable to (1) avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating potential impacts to marine life and marine habitats from the development of offshore wind energy along the Atlantic coast, (2) advancing ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management for state, interstate, and federally managed fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic. The Marine Scientist will collaborate with members of the commercial, for hire, and recreational fishing communities, university scientists, fisheries managers, regulatory agencies, energy agencys, private industry and others to identify and resolve technical issues and widely communicate solutions and best practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

•    Support program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment.      
•    May participate and/or lead a cross functional team. 
•    May represent The Nature Conservancy on external committees and working groups.           
•    May manage grants, contracts, budgets and write proposals. 
•    May lead and/or participate in collaborative research with outside experts potentially including members of the fishing industry, academics, and/or offshore energy developers.   
•    Interpret guidelines, evaluate information, and modify processes to adapt to changing circumstances for the program.
•    As a subject matter expert, provide a variety of information to staff and others, contributing to conservation projects and ensuring workflow.            
•    Communicate with internal and external colleagues on ecological and conservation scientific principles.
•    May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances, including onboard ocean-going vessels.
•    Builds cooperation with outside parties to accomplish program goals.
•    Scope of work requires building relationships within NY, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Atlantic coast.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•    Master's Degree in marine fisheries, oceanography, marine ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, statistics or related field and 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
•    Experience collecting, synthesizing, interpreting, and communicating statistical or scientific information and diverse data sets.
•    Experience preparing reports of findings.
•    Experience leading or participating on cross functional teams.                   
•    Experience managing complex projects including the financial aspect and coordinating the work of peers and partners.
•    Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
•    Valid Drivers’ License.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•    A PhD and / or 4 years of professional experience.
•    Strong knowledge of computer technology and common software applications; including familiarity with statistical software
•    Strong knowledge of mathematical models used to model fish populations and applications to advance ecosystem-based fisheries management in the U.S.
•    Experience with the interstate and federal fishery management process.
•    Experience with marine mammals, sea turtles, fish, invertebrates and/or seabirds as it relates to the potential impacts of development of offshore wind on the Atlantic coast.
•    Experience with anthropogenic underwater sound and its potential impacts to marine life.
•    Experience working with recreational and/or commercial fishermen on cooperative science projects.
•    Experience completing projects with a diverse team of experts.
•    Practical field experience working aboard vessels in oceanic or coastal waters.
•    Excellent communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
•    Ability to meet deadlines. 
•    Proven negotiation skills.
•    Attention to detail.
•    Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.