Job Description

What We Can Achieve Together:

• The Ocean Recovery Scientist provides technical and scientific support and leadership for conservation initiatives in Conservation by Design (CbD), other conservation activities and measures of conservation success (MOS). The Ocean Recovery Scientist will be focused on the endangered kelp forest predator, the sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides). They classify targets and assess data to prioritize areas for conservation. The Ocean Recovery Scientist conducts scientific surveys and research, records data, writes reports and develops proposals to administer and coordinate conservation programs within a conservation or business unit. They must work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

What We Can Achieve Together:

• The Field Technician supports The Nature Conservancy’s Kaua‘i Terrestrial Program by performing natural resource management activities in some of the island’s most ecologically important native forest areas. These operations occur across nine remote watershed protection units totaling over 15,000 acres, including public and private lands and 18 miles of ungulate-proof fencing.
• This position plays a key role in the conservation of native ecosystems through (and not limited to): feral ungulate control/management, habitat monitoring, trail and fence construction and maintenance, and safe and effective weed control. Activities also include all aspects of resource management including detailed organization, data collection, logistics, and vehicle, equipment, and facilities maintenance.
• The Field Technician must be willing and able to camp in remote mountainous areas, typically for 4 days/3 nights at a time, and operate in extremely rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions. Work environment involves exposure to job hazards where there is a high possibility of injury, as well as helicopter operations and firearms use, so a commitment to safety is essential.
• With a heavy workload, the Field Technician must manage their time well and effectively prioritizing day-to-day operations. The Field Technician is expected to communicate and write effectively. They must write trip reports and communicate over email. Occasional weekend work is required to meet our goals. Together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes.

We’re Looking for You:

• Are you motivated to apply your outdoor, hunting, and navigation skills to the protection of native Hawaiian ecosystems? We’re looking for a Field Technician who is comfortable accessing remote mountain areas via helicopter, hiking long distances in difficult terrain, and controlling invasive species. Experience with forest ecosystems and strong teamwork skills are key.

What You’ll Bring:

• Associate’s degree in a science-related field and 3.5 years of work experience in natural resource management (or equivalent combination of education and experience, such as a bachelor’s degree and 1.5 years of work experience, a GED and 5.5 years of work experience, etc.).
• Experience with ungulate control through including snaring, trapping, hunting with rifles, and/or the use of dogs.
• Ability to meet state and organizational requirements for owning, handling, and acquiring firearms in Hawaii.
• Ability to carry a 50 lb. pack, hike up to 12 miles, and perform physical work in remote rugged landscapes, adverse conditions, during inclement weather, and at night.
• Ability to navigate rugged terrain using GPS, maps, and compass.
• Experience with invasive plant identification and control methods.
• Knowledge of native plant species and interest in conducting ecological surveys.
• Competency in using tools such as machetes, weed eaters, chainsaws, smart phones and GPS devices.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.: Word, Excel, Web browsers).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with ungulate control for feral pigs, black-tailed deer, and feral goats.
• Experience with Hawai‘i’s natural systems and cultural land management practices.
• Experience and training with firearms and holding a current Hawai’i State (or equivalent) hunting license.
• Experience with helicopter operations, and training in basic helicopter safety and external sling loads.
• Proficiency in ESRI ArcGIS and mobile data collection apps.
• Experience with 4WD on rough roads.

Salary Information:

• The starting pay for this position is within the range of $25.88 – $27.44 per hour with a 70-hour two week pay period. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and state of employment is Hawaii. Where a successful candidate’s pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

We’re Looking for You:

• If you’re looking for a career where you can find purpose, come join the California Oceans Team as an Ocean Recovery Scientist. Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of California, but you’ll also contribute to conservation goals through many networks! We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead cross-functional teams and support our chapters and work within our division. Communication and experience interpreting scientific information are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• Master’s Degree in ocean science related field and 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in marine ecological research and project implementation with an emphasis on applied work.
• Experience in marine fieldwork, marine ecological monitoring and sampling with strong data collection and management skills.
• Experience directing a scientific research program, including designing, leading and coordinating the implementation of ecological field studies.
• Experience building collaborations with peers, partners, government agencies, NGOs, academics, etc.
• Experience effectively communicating science via written, spoken and graphical avenues.
• Record of writing and communicating science products in various formats, including technical white papers and/or peer reviewed publications, communication documents and public speaking.
• SCUBA certification and documented experience using SCUBA for science or fieldwork-related activities.

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of common statistical and/or GIS software applications.
• Experience implementing on-the-ground marine restoration or species recovery projects of strategic importance, including pre and post restoration monitoring.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and leading field-based experiments and ecological monitoring in remote locations under difficult environmental conditions.
• Experience working in hatchery or similar marine laboratory settings where marine organisms were cultured.
• Demonstrated experience diagnosing complex problems and identifying solutions.
• Familiarity with invertebrate pathology, genetics, and/or selective breeding.
• Demonstrated experience as an entrepreneurial thinker with the ability to keep pace with a quick moving team in a rapidly changing field.
• Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.
• Experience managing a budget to ensure sound financial performance.
• Experience working with state and/or federal agencies and managing public grants.
• Experience working in species recovery initiatives at the state and/or federal level.
• Demonstrated success working with diverse constituents and communities.
• American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) diving certificate.

Salary Information:

• The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of:

• $73,000 – $85,800 (Arcata, Chico, Three Rivers)
• $80,300 – $94,500 (Sacramento, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Ventura)
• $87,700 – $103,100 (San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County)

• 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.

How to Apply

Please click here to apply online.

Job Categories: Water and Oceans. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: policy. Salaries: See posting for details.

Apply for this Job

Name *

Email *

Message *

Upload resumé (pdf, doc, docx, zip, txt, rtf)

Upload cover letter (pdf, doc, docx, zip, txt, rtf)