Conservation Scientist

~ Scenic Hudson is a leading organization focused on protecting Hudson Valley landscapes and providing information, education and facilitating public process around environmental issues including biodiversity conservation, sea level rise and climate change, and estuary management. ~

Background:

Scenic Hudson preserves land and farms and creates parks that connect people with the inspirational power of the Hudson River, while fighting threats to the river and natural resources that are the foundation of the valley’s prosperity.

Our work is guided by our vision for the region: The Hudson Valley is a community of informed and engaged citizens working to make the region a model of vibrant riverfront cities and towns linked by inviting parks and trails, beautiful and resilient landscapes, and productive farms.

Position Overview

The Conservation Scientist will support Scenic Hudson’s efforts to 1) conduct analyses and facilitate community-level dialog on addressing the challenge of climate change, 2) develop science-based regional strategies for conserving and/or restoring natural resource values in the Hudson Valley, 3) provide science-based review and comment on development proposals, 4) carry out natural resource stewardship and restoration efforts in its parks and preserves.

Responsibilities 

Principle Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Climate change adaptation and mitigation: assist the Director of Science and other staff in the development of adaptation and mitigation plans for the estuary’s natural resources and its waterfront municipalities.
• Help coordinate Scenic Hudson’s sea level rise community outreach and planning initiatives, including arranging/facilitating public meetings in which diverse groups of people with sometimes very diverse points of view work to build consensus around a plan of action, preparing meeting materials and final reports, analyzing risks to waterfront resources and assets and identifying priority conservation areas for resiliency and biodiversity persistence in the face of sea-level rise.
• Review (and potentially update) research and conservation implementation plans for tidal wetlands in the Hudson River Estuary, including planning for policy, management, and land acquisition priorities, and outreach to/partnership with agencies and non-profits.
• Work with other staff to research and inform Scenic Hudson’s climate change mitigation efforts, including renewable energy siting and policy, climate-smart farming, and resilient natural resource management.
• Regional conservation and restoration strategies: The Conservation Scientist will work with the Director and other staff to conduct research, analyze data, and conduct outreach (including assisting in producing outreach materials) that contribute to the advancement of regional conservation and restoration strategies aimed at achieving multiple objectives (biodiversity conservation, landscape climate resilience and connectivity, scenic viewshed preservation, and working land viability).
• Development and land use change review: Assist the Director and other staff in assessing potential impacts of proposed development or industrial uses within the Hudson River to inform Scenic Hudson’s position and public outreach on these proposals.
• Stewardship and Restoration: Assist the Director and other staff in developing and implementing land stewardship and restoration projects grounded in sound science and best practices across Scenic Hudson’s network of parks, preserves, and conservation easements. This may include reviewing management plans, providing data and technical support to consultants, site visits and surveys, project design, and/or restoration field work.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited university in conservation biology, ecology, coastal or natural resource management, or a related field preferred; a bachelor’s degree will be considered with additional years of experience to the required (see below) and a demonstrated capacity to accomplish complex projects.
• 5 years of work experience with increasing responsibility in project management, community outreach and public process.
• A demonstrated history of successfully conducting conservation research or applied projects through to completion including project concept, design, execution, and communicating results through publication or outreach.
• Strong GIS analysis and cartography skills, with experience in systematic conservation prioritization/planning, spatial modeling, and/or coastal adaptation planning preferred.
• Knowledge of Hudson Valley geography, geology and ecology, or a demonstrated ability to efficiently become knowledgeable about regional natural resources.
• Experience or a demonstrated interest in climate change adaptation and mitigation planning.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Ability to write and speak in a clear, engaging and professional manner, and to translate scientific and complex concepts to a wide spectrum of audiences (both orally and in writing).
• Experience building relationships with community-based organizations, elected officials, government agencies, peer organizations, representatives of corporations and foundations, and the general public.
• Demonstrated networking, team-building, coordination, and multi-tasking skills.
• Must have a passion for the environment and conservation efforts to preserve Hudson Valley resources and support Hudson Valley communities and their economies.
• A valid New York driver's license and own transportation.
• On occasion, must be able to walk long distances over rough terrain in inclement circumstances, and carry 25-30 lbs.
• A commitment to Scenic Hudson’s mission.

Compensation: Full Time, with competitive salary and benefits

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email cover letter, vitae and brief writing samples.
• No phone calls please.

~ Scenic Hudson affords all qualified applicants equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victims of domestic violence status or marital status. ~