Biodiversity Research Biologist

Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI), a non-profit organization in Portland, ME, seeks a field- and data-savvy biologist to contribute to international biodiversity monitoring and research projects. The successful candidate will work within BRI’s Biodiversity Research Program, supporting biodiversity monitoring of insects, birds, mammals, and plants. This position entails both fieldwork and office-based work, developing pipelines that move from data collection to curated databases, data products, visualizations, and reports.

Position Overview:

The Biodiversity Research Biologist will collaborate with other BRI staff and contribute to large-scale projects that integrate biodiversity and ecosystem monitoring with carbon and biodiversity credit methodologies. The position will include extended (4–8 weeks per year) biodiversity fieldwork in remote locations, including Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya, balanced with office-based work on data management, analysis, report writing, and manuscript development. The role will require close collaboration with US-based and international partners, especially in Africa, and will emphasize both technical skills and strong communication. It is intended that this position be based at our BRI headquarters in Portland, ME.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct field surveys of insects and contribute to broader biodiversity monitoring efforts.
• Train and support field teams in standardized monitoring protocols.
• Develop and maintain clear data pipelines from field collection to databases, analyses, visualizations, and final reports/publications.
• Analyze and present biodiversity data using R, Excel, and Esri tools (ArcGIS Online, Survey123, Field Maps).
• Contribute to drafting protocols, technical reports, manuscripts, and carbon/biodiversity credit documentation.
• Collaborate with conservation organizations, local partners and land managers, and participate in working groups and professional meetings.
• Support integration of biodiversity monitoring with soil and carbon data and assessments.
• Travel internationally (primarily Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya) for biodiversity field campaigns and stakeholder engagement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:

The successful candidate should be independently motivated, detail-oriented, organized, a strong communicator, and a collaborative team member. Essential qualifications include:

• Master’s degree in entomology, ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or related field.
• Demonstrated entomological experience (dung beetles, grasshoppers, or related taxa).
• Strong scientific writing skills (peer-reviewed publications, theses, or technical reports).
• Fieldwork experience in remote conditions for extended periods.
• Proficiency in R and Excel for data analysis and visualization.
• Familiarity with Esri products (ArcGIS Online, Survey123, Field Maps).
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and adapt to changing needs.
• Current passport and ability to travel internationally (4–8 weeks per year).
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively with US-based and international project teams.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States is required.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with carbon and biodiversity credits.
• Experience with vegetation and soil data collection.
• Experience managing large ecological datasets and developing workflows/pipelines.
• QA/QC experience with data entry or data management.
• Stakeholder engagement or cross-cultural collaboration experience.
• International fieldwork experience.
• Experience facilitating collaborative groups or training workshops.
• Flexibility for occasional work or travel outside normal hours.
• Valid US driver’s license.

Compensation and Employee Benefits:

BRI is committed to salary equity. We strive to meet federal Grade-Step (GS) levels that align with education and experience. BRI offers a fully paid employee health insurance premium, optional dependent coverage, dental, LTD, life insurance, 401k with match, and generous PTO and paid holidays. Costs associated with work travel are reimbursed. Ultimately, BRI’s benefits package, workplace flexibility, international travel options, professional development opportunities, and ability for vertical movement within the organization create an unparalleled workplace culture.

To Apply:

Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, CV, and three references to jobs@briwildlife.org with the subject line “Biodiversity Research Biologist.”

All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.