Coastal Adaptation to Climate Change Scientist/Project Manager

EcoAdapt is at the center of climate change adaptation innovation. We bring together diverse players in the conservation, policy, science, and development communities to reshape conservation and development in response to rapid climate change.

Position Overview: 

EcoAdapt seeks an individual to coordinate a project focused on synthesizing, promoting, and supporting climate change adaptation action in coastal regions throughout North America. Working with other EcoAdapt staff members, this individual will ensure that project goals are met in a comprehensive and timely manner.

The project goals are:

1. to create a synthesis report of climate change adaptation action to date in coastal communities throughout North America;
2. to create and support a network of individuals from governmental agencies, universities, the private sector, and NGOs that are engaged in marine resources management in North America and interested in climate change adaptation;
3. to use the outcomes of the project to engage the broader community (resource managers, conservation practitioners, government officials, foundations, educators, researchers, etc.) in the development of adaptation projects and partnerships at a number of venues including national and regional conferences; and
4. to initiate a long-lasting collaborative and evaluative structure upon which future adaptation efforts can be built.

This project will fit into the broader goal of EcoAdapt to develop the vitally needed field of climate change adaptation. EcoAdapt aims to achieve this by filling 4 critical gaps:

1. Creating the state of the science of adaptation by bringing together a critical mass of adaptation thinkers in order to achieve the intellectual capital and network necessary to create this new field.
2. Building capacity in the area of adaptation with existing conservation practitioners and resource managers through collaboration and professional training.
3. Building capacity in the area of adaptation with the next generation of conservation practitioners and resource managers by working with colleges and universities to engage students and post-doctoral researchers.
4. Implementing adaptation strategies with all partners who are ready to do so but need technical support to make it happen. 

Responsibilities:

Project Management:

-Manage all day-to-day and long-term activities associated with this project, including coordination and management of other EcoAdapt staff working on the project.
-Responsible for quarterly reports to funder and ensuring that project deadlines are met.
-Provide project information and summaries as needed for other venues (e.g. EcoAdapt Board of Directors meetings).

Project Activities:

-Coordinate the creation and maintenance of a database of people, projects, and publications relevant to the project by surveying the peer-reviewed and grey literature and on-line resources, and communicating via phone, email, and in person with relevant partners in municipal, county, state and federal government, as well as NGOs and universities.
-Consolidate findings into synthesis report, including making recommendations and identifying opportunities. Create a directory of the participants for an adaptation network.
-Help to build a network of individuals from governmental agencies, universities, the private sector, and NGOs that are engaged in marine resources management in N. America and interested in climate change adaptation.
-Use the outcomes of the project engage the broader community (resource managers, conservation practitioners, government officials, foundations, educators, researchers, etc.) in the development of adaptation projects and partnerships at a number of venues including national and regional conferences.
-Work towards a long-lasting collaborative and evaluative structure upon which future adaptation efforts can be built.
-Some travel required
-This position reports to the Director of Projects.

Qualifications:

-Masters degree or higher in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Marine Science, Coastal Management or Policy, or closely related field.
-2-3 years work years experience working in the areas of marine conservation, climate change, or adaptation, preferably including on the ground implementation of adaptation projects.
-Strong knowledge of climate change adaptation science and climate policy.
-Able to work independently and as a team member with initiative, motivation, flexibility, and attention to the accuracy and timeliness of projects and tasks.
-Excellent technical writing and communication skills as evidenced by technical presentation at scientific meetings and conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
-Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to the general public or non-scientists as evidenced by presentations in community meetings or non-majors college classes, or published works geared towards non-technical audiences.
-Demonstrated success in managing and coordinating multi-year projects.
-Strong analytic and project management skills.
-Preference will be given to candidates also fluent in Spanish, French, or Inupiat.

Compensation: Full-time. Compensation commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package.

Closing Date: Open until filled
Start Date: As soon as possible
Term: This full-time position is funded through June 2010. The possibility of extension is dependent upon funding.

To Apply:

Please send CV, 1-page letter of interest, writing samples, and names and contact information for 3 references. No phone calls please.