Director of Science and Climate Change

~ Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. ~

A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with 50 employees and more than 25,000 ardent members, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley.

Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources.

We are guided by these enduring principles:

• Everyone deserves opportunities to experience the Hudson River, to enjoy open space and to have a voice in decisions affecting their community.
• The beauty of the Hudson River Valley is a unique source of spiritual and artistic vitality and must be preserved forever.
• An outstanding quality of life is achievable only when a clean, healthy environment is a key component of economic growth.

Position Overview

The Director of Conservation Science will provide scientific support across the organization's programs and direct leadership on multiple science-related initiatives. The Director heads a Conservation Science team that is responsible for land protection and ecological restoration planning, natural resource stewardship on Scenic Hudson lands, climate change initiatives, and review of development and infrastructure proposals. The Director is also involved in policy and advocacy efforts for conservation of biodiversity, natural resource values and climate resilience in the Hudson Valley and New York State. 

The Director of Conservation Science will report to the Senior Vice President. 

Responsibilities

Strategic conservation planning and research:

• The Director will develop and manage targeted research and planning initiatives that inform Scenic Hudson's land protection priorities and create regional frameworks for conservation investments.
• The Director and staff will support the continued rollout and implementation of the recently created Hudson Valley Conservation Plan, Hudson River Tidal Wetland Adaptation Strategy and related conservation planning efforts.

Climate change initiatives:

• Scenic Hudson is a local leader in creating science and planning tools for responding to climate change impacts.
• The Director will provide leadership in shaping and implementing Scenic Hudson's response to climate change, including creating mitigation strategies and leading new engagements with riverfront communities to develop resilience strategies for sea level rise and flooding risks.

Natural resource stewardship on Scenic Hudson parks and reserves:

• Scenic Hudson has created or enhanced 40 parks and preserves scattered up and down the valley.
• The Director manages Scenic Hudson staff responsible for habitat management and restoration, ecological monitoring, and stewardship planning and ensures that our practices are informed by sound science and best practices.

Integrate Scenic Hudson's Efforts into Regional Efforts to Protect and Restore Biodiversity: 

• Scenic Hudson has a strong commitment to maintaining its institutional presence and capacity in biodiversity protection, collaborating with regional and state partners in large-scale efforts to protect and restore biodiversity, as well as ensuring that its advocacy and land-preservation efforts are informed by the best-available science.
• The Director will represent Scenic Hudson in several ongoing partnerships, continue advisory roles to state agencies, and look for new opportunities to advance Scenic Hudson's mission within the regional context.

Land use and project-based impact review:

• The Director will provide scientific review and support for Scenic Hudson's engagement on a range of proposed infrastructure, development and environmental remediation projects within the region.
• The director will coordinate examination of potential impacts on biodiversity, landscape fragmentation, climate change readiness, and other environmental risks. Findings and recommendations will help inform Scenic Hudson's position on these projects.

Grant Proposals and Fundraising:

• The Director provides support to development team in preparation of grant proposals; participates in Scenic Hudson fundraising events. 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Ecology, Conservation Biology or related field required.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience with a conservation organization or environmental agency required (academic institution position may substitute for a portion).
• Prior programmatic experience and/or publication history in one or more of the following topics: climate change adaptation, systematic conservation planning, ecological restoration, spatial analysis, land stewardship.
• Ability to engage on a wide range of conservation-related issues, rapidly build personal/team expertise on new topics and issues, and develop strategic responses.
• Strong research, writing and verbal communication skills and experience translating complex technical and scientific issues to a broad range of audiences.
• Must be self-directed and have a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of staff, partner organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Understanding of environmental policy, government processes and environmental laws and regulations as they relate to impact on habitat and species protection, land use, and/or energy and infrastructure also desired.
• Must share a commitment to the mission and programs of Scenic Hudson. 

Compensation: Full time, with competitive salary and benefits.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your cover letter, vitae and brief writing sample with "Director of Science and Climate Change" indicated in the subject line. 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. ~