Head of Field Management

Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organization that engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

Over the last 35 years, Earthwatch Institute has grown to become one of the most innovative, respected, and effective environmental organizations working in the world today. Not only is Earthwatch one of the largest private supporters of critical field research, it is the only organization that directly engages the global public in the process and, by doing so, presents an exciting, new approach to conservation that may well hold the key to a more sustainable future. 

As a non-advocacy, science-based organization operating in more than 50 countries worldwide we recognize that for conservation efforts to succeed, they must be based on high quality, objective research information as well as public involvement and education at the community, national, and international levels. Earthwatch recruits more than 4,000 self-funded and sponsored team members from all walks of life each year to work alongside the researchers in the field.

Over the next 10 years Earthwatch Institute has set out ambitious goals to significantly advance its global mission.  These include:

• Informing the global and local environmental agendas of the next decade in order to improve habitat protection, ecosystem services and human well being
• Leaving a sustainable legacy for future generations
• Distributing $100 million in funding for priority areas through peer-reviewed research, education and conservation programs
• Engaging 50,000 people directly in vital research field work
• Inspiring over 35,000 local community action projects
• Touching the lives of 10 million people worldwide

Position Overview:  

The Field Management department overseas project operations, grant disbursement, risk management, health, safety and participant experience. They are the primary interface between Earthwatch Scientists/project staff and Earthwatch Institute.  The Head of Field Management, US will lead a team of Program Managers who work directly with Earthwatch Scientists to prepare and conduct field research teams.

This position is responsible for the oversight of day-to-day operations of all Earthwatch US managed projects, including logistics, budget negotiation, health & safety policy and procedure, expedition briefings, insurance, field staff training, incident and crisis management, project renewal and grant disbursement.   

Responsibilities:

• Lead on health, safety, and risk Management for the international organization and in conjunction with the Head of Field Management, UK, ensure compliance with Earthwatch safety standards on all Earthwatch projects 
• Manage Earthwatch US Field Management staff responsible for planning, implementation and evaluation of operational aspects of Earthwatch US managed projects, including training and personal development.  
• Develop and implement safety materials and safety protocols that meet or exceed international best practice standards
• Manage the Earthwatch US Crisis Management team, and partner with Head of FM, UK to implement international crisis response from all Earthwatch offices
• Develop, administer and monitor the Earthwatch Field Management Business Plan and US Departmental budget
• Oversee training plans for all Earthwatch US managed scientists and project staff and assist in the development and delivery of international trainings and training materials
• Oversee completion of Country Threat Assessments, Project Risk Assessments and Emergency Response Plans for Earthwatch US managed projects and provide approval before fielding.
• Develop international standards for medical screening and assessment of health & fitness of participants in Earthwatch activities
• Ensure all projects meet their annual contractual obligations of submitting final accounting, final field evaluations, and field reports
• Approve all budgets for Earthwatch US managed projects and sign off on weekly field grant disbursement
• Assist in the development of new Earthwatch projects in conjunction with the Research team and other departments
• Oversee management of field incidents
• Develop and implement an inclusive expedition policy for the organization
• Additional responsibilities as required

Qualifications:

• 10 years of proven field management experience, with at least 3 years at an international level operating in remote and challenging environments
• 3-5 years supervisory experience
• Significant experience conducting or managing outdoor leadership programs or scientific field research projects
• Working knowledge of international standards and best practices for field safety and risk management
• Leadership experience in dealing with international incidents, emergency evacuation and crisis management
• Significant experience developing training programs/materials, and delivering high-quality training events
• Demonstrated partnership building skills and the ability to manage complex programmatic objectives, to date and on time, to the satisfaction of all key stakeholders
• Strong financial acumen and experience with grant management
• Exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Flexibility to respond to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated success working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary setting
• Knowledge of language/languages other than English is a plus
• Wilderness medicine certification preferred, wilderness medicine instruction experience a plus
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field (conservation biology, social science, organizational management, environmental science, etc.) required, advanced degree preferred
• Proficient in using MS Word, Excel, and Power Point
• Ability to travel approximately 30% of the year

Compensation: Salary range $50,000-$60,000 

Terms: Full time Salaried, Exempt 
Reports to: International Director of Field Management
Department: Field Management  

To Apply: 

Earthwatch will only accept applicants who are already eligible to work in the United States and does not pay for relocation costs.

Please indicate job title in subject line of email. Send cover letter and resume via email, fax or mail. No phone calls please. 

HR Earthwatch Institute
P.O. Box 75
Maynard, MA 01754-0075