Senior Scientist

~ Save the Redwoods League protects and restores redwood forests and connects people with their peace and beauty so these wonders of the natural world flourish for future generations. ~

Founded 100 years ago, the League is an established conservation leader that utilizes sound science and cutting edge conservation tools to ensure that California's unique redwood forests exist for millennia more. Visit our website to learn more.

Position Overview

We are looking for a Senior Scientist to work with our Director of Science and Education to manage League science and conservation planning programs that guide the League on what to protect, where to restore, and where to direct public access for visitors of the coast redwood and giant sequoia forest parks and reserves.

About the Senior Scientist: The Senior Scientist oversees collaborative studies and research in order to enhance the League’s understanding of the coast redwood and giant sequoia forest ecosystems and their interconnection with the urban landscape. The Senior Scientist analyzes and disseminates this research to inform and guide implementation of the League’s integrated conservation strategies.

Essential Duties and Functions

Science Programs:

• Collaborates with the Director of Science and Education to define research priorities
• Manages data from the Redwoods and Climate Change Initiative, Redwood Genome Project, and other major research initiatives
• Manages the collection, analysis, and application of Citizen Science field data (e.g. Fern Watch)
• Co-authors scientific publications on League research and conservation projects · Provides staff-support to the Science Committee

Grants Programs:

• Manages the Research Grants Programs; produces data/insight to aid conservation program objectives · Manages the grant process; establishes grant agreements and supervision of study progress
• Engages and grows a network of researchers in the redwoods research community to explore topics
• Advises and guides researchers to develop fundable proposals that align with League priorities
• Oversees the Science Committee’s evaluation of research proposals and select studies for funding
• Interprets research results; applies findings to conservation planning
• Collaborates with Outreach to communicate new discoveries

Vibrant Forests Plans (VFP):

• Advances state-of-the-art decision-support tools; provides a conservation planning framework for the coast redwood and giant sequoia forest regions
• Supervises the collection, quality control, archiving, and interpretation of best available data resources on the coast redwood and giant sequoia ecosystems, and the residential and urban landscapes connected to them
• Supervises the geographical information databases and the VFP models
• Tracks League conservation and public access priorities; recommends strategic shifts in activities needed to help achieve League goals
• Updates VFP models and resulting recommendations as landscape conditions change to maintain alignment between the conservation plan and League goals

Collaborates with Program Team:

• Collaborates with conservation programs staff; supports the implementation of research, land acquisition, restoration, stewardship, park support, and policy activities
• Oversees the evaluation of prospective land acquisitions, restoration activities, park support or other public access projects for consistency with VFP criteria and approved conservation plans
• Leads the creation of conservation scenarios and other tools; supports the conservation programs team’s negotiation and project development efforts
• Manages the design and development of property-specific conservation plans; identifies land-use designations including reserves for multi-use properties
• Assists with preparation of grant proposals and progress reports to key funders

Cartography/GIS:

• Supervises cartographic and analytical services for conservation, education, outreach, and development projects
• Develops scope of GIS projects, infrastructure and software; manages associated project budgets
• Supervises and reviews the work of League staff, consultants and contractors in developing key data sets and cartographic products; supplies them with the information to carry out their work

League Policies:

• Disseminates and integrates the League’s priorities into other organizations’ priorities and work plans, and integrates other organizations’ information, plans and priorities into the League’s strategies when appropriate
• Represents the League in regional planning efforts, as needed
• Collaborates with the League’s volunteer advisers

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in landscape genetics, conservation biology, geography, ecology, or related field
• At least 3 years’ work experience in developing land management or conservation plans
• Commitment to the League’s approach to conservation
• Ability to supervise and manage consultants, temporary personnel, and staff utilizing excellent project management skills
• Knowledge of the natural communities, ecosystems, ecosystem processes, and their conservation needs
• Understanding of federal, California, and local regulatory framework, desirable
• Strong communication skills; public speaking abilities; excellent writer, able to tailor message to different audiences
• Ecological analysis, data management, and statistical skills required
• Skills with ArcGIS and GIS modeling desired
• Excellent analytical skills to assemble, assess and organize data, conduct analyses and propose recommendations clearly on technical issues, required
• Programming and advanced statistical and data visualization abilities
• High quality cartographic skills and ability to design visually appealing maps that convey a clear message
• Ability to handle multiple complex tasks under pressure and stringent time constraints; strong project management skills
• Occasional travel predominantly within California; required to hike through forest land including walking on uneven ground, climbing over obstacles, and accessing remote locations
• Some weekend and evening responsibilities
• Personable with a good sense of humor

Compensation: We provide excellent benefits including paid vacation, sick time, medical, dental, transit benefits, life insurance and a generous 401K! 

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email the documents listed below with the subject heading "Senior Scientist." To be considered, your full application must include the following:

• A cover letter addressing why you are a great fit for this role
• A resume that details your relevant experience
• Salary expectations

Note: NO CALLS PLEASE. . .we are busy protecting redwoods. THANK YOU!

Save the Redwoods League is an Equal Opportunity Employer