California, USA

Negotable within California, northern California preferred.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.

The California Chapter is TNC's largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast.

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state's communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about holding the middle ground in American politics and civic life and doing our part to make conservation a shared national value. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its "big tent" approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We are not activists. We do not litigate. We do not take public stands on matters unrelated to our purpose. We welcome everyone. Everyone in our organization should therefore be adept at working with people who may not share their personal values or opinions. We ask all employees to embrace the critical strategic position of our brand and organization as centrist and non-partisan. It is the foundation of our success.

California's water system is one of the most heavily engineered on the planet. California takes water from rivers, streams and aquifers and we do it with very few limits, leaving rivers to run dry, putting nature and people at risk. The Nature Conservancy's California Water Program is working to secure a more prepared and sustainable future by developing the science, tools, demonstrations and enabling conditions to ensure we can meet the water needs of communities, nature, and the economy. Our multi-disciplinary team employs a variety of innovative strategies to provide natural areas with the water and habitat they need, including by developing ground-breaking science, engaging through policy, and collaboratively managing water resources with communities, farms, and ranches. The Healthy Rivers strategy is working to ensure that rivers are protected as an integral part of a more resilient water future for California. Our team focuses on three main drivers of river flow alteration: groundwater depletion, ill-timed or unsustainable diversions, and dams.

The River Scientist will work closely with this interdisciplinary team to provide technical and scientific support to river conservation strategies across the Water Program, primarily within the Healthy Rivers strategy. This position will provide science support on projects that seek to restore or protect needed flow, improve instream habitat, and develop scientific tools to enable better management of California's rivers and streams. Working closely with the Lead River Scientist, the River Scientist will perform a variety of analytical tasks, including reviewing and summarizing plans and reports, performing analysis of flow data, and evaluating the ecological implications of flow and stream restoration actions. The River Scientist will also assist with writing of reports and publications, grant administration, development of technical presentations, and managing science contracts.

The River Scientist will report to the Lead River Scientist within TNC California and will work closely with other senior scientists on the water team, as well as project directors leading work across the state on groundwater management and managed recharge, flow enhancement, stream habitat restoration, and water supplies for wetlands. The location for this position is anywhere within California and the River Scientist will need to be available to travel occasionally to project sites across the state.

* Master's Degree in freshwater ecology, fisheries, hydrology or a related field and 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Experience leading and working with cross functional teams, and building relationships across public, private, and NGO sectors.
* Experience managing complex projects including the financial aspect and coordinating the work of peers and partners.
* Experience synthesizing, interpreting, and communicating scientific information and preparing reports of findings (written and verbal).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Strong knowledge of common software applications, including R or Python.
* Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.
* Strong interpersonal skills, including experience fostering an inclusive environment.
* Experience with hydrologic data, instream flow methods, and/or fisheries science.
* Familiarity with California water policy, including the key agencies responsible for implementing regulations.
* Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "You'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people." To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

We're proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance.

If you're interested in working with us, please apply-we'd love to hear from you.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $80,000 - $100,000 for annual base salary.

San Francisco Bay area: $85,100 - $100,000

Merced, Redding, Roseville, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Truckee: $78,000 - $91,725

Chico, Fort Bragg: $80,000 - $83,375

Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID XX, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 8:59 PM PST on January 26, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.