SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Director of Science serves as the lead scientist for the North Carolina Chapter.  In this role, S/he creates the scientific vision for the Chapter through anticipation of challenges, threats, opportunities and new technologies that have the potential to affect our work.  S/he collaborates on applied conservation science, provides technical support and guidance on conservation planning activities to conservation staff.  S/he works on issues related to climate change both in North Carolina and in collaboration with other TNC science practitioners across the country.  S/he works closely with partners in public agencies, land trusts and universities to develop research focused on solving real conservation challenges and innovative approaches to dealing with emerging conservation issues.

The Director of Science helps guide the conservation efforts of the Chapter by participating in long-term planning and prioritization of programs and projects as a member of the chapter Conservation Steering Committee.  S/he ensures that the chapter complies with the scientific policies and procedures of The Nature Conservancy and oversees the work of planning teams to ensure efficiency, synergy, and effective engagement of external partners.  S/he collaborates with scientists and land managers within and outside of TNC to develop and disseminate sound scientific standards and methodologies and to implement adaptive management of TNC projects. 

DUTIES:

1. Ensure that high quality science informs all steps of the Conservancy’s conservation activities:  setting priorities, developing strategies, taking action, and measuring success. 
2. Participate in and provide guidance to the Conservation Steering Committee and advise the Director of Conservation Programs on setting priorities and developing strategies to advance conservation across North Carolina.
3. Advise the Director of Government Relations on developing coherent, science-based government relations policies.
4. Oversee the development, revision and interpretation of ecoregional plans in North Carolina.
5. Work with staff to develop plans for conserving landscape-scale project areas and provide advice and guidance to field staff on issues such as monitoring, adaptive management and ecosystem resilience.
6. Collaborate with agency partners to set and achieve goals consistent with biodiversity conservation objectives identified through ecoregional and conservation action planning.
7. Collaborate with philanthropy and government relations staff on fundraising efforts to raise public and private funds for conservation objectives by writing grants and proposals. 
8. Cultivate relationships with universities and partner/agency scientists and managers in order to exchange information, strengthen conservation planning, implement adaptive management and address climate change.
9. Ensure that Chapter projects receive required scientific review and are in compliance with relevant TNC policies.  Design, implement or approve requests for scientific research on NC landscapes.
10. Coordinate with regional and global science staff and ensure that new initiatives are implementable, practical and appropriate for North Carolina.
11. Manage and motivate a team of conservation professionals with direct supervision of employees where appropriate

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

1.                  Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in the natural, environmental or biological sciences, or a closely related field.  Landscape ecology and/or knowledge of freshwater systems are preferred.  Demonstrated application of ecological principles to landscape-level conservation issues and experience in completing projects and publishing results is desirable.

2.                  At least five years post-degree experience in conservation or natural resources management with skill in developing and applying scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.

3.                  Proven ability to apply the scientific method in addressing real-world conservation challenges in conjunction with Chapter conservation goals and priorities.

4.                  Understanding of principles and issues related to climate change, ecosystem resilience and freshwater and near-shore marine systems. 

5.                  Working understanding of conservation science technologies such as: remote sensing, geographic information systems, modeling, and statistical analysis software.

6.                  Proven management experience including the ability to create and motivate teams and a commitment to fostering an environment of creativity and professional growth.

7.                  Demonstrated project management experience, including the ability to define goals and deliverables, assemble and manage teams, schedule, budget, and track progress; ability to conduct productive meetings.

8.                  Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities; flexibility to perform a wide variety of tasks and make decisions with less than complete information.

9.                  Strong partnership building skills.  Demonstrated ability to gain the cooperation of others, communicate effectively with diverse audiences and effectively promote ideas and concepts.

10.              Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and familiarity with geographic information systems, and other related software.

11.              Ability to fundraise from public and private sources.

12.              Excellent written and oral communication skills.

13.              Willingness to work evenings and weekends, and travel when necessary.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please visit www.nature.org/careers to apply.  You must submit your resume and cover letter as one document.  All sections of the online application must be completed (e.g. work experience and education, even if information is included on your resume) to be considered for this position.  Deadline to apply is December 12, 2009.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply: Please visit our website at www.nature.org/careers by December 12, 2009 to apply.

North Carolina Field Office, Durham, NC

The Nature Conservancy is the world's leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.