The Nature Conservancy
Saving the Last Great Places
POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE FELLOW
POSITION FAMILY: Applied Scientists
JOB NUMBER: 6025
FLSA STATUS: Exempt (full-time, short-term [three years])
LOCATION: Santa Fe or Albuquerque, New Mexico
FUNCTIONS:
The Climate Change Science Fellow reviews,
synthesizes and interprets emerging climate
change science for conservation practitioners and
policy-makers in New Mexico and the greater
Southwest USA, with special focus on Conservancy
lands and projects. S/he provides technical
guidance to Conservancy staff and partners in
developing strategies for climate change
adaptation and carbon sequestration. The Fellow
may also design, sponsor and/or conduct research
projects directed at adaptation or
sequestration. Finally, the Climate Change
Science Fellow may develop and promote policies
that (a) decrease the impacts of climate change
on TNC conservation areas by reducing emissions
and increasing ecological resilience; and (b)
increase incentives for biological carbon sequestration.
The goals of this three-year position are to: (1)
prepare an assessment of the impacts of climate
change on the viability of Conservancy preserves,
projects and programs, and the risks posed by
climate change to achievement of the
Conservancys mission in New Mexico; (2) document
the methods used for this multi-scenario risk
assessment, creating a template for use by
governments and private businesses; (3) help the
Conservancy develop science-based strategies that
help native species populations and ecosystems
adapt to local, regional and global climate
change; (4) identify opportunities to mitigate
climate change through carbon sequestration
projects that decrease atmospheric greenhouse gas
concentrations while helping conserve and restore
native biological diversity; and (5) synthesize
and distribute scientific information about known
and potential impacts of climate change on the
biodiversity of the Southwest to key decision
makers such that it is incorporated into public and private policy.
The Fellow works closely with staff of the
Conservancys New Mexico Chapter, Global Climate
Change Initiative, and Government Relations
program, and may also work with staff of
Conservancy operating units in the southwestern
USA and northern Mexico). S/he serves as a
contact with the external academic, professional
and environmental communities to keep abreast of
new developments and opportunities that may be
useful to the Conservancy and to report on and
share the Conservancys experiences with others.
To that end, the Fellow may serve as the
Conservancys representative on the Governors
Climate Change Advisory Group and associated groups.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
· Masters degree or Ph.D. and strong
background in the environmental sciences, climate
science, ecological modeling (including global
circulation models), community ecology, ecosystem
ecology and/or remote sensing.
· Working knowledge of current trends and
practices in climate change science, including
the risks posed to natural systems and biological
diversity, the role of land use in the carbon
cycle, and means for reducing emissions and/or
facilitating adaptation through conservation and ecosystem restoration.
· Demonstrated knowledge of what is
required to develop and implement a sound climate action project.
· Knowledge or familiarity with
ecological processes and systems of the southwest is desirable.
· Excellent written and oral
communication skills in English, including
demonstrated experience with public
speaking. Spanish speaking skills desirable.
· Ability to manage time and diverse
activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
· Ability to collect, manipulate,
analyze, and interpret scientific data and prepare reports of findings
· Ability to synthesize, interpret and
communicate scientific information to influence conservation practice.
· Working knowledge of common software
applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Web browsers) and
ability to use provided computer technology to enhance the quality of work
· Demonstrated high-level GIS skills,
including proficiency with ArcGIS software.
· Record of peer-reviewed publication preferred.
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
· Cultivates and develops creative ideas
to facilitate the development of innovative conservation strategies.
· Anticipates, analyzes and diagnoses
technical issues related to ecological adaptation
and carbon sequestration, and identifies creative solutions.
· Designs, implements and directs
multiple projects, setting and meeting deadlines
and ensuring program accountability.
· Capitalizes on opportunities to
participate in the development of statewide and regional projects.
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
· Significant opportunity to act
independently within broad program goals.
· Makes strategic decisions based on
analysis, experience and judgement.
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY:
· Provides guidance to Conservancy staff.
· May supervise contractors or interns.
· Responsibility and accountability for
meeting departmental strategic goals and objectives.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
· Ability to work cooperatively with a
number of staff and external parties, sometimes
under pressure, in order to complete project work and goals in a timely manner
· Provides a variety of information to
staff and others, contributing to conservation
projects at the state and (potentially) regional levels.
· Works and communicates effectively with
a diverse group of people, including scientists,
preserve staff, and others, providing and obtaining needed information
· Solicits program support through clear
written communications, including contributing to
grant proposals and other written materials.
· Ability to simplify and explain complex
scientific data to general audiences
· Works in partnership with other
organizations in a collaborative and advisory capacity.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
· Willingness to travel 10-30% of time:
frequently within New Mexico and the greater
Southwest and occasionally outside the region.
· Work generally requires only minor
physical exertion and/or physical strain. Some
ecological field work may be required.
Contact: Roxanna Hannan
The Nature Conservancy
212 East Marcy Street, Suite 200
Santa Fe, NM 87501
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
