Scientist/Agroecologist
Food and Environment Program
Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)
Washington, DC Office
UCS is seeking an agroecologist for the Food and Environment Program's
exciting campaigns advocating fundamental changes in government policy,
corporate practices, and consumer choices to enable America's farmers to
produce healthy food in a safe and sustainable manner.
An independent nonprofit alliance of more than 100,000 concerned citizens
and scientists, UCS has creatively and successfully combined rigorous
scientific analysis and passionate citizen action for over 30 years to gain
a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world.
Duties: The successful candidate for this position will work with the Food
and Environment Program staff (scientists/policy analysts, lawyer, lobbyist,
and outreach organizer) to transform U.S. agriculture by encouraging and
enabling sustainable food systems; exposing and correcting defects in the
current industrial food production system, including the impacts on climate;
and changing public opinion of industrialized agriculture.
In particular, the new scientist will:
* research and write technical and policy reports that advance the
programs advocacy goals, particularly on agriculture and climate issues;
* provide research and other technical support to advance program goals
promoting sustainable food systems;
* research and write technical comments, statements, and testimony on
program issues;
* participate in developing campaign goals, strategies, and tactics; and
* represent UCS in scientific, press, and public sectors.
Basic knowledge and abilities desired:
* Comprehensive knowledge of the scientific and public policy issues
associated with agriculture and climate
* Ph.D. in an agricultural or biological science, preferably
agroecology, and including expertise in agriculture, soils, climate gases,
modeling, and a strong background in chemistry
* Capacity to conduct full life cycle analyses of agricultural systems
in terms of their contributions to greenhouse gases
* Understanding the role of science and advocacy in shaping public
opinion and policy debates
* Strong analytic and project management skills
* Excellent writing and public speaking skills
* Ability to communicate and work effectively in groups
Experience desired:
* Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in
scientific and/or public policy work in agriculture and climate
* Familiarity with public policy process regarding agriculture and climate
* Demonstrated ability to produce reports on science policy issues and
write about complex policy and scientific matters for a lay audience
* Evidence of strong analytical skills
Salary and benefits: Competitive.
To apply: Send a cover letter referencing where you learned of this position
opening and résumé via email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] by June 2. Electronic
submissions only.
No phone calls please.
