JOB ANNOUNCEMENT AND DESCRIPTION: DATA SCIENCE FELLOW IN CONSERVATION Conservation Science Partners (CSP; csp-inc.org) is looking for general and project-specific support on a wide array of high-profile, data-driven projects. The focus of projects is expected to vary, but will likely include: phenology and climate change, wildfire and invasive species, vegetation monitoring, and land use/cover change. This position will provide support as part of a team of ecologists involved in landscape and conservation planning across the US. Strong candidates will need to have well-developed problem-solving, statistical, and analytical thinking capabilities, in addition to significant experience as a programmer. Candidates should also be willing and able to quickly learn new methods and software as needed for specific projects, should have excellent organizational and communication (oral and written) skills, and should be able to work on several projects simultaneously. Ideal candidates would help to cultivate and propel an internal culture of innovation, creativity, and diversity.
Educational and professional experience: We are seeking someone with a formal science background and not from a particular discipline or field of emphasis. A MSc or PhD is desirable but not required. Post-graduate experience in ecology or the natural resources field also is desirable, but may not be necessary. Applied experience will be looked upon favorably. Required skills: ∙ Programming in Python, R, and JavaScript (some HTML/CSS would be helpful, but is not necessary) and bash-scripting experience ∙ Data wrangling / munging skills for large datasets ∙ Experience working with online repositories for code (e.g., GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) — preferably in a group setting, including at least some knowledge of branching or forking workflows ∙ Model fitting / evaluation (either using machine learning methods or inferential statistics — maximum likelihood or Bayesian parameter estimation methods, for example). A background or training in statistical and sampling design, and experience specifying hierarchical models would be highly desirable. Desired skills: ∙ Experience working with geospatial and remote sensing data ∙ Data visualization ∙ Web application development ∙ Experience building software images (using, e.g., Dockerfiles), working with containers, etc. ∙ Continuous integration / deployment ∙ Experience provisioning and leveraging resources in the cloud (i.e., storage and compute resources) via Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform ∙ Using / building / linking APIs (data/service interoperability via API calls) ∙ Experience working with either relational or NoSQL databases (e.g., using MongoDB) ∙ Some experience with the following APIs / libraries: Earth Engine, TensorFlow, and perhaps some experience using command-line utilities to move data between various clients and cloud-based servers Expected start date: September/October 2017 Deadline to apply: Open until filled Location: This position is located in Truckee, CA Salary: A highly competitive salary commensurate with experience Benefits: CSP offers a comprehensive group medical, dental, and vision insurance package, as well as retirement benefits If interested, please send a cover letter, current CV, and contact information for three professional references to: [email protected]. Please place DATA SCIENCE FELLOW in the subject line. Applications will be handled electronically and by email only. Conservation Science Partners, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Conservation Science Partners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit scientific collective established to meet the analytical and research needs of diverse stakeholders in conservation projects. Our mission is to apply human ingenuity to the preservation of species, populations, and ecosystems using scientific principles, innovative approaches, and lasting partnerships with conservation practitioners.
