Conservation Science Director, Turtle Island Restoration Network – California

Organization: Turtle Island Restoration Network

Position Title: Conservation Science Director

Location: Olema, California

Application Deadline: Position open until filled

Description: Turtle Island Restoration Network seeks a Conservation Science Director. The aim of the position is to advocate for the protection of marine life from threats including overfishing, climate change, ocean acidification, plastic pollution, offshore oil development, and coastal and riparian development.

Science forms the basis of our advocacy work and is integral to our legal strategies, policy advocacy and public education.

The Conservation Science Director will work as part of a dynamic team to develop new initiatives, including a three year and annual Conservation Science Plan, and provide scientific support for our administrative and policy advocacy, litigation, and grassroots and media outreach. The Conservation Science Director’s work will focus on improving the management of endangered marine species through collaboration with scientist and colleagues, recruiting and supervising pro bono assistance of academics and student volunteers, pursue original research and on-going monitoring efforts focused on endangered fish, reptiles and marine mammals, especially in the Eastern Pacific region and on locally endangered salmonids in California.

Duties include developing a three year and annual Conservation Science Plan, identifying potential sources of funding, preparing grants, recruiting pro bono assistance of academics and student volunteers, and direct involvement in conservation biology program work.

Responsibilities:

• Lead scientific and advocacy efforts to protect marine species.
• Analyze scientific literature to inform science-based advocacy work, including support for policy, litigation, legislation, organizing and outreach.
• Write comments and reports on policy and management proposals (the position will require extensive scientific and policy writing and periodic public testimony).
• Media advocacy, including assisting with press releases, speaking to members of the media, and delivering effective statements to reporters.
• Engage the public, scientists, and opinion leaders on marine issues through outreach and public speaking.
• Build scientific and conservation coalitions and partnerships on ocean conservation initiatives.
• Participate in on-going shark and turtle tagging data collection and analysis.
• Recruit and supervise recent grads and students for residential intern program.
• Working with Development Director, write grant proposals.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field such as marine biology, fisheries, oceanography, conservation biology, ecology, environmental studies, climate science or other earth science.
• Scientific literacy and familiarity with marine conservation literature is essential.
• Excellent research, analytical and writing skills including successful grant writing experience.
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking skills.
• An ability to work well independently and with others as a part of a team.
• Strong work ethic and time management skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to environmental protection.
• Scuba certification.
• Proficiency and fluency in Spanish are a plus.

Salary is commensurate with experience and comparable to that of other nonprofits. Turtle Island Restoration Network offers an excellent benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance.

Application process:

Please send a cover letter, a résumé, references, and a writing sample to [email protected]. The position will remain open until filled. No telephone calls, please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.