27-Jul-2023
Conservation Scientist and One Water Program Lead
Remote
Global Conservation Part-Time
GLOBAL CONSERVATION
Job Description
Position: Conservation Scientist and One Water Program Lead
Reports to: Director, Coral Reef Conservation
Location: Australia
Country Program/Sector: Marine Conservation / GCP
Position type: Part-time (16 hours a week)
Supervises (direct only): Co-funded postdoctoral researchers, consultants and contractors as required.
Job summary:
The Conservation Scientist will provide leadership, technical expertise, and coordination to the WCS Global Conservation programs on all aspects of pollution, water quality, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) as related to coral reef/marine conservation. The position will oversee the creation, initiation, and execution of WCS’s One Water program, with a focus on protecting climate-resilient coral reefs from pollution caused by factors such as deforestation and inadequate wastewater management. The Conservation Scientist will lead research and provide thought leadership in protecting the environment through nature-based solutions, catchment restoration initiatives, and improved wastewater management practices. The Conservation Scientist will support regional and country programs with technical assistance based on the latest scientific knowledge for watersheds, sanitation, and wastewater. They will engage in strategy development, partnership development and fundraising to strengthen country and regional capacity for implementing pollution management programs for ocean biodiversity outcomes. The role will position WCS for new partnerships across sectors including public health, development, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The role will also develop new collaborations with thematic programs across Marine, Forests and Climate Change, Health, and the Markets/Conservation Finance team to leverage strategic fundraising opportunities.
Responsibilities:
Program development and management:
- Manage coordination across WCS regional and country programs in coral reef conservation and pollution management.
- Leverage WCS expertise to conduct cutting-edge research, including peer-reviewed publications and international collaborations.
- Lead research and provide thought leadership to protect the environment through nature-based solutions, catchment restoration initiatives, and improved wastewater management practices.
- Provide inputs on health/pollution/water data collection, analysis, and publication skills within field programs, maintaining regular contact with field staff.
- Conduct field science and monitoring in collaboration with WCS coral reef field programs to enhance understanding of coral reef ecosystems, pollution management, and climate adaptation.
- Demonstrate professional expertise through scientific service and leadership, including reviewing and editorial board service, and mentor graduate and undergraduate student research projects.
Development and Fundraising:
- Supported and working closely with the Marine Executive Director and Coral Reef Director, develop and maintain relationships with water/pollution focused funders and donors, including international and domestic public agencies, private donors, foundations, and corporation.
- Prepare and review funding proposals and related reports, including narratives and budgets.
- Contribute technical expertise to report/proposal writing and the advancement of specific projects or new strategies related to water, health, pollution and coral reef/marine conservation.
Communication and Scientific Leadership:
- Champion and advocate for pollution management in coral reef/marine conservation initiatives on behalf of WCS, by participating in non-conventional policy-making platforms, to forge new alliances and investments that will strengthen the resilience of coral reefs against climate change.
- Write, edit, and design programmatic reports, outreach materials, and other communications to communicate scientific findings to external partners, donors, and the general public.
- Facilitate and maintain coordination, collaboration, and active dialogue between WCS coral reef staff, programs, and partners by attending scientific meetings, conferences, technical workshops, working groups, and contributing to external partnerships.
Others:
- Adhere to, foster and promote WCS health and safety policies for self and others in WCS or working in association with WCS.
- Be conversant with, and promote WCS policies on, diversity and inclusion, and support a happy, productive, respectful working environment.
- Support the development of self and team members through education, training and experience.
Qualification Requirements
Minimum requirements:
- MSc or PhD in science, marine, or conservation qualification required.
- 5+ years of experience in a non-profit or academic research environment
- Fluency in English language (verbal and written) required. Other widespread languages an advantage.
- Ability to work in a global and remote team.
- Strong writing skills with the ability to produce clear and concise communications is required.
- Outgoing personality that enjoys communicating with people, developing new partnerships and working with a hyper-organized and efficient team.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including tact, diplomacy and political astuteness, with an ability to work with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures.
- Strong publishing record in applied marine science, health, water quality/pollution, marine conservation background.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, including responsiveness to multiple, simultaneous projects and demands. Ability to set and follow priorities, and to meet deadlines
- Commitment to follow through and quality control with attention to detail.
- Proactive and good problem-solver.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Google Docs, Slack and Trello preferred.
WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
Salary Range
Competitive Salary commensurate with experience
