Local recruitment: Senior Scientist

Description: The Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN) is seeking a Senior Scientist to oversee and lead initiatives focused on aquatic ecosystems including rivers, lakes, wetlands, and estuaries. DRN is a grassroots regional nonprofit working to protect and restore the Delaware River. DRN’s Senior Scientist serves as the Organization’s in-house science expert and is responsible for helping to develop pathways for environmental protection and restoration based on strong science. This role combines scientific expertise with leadership responsibilities overseeing DRN’s two other staff biologists as well as interfacing with other scientists at regulatory agencies, environmental consulting firms, and academia.

Reports to: the Delaware Riverkeeper

Key responsibilities:
Work with and provide technical support to DRN’s advocacy and litigation campaigns (approximately 50%)

• Analyze, interpret, and synthesize documents and publications covering a wide variety of topics including water quality threats; habitat and ecosystem threats; public health threats; illegal discharges; combined sewer overflows; and endangered and at-risk species to help inform the position and work of DRN on advocacy issues and litigation
• Responsible for securing, reviewing, and synthesizing data, as well as reviewing scientific materials from agencies and experts to help inform and support DRN’s advocacy and litigation
• Assess, analyze and prepare comments on agency scientific protocols and regulatory proposals related to data collection and assessment, and water quality and ecosystem data collection and assessment
• Help prepare comments on permits, land use applications, proposed policies, and other development plans in support of DRN’s advocacy and litigation
• Participate in, and facilitate as required, regular meetings of agency committees that help guide regional and collaborative environmental protection and restoration efforts
• Ensure up-to-date information on environmental issues is communicated to DRN staff, members, and partners
• Develop and maintain expertise in assigned area of responsibility

Work with DRN’s Monitoring and Restoration programs (approximately 25%)

• Lead and participate in field investigations, such as stream benthic macroinvertebrate sampling and standardized visual surveys of the physical condition of stream reaches
• Develop and manage on-the-ground projects designed to advance the protection and restoration of water quality and ecological communities in streams and rivers
• Respond to pollution incidents as assigned
• Compile, analyze, and summarize data relating to DRN’s field investigations and on-the-ground projects
• Help train volunteers in a variety of monitoring protocols to help secure data needed to support DRN’s advocacy and litigation

Operations & Administration including Grants Administration (approximately 25%)

• Oversee DRN’s two staff biologists
• Track, evaluate, and help report on project outcomes
• Participate in proposal-writing and grant reporting where relevant to program activities
• Help tell compelling stories with data
• Responsible for field and lab equipment inventory, purchasing, and maintenance

Other

• Participate in DRN-sponsored development events
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Minimum master’s level degree or more than seven years of experience in environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, hydrogeology, hydrology, or related field. A master’s degree is not required but is preferred.
• Experience conducting field research with a proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Knowledge of environmental monitoring protocols including state and federally approved protocols
• Knowledge of environmental policy, with a focus on water, energy, and climate
• Competence in data analysis and experience in statistical programming in R or SAS
• Understanding of how environmental issues intersect with racism and economic and social inequality
• Strong project management and organizational skills with a proven ability to keep complex initiatives on track
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills
• Team player capable of working independently with minimal oversight

Valid driver’s license and good driving record is required. Ability to travel around the Watershed is required. Some evening and weekend work required.

Salary: Base starts at $85,000 but is negotiable. Benefits:

Benefits

• Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short & Long Term Disability
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match after one year of employment
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Medical, Dependent Care
• Standard time-off policies
• Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code

Location

The position is based in DRN’s main office in Bristol, Bucks County, PA, with the potential for field work. Employees may be eligible to work remotely if their job duties can be met through basic hardware and software, they’ve proven to be trustworthy, disciplined, and self-motivated, and have been given permission by DRN. However, travel to the Bristol office will be required as needed.

Application Procedure: Please send email with the required attachments to the attention of Hiring Manager at resumes@delawareriverkeeper.org. Email subject line should read, “Senior Scientist”.

Required attachments: Cover Letter, Resume, Names and contact information for three references, and at least one writing sample. No telephone calls.

Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Physical Requirements and Demands/Work Environment:

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including some hands-on physical work.

• Constantly required to operate standard office equipment, such as a computer, phones, photocopiers, printers, and fax machines. Occasionally required to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
• Occasionally required to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Work will be primarily indoors, in an office setting.
• Working conditions may include potential exposure to dust.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. DRN retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

DRN is an equal opportunity employer. The Delaware Riverkeeper Network is committed to creating an inclusive community of staff and volunteers that is representative of the Watershed we serve. In doing so, we are better able to champion the rights of our communities to a Delaware River and tributary streams that are free-flowing, clean, healthy, and abundant with a diversity of life. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger voice for the River.