What We Can Achieve Together:

• The Ocean Recovery Scientist provides technical and scientific support and leadership for conservation initiatives in Conservation by Design (CbD), other conservation activities and measures of conservation success (MOS). The Ocean Recovery Scientist will be focused on the endangered kelp forest predator, the sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides). They classify targets and assess data to prioritize areas for conservation.  The Ocean Recovery Scientist conducts scientific surveys and research, records data, writes reports and develops proposals to administer and coordinate conservation programs within a conservation or business unit. They must work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

We’re Looking for You:

• If you’re looking for a career where you can find purpose, come join the California Oceans Team as an Ocean Recovery Scientist. Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of California, but you’ll also contribute to conservation goals through many networks! We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead cross-functional teams and support our chapters and work within our division. Communication and experience interpreting scientific information are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• Master's Degree in ocean science related field and 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in marine ecological research and project implementation with an emphasis on applied work. 
• Experience in marine fieldwork, marine ecological monitoring and sampling with strong data collection and management skills.  
• Experience directing a scientific research program, including designing, leading and coordinating the implementation of ecological field studies.   
• Experience building collaborations with peers, partners, government agencies, NGOs, academics, etc.                         
• Experience effectively communicating science via written, spoken and graphical avenues. 
• Record of writing and communicating science products in various formats, including technical white papers and/or peer reviewed publications, communication documents and public speaking.   
• SCUBA certification and documented experience using SCUBA for science or fieldwork-related activities.
• Desired Qualifications:
• Strong knowledge of common statistical and/or GIS software applications. 
• Experience implementing on-the-ground marine restoration or species recovery projects of strategic importance, including pre and post restoration monitoring. 
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and leading field-based experiments and ecological monitoring in remote locations under difficult environmental conditions 
• Experience working in hatchery or similar marine laboratory settings where marine organisms were cultured   
• Demonstrated experience diagnosing complex problems and identifying solutions.   
• Familiarity with invertebrate pathology, genetics, and/or selective breeding   
• Demonstrated experience as an entrepreneurial thinker with the ability to keep pace with a quick moving team in a rapidly changing field.  
• Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.      
• Experience managing a budget to ensure sound financial performance.   
• Experience working with state and/or federal agencies and managing public grants. 
• Experience working in species recovery initiatives at the state and/or federal level.  
• Demonstrated success working with diverse constituents and communities  
• American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) diving certificate. 

Salary Information:

• The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of
• $73,000 - $85,800 (Arcata, Chico, Three Rivers)
• $80,300 - $94,500 (Sacramento, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Ventura)
• $87,700 - $103,100 (San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County)
• Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.