Director of Science
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onReno Masonic Lodge #13, 40, West 1st Street, Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, 89501, United States
What We Can Achieve Together
The Director of Science will assume a critical leadership role for the Nevada and Utah Chapters, guiding these chapters in developing and deploying an evidence-based, scientific approach to inspire, inform, and shape conservation and policy strategies. This leader will actively promote positive outcomes for both nature and people within these states while collaborating with other programs in the Western United States and Canada Division, such as the Sagebrush Sea Program and Colorado River Program.
Success in this role is measured by the ability to work through cross-functional teams to facilitate and produce transformative science that informs and influences conservation efforts, advancing the goals of TNC's divisional and regional programs. The position requires up to 30% travel between Salt Lake City and Reno and the surrounding areas.
Who We Are
The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world.
We are proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of our employees. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. As the saying goes at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people."
Hiring Process
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. We review applications in the order in which they are received; once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Employment in this position is contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record. Employees must comply with TNC's Auto Safety Program and may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." The successful applicant must also meet the requirements of TNC's background screening process.
Equal Opportunity
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status, or other status protected by law.
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with "Request for Accommodation" in the subject line. Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
Work location
Work model: On-site
Reno Masonic Lodge #13, 40, West 1st Street, Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, 89501, United States
Reno, Nevada
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleGuide Nevada and Utah chapters in developing and deploying evidence-based scientific conservation strategies
- check_circleCollaborate with cross-functional teams to facilitate transformative science for conservation efforts
- check_circleEstablish and cultivate multi-disciplinary science-based partnerships to enhance conservation impact
- check_circleAlign science capacity and prioritize workflow to meet conservation strategy needs and identify emerging threats
- check_circleConduct and publish relevant scientific investigations and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
- check_circleDevelop and monitor meaningful conservation metrics to evaluate program success
- check_circleServe on Leadership and Conservation Management Teams to integrate science into policy initiatives
- check_circleSupervise, mentor, and lead a science team comprising direct reports and other staff
Requirements
- verifiedBA/BS degree and 7 years' experience in conservation practice or related field
- verifiedSupervisory experience
- verifiedExperience managing complex projects
- verifiedExperience creating partnerships with conservation colleagues, agencies, and/or academic institutions
- verifiedExperience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data
- verifiedRecord of peer reviewed publications
- verifiedExperience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals
- verifiedStrong familiarity with climate change and its impacts
- verifiedValid driver's license
- verifiedPass background screening
Nice to Have
Ph.D. in a science-related field (e.g. ecology, biology, natural resources, or social science) and 6 years of experience. Ability to engage in a wide range of conservation issues, analyze complex problems, rapidly build personal/team expertise on new issues, and develop strategic responses or solutions. Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Knowledge of species and ecosystems of the western US and familiarity with regional conservation issues. Understanding of how natural systems can serve as natural climate solutions toward carbon emissions reduction goals. Ability to utilize and/or deploy social science resources at the nexus of natural resource conservation and community health. Demonstrated ability to lead and work collaboratively across teams and disciplines with a wide range of partners. General understanding of environmental policy, laws and regulations as they relate to natural resource management. Experience and/or publication history in one or more of the following areas: climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, ecosystem services, conservation planning, or spatial analysis. Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical and scientific issues to a broad range of audiences and across platforms. Experience in fundraising that includes writing proposals for and interacting with private donors and foundations.
Benefits & Perks
check_circle401(k) plan with 8% employer matchcheck_circleHealth care benefits and flexible spending accountscheck_circleParental leave and accrued paid time offcheck_circleLife insurance and disability coveragecheck_circleEmployee assistance program and work well-being benefitscheck_circleFlexible work environment supporting health and well-being
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Project Design, Financial Management, Statistical Data Analysis, Environmental Data Analysis, Climate Change, Species, Ecosystems, Natural Climate Solutions, Social Science, Environmental Policy.
Education: Ph.D. in a science-related field (e.g., ecology, biology) strongly preferred.
Frequently asked questions about Director of Science at The Nature Conservancy
What does a Director of Science at The Nature Conservancy do?expand_more
A Director of Science at The Nature Conservancy is responsible for the following: Guide Nevada and Utah chapters in developing and deploying evidence-based scientific conservation strategies; Collaborate with cross-functional teams to facilitate transformative science for conservation efforts; Establish and cultivate multi-disciplinary science-based partnerships to enhance conservation impact; and Align science capacity and prioritize workflow to meet conservation strategy needs and identify emerging threats.
What are the requirements for this Director of Science role?expand_more
The Nature Conservancy is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: BA/BS degree and 7 years' experience in conservation practice or related field; Supervisory experience; Experience managing complex projects; Experience creating partnerships with conservation colleagues, agencies, and/or academic institutions; Experience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data; and Record of peer reviewed publications.
Where is the Director of Science role at The Nature Conservancy located?expand_more
Director of Science at The Nature Conservancy is based in Reno Masonic Lodge #13, 40, West 1st Street, Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, 89501, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Director of Science job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
The Nature Conservancy has listed this Director of Science role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Director of Science role?expand_more
Director of Science at The Nature Conservancy typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience at the executive level.
What skills do you need for the Director of Science role at The Nature Conservancy?expand_more
Key skills for Director of Science at The Nature Conservancy include Project Design; Financial Management; Statistical Data Analysis; Environmental Data Analysis; Climate Change; Species; Ecosystems; and Natural Climate Solutions.
What education is required for Director of Science at The Nature Conservancy?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Ph.D. in a science-related field (e.g., ecology, biology) strongly preferred.
What category does the Director of Science role belong to?expand_more
Director of Science at The Nature Conservancy is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.
About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy, headquartered in Arlington, VA, works to protect natural resources essential to human well-being, including clean air, water, and ecosystems that support livelihoods. Established in 1951, the non-profit organization addresses global environmental challenges by leveraging science-based solutions and fostering collaboration with communities worldwide. Its mission focuses on balancing human progress with nature conservation, ensuring sustainable coexistence for future generations. The organization emphasizes non-partisan strategies and partnerships to advance conservation initiatives, uniting diverse stakeholders around shared environmental goals. Operating across multiple regions, The Nature Conservancy prioritizes measurable impact through research, land stewardship, and advocacy, aligning its work with the needs of local populations and global ecological health.
Browse more roles: All The Nature Conservancy jobs, scientific & qa jobs on Recrutus.