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Director of Science & Conservation Planning

Employer
Save the Redwoods League
Location
San Francisco, California
Closing date
May 2, 2021

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Sector
Nonprofit
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Forestry
Job Level
Senior level
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time

Job Details

We are looking for a knowledgeable leader in the current science of forest ecology who is able to communicate key issues to a broad audience including Save the Redwoods League’s members, donors, partners, policy makers, and journalists.  If you have expertise in ecology, forestry, botany, conservation biology, landscape ecology or a related field, with a minimum of five years of experience in non-profit or public conservation program management and implementation, this may be your next opportunity.

As the Director of Science and Conservation Planning, you would oversee all aspects of Save the Redwoods League’s science programs, a primary focus of which concerns redwood forest health and restoration.  Working with the Research Committee, the Director of Science and Conservation Planning advances the scientific understanding of redwood forests and their conservation to integrate sound redwood science by engaging with scientists and research partners.  You would also be responsible for the day-to-day management of research initiatives, such as the League’s Redwoods and Climate Change Initiative, and acts as a technical resource to League project staff advancing conservation and restoration projects

For over 100 years, Save the Redwoods League has been dedicated to protecting the ancient redwood forests so all generations can experience the inspiration and majesty of redwoods.  Since its founding in 1918, Save the Redwoods League has protected more than 200,000 acres of forests and helped create 66 redwood parks and preserves for everybody to enjoy. To learn more about us, go to www.SaveTheRedwoods.org

Essential Duties:

Key Duties:

  • Works with the Chief Program Officer; develops science-based strategies in support of the conservation program activities, which include land acquisition and management, stewardship, and restoration projects in the coast redwood and giant sequoia forests
  • Designs, directs, implements, and evaluates scientific research to support conservation objectives; manages/coordinates the League’s competitive research grants program and League-initiated research projects with the project partners
  • Manages all aspects of conservation planning; coordinates with Program staff to provide eco-regional and site-specific conservation planning to support forest conservation, restoration, and public access needs using the best available data
  • Maintains the League’s Geographical Information System; designs ecological monitoring and evaluation efforts
  • Acts as the leading redwood science spokesperson in the conservation community and facilitates external science, land stewardship, and restoration partnerships to support emerging conservation strategies
  • Provides technical and scientific leadership in the development and implementation of organization-wide strategies in support of government relations, public policy, legislation, funding strategies, and initiatives important to the work of the League and its partners
  • Acts as a public spokesperson and expert in redwood science for external audiences; works with the League’s Marketing & Communication team to promote the League’s brand and conservation vision to external audiences, including media and speaking events
  • Collaborates with the Director of Restoration; provides senior staff support to the League’s Science and Restoration Committee
  • Recruits, develops, trains, coaches, inspires, motivates, and empowers a strong science and conservation planning team

Other Duties:

  • Works with the Parks & Public Engagement, Marketing & Communications and Development teams to synthesize complex technical and scientific information for use in communications to engage and educate lay audiences of League stakeholders, donors and the general public regarding redwood protection and restoration efforts
  • Serves as a subject matter expert to enhance the League’s position as the authoritative source for all information about redwood forests
  • Ensures coordination and integration of program plans, activities, budget and resource needs with organization-wide capacities and functions
  • Ensures program accountability and compliance with internal policies and procedures and external fiscal/legal requirementsEE

Qualifications:

  • Graduate degree (Ph.D. preferred) in applied ecology, forestry, conservation biology, landscape ecology or a related field or equivalent experience
  • Five years’ experience in non-profit or public conservation program management and implementation
  • Experience in some or all the following: conservation restoration and stewardship; timber land use and management issues; ecosystem planning; conservation tools, such as land acquisition with private and public partners, conservation easements, business operations and compliance; government and non-government contracting and grant making; government and legislative relations
  • Experience and understanding the ecology of California or western U.S. forests preferred
  • Experience in promoting and coordinating conservation programs with public agencies and others
  • Experience with the use of scientific information to support environmental education/interpretation programs preferred
  • Solid research, writing, editing, and oral communication skills; able to assemble, assess and organize scientific data, to conduct analyses, and to report findings clearly on complex technical issues
  • Knowledge of current trends in conservation, natural resource protection, restoration, land management, and experience in applying this knowledge to set and achieve conservation priorities
  • Cultural competency to communicate and interact with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities
  • Understand California tribes, tribal relations, tribal issues and application of traditional ecological knowledge is desirable
  • Able to design, implement and direct complex and diverse projects to encompass multiple programs and coordinate the work of other professionals inside and outside the organization, and incorporate cross-disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives
  • Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and budgets and implementing strategic program goals
  • Management experience to train, motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance of a multi-disciplinary team to foster an environment of creativity and professional growth
  • Excellent public speaking, presentation, written/oral communication, and conflict resolution skills
  • Able to work with others in a non-adversarial, professional and diplomatic manner
  • Commitment to the League’s non-confrontation approach to conservation
  • Proficient MS Office user, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • Conservation Analyst
  • Senior Scientist

Working Conditions:

  • Frequent travel predominantly within California
  • Required to hike through forest land while working off-site; walk on uneven ground, climb over obstacles, and access remote locations
  • Uses computers, telephones and other office equipment; moves about the office to collaborate with colleagues
  • Some weekend and evening responsibilities
  • Able to lift, carry, moves, and positions objects weighing up to 30 pounds
  • Valid driver’s license and safe driving record

To Be Considered:

Email your resume, a cover letter addressing why you are a great fit for this role, and your salary expectations to:  Jobs@SaveTheRedwoods.org with the subject heading "Director of Science and Conservation Planning".

NO CALLS PLEASE... we are busy protecting redwoods. THANK YOU!

Save the Redwoods League is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Fluent English speakers who are bi-or multi-lingual, including indigenous language speakers, are encouraged to apply.

Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities; verbal and written fluency  in a language other than English is desirable.

Company

The mission of Save the Redwoods League is to protect and restore redwood forests and connect people with their peace and beauty so these wonders of the natural world flourish.

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