Lead Freshwater Scientist

POSITION

DESCRIPTION:

Lead Freshwater Scientist

Conservation Science Partners (csp-inc.org) is seeking a Lead Freshwater Scientist passionate about freshwater ecology and conservation to support a team of conservation biologists, ecologists, and other scientists working on efforts to conserve species and their habitats, including but not limited to rivers, floodplains, and wetlands.

Conservation Science Partners (CSP) is a dynamic 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2012 to meet the analytical and research needs of diverse stakeholders in achieving conservation and protection of the natural world. Our mission is to apply human ingenuity to the preservation of nature using science, technology, and lasting partnerships with conservation practitioners. We connect the best minds in conservation science to solve problems in a way that is comprehensive, flexible, and service-oriented.

CSP works in the complex and fast-paced nonprofit realm using tools that include data science and advanced analytics; risk analysis and climate change vulnerability analyses; species and habitat modeling; and wildlife and ecological connectivity analysis to identify solutions through land and water use, designating protected areas, and advancing social and environmental justice. We are a recognized leader in the development of data, models, and maps to convey the status of and change to natural systems and human impacts on the environment.

Core clients and partners include federal agencies, foundations, environmentally progressive businesses, and other non-governmental organizations. Outcomes of projects are designed to explain ecological phenomena and lead to tools, map products, and strategies often tailored to the needs of decision makers.

Our core values include scientific and technical excellence and integrity, which help to advance the function, direction, and initiatives of the organization. We support and encourage creativity and innovation in practice and products; respectful co-production of knowledge; and connection to the living world. We are actively seeking project opportunities that directly involve Black, Indigenous, and communities of color and diverse international partners, address disparate impacts of environmental change, and support social justice.

We welcome the broader complement of knowledge and skills that stem from applicants’ professional and life experiences. We seek candidates with deep curiosity directed toward diverse research interests, as well as aptitude and enthusiasm to develop new skills and areas of expertise.

We are seeking a Lead Freshwater Scientist passionate about freshwater ecology and conservation to join and support leadership in our Freshwater Solutions Lab (FSL) s position will contribute to and lead a range of projects focused on understanding and conserving freshwater habitats, including by informing adaptive management in the context of global change and advancing our ability to bridge the water needs of natural and human communities.

The Lead Freshwater Scientist should have well‑developed problem‑solving, statistical, and analytical thinking capacities and a demonstrated record of applying these skills to programming. They should demonstrate attention to reproducibility and quality assurance/quality control in all their work. We are looking for someone with excellent organizational and communication (oral and written) skills who can balance several projects simultaneously. Specifically, the Lead Freshwater Scientist will be expected to contribute to and lead the design, development, and deployment of new or existing projects, steward external and internal communications, and manage a variety of project tasks, not just technical ones.

Deep knowledge of freshwater conservation issues and policies as well as of specific relevant tools and datasets, including but not limited to rivers, floodplains and wetlands (especially in the U.S. context) is imperative. Beyond project leadership, the Lead Freshwater Scientist will contribute to the programmatic strategy and growth of the FSL with existing lab leadership.