Ocean Science and Technology Manager

The Nature Conservancy; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel opportunities

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

The Ocean Science and Technology Manager at The Nature Conservancy leads science and conservation technology initiatives within the Large-Scale Fisheries Program. You bridge fisheries experts, practitioners, developers, and external partners to advance monitoring, AI/ML, computer vision, data systems, and seafood traceability technologies.

This two-year term role involves evaluating and deploying emerging technologies, coordinating with stakeholders, and translating complex concepts for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 4 years related experience.
• Experience leading complex projects in an unstructured environment.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and evaluating information for strategy.
• Experience writing and editing technical and informational material.

Responsibilities

• Leads planning, implementation, and evaluation of science and technology initiatives in fisheries.
• Serves as a technical project manager coordinating cross‑functional teams and partners.
• Provides technical oversight of contractor solutions and procurement processes.
• Supports deployment and scaling of hardware, software, and data systems in field environments.
• Evaluates technologies and provides feasibility, cost, and risk assessments.

Skills

Project management

Technical fluency

AI/ML knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

The Ocean Science and Technology Manager supports the development and implementation of science and conservation technology initiatives within The Nature Conservancy's Large-Scale Fisheries Program. They are a bridge between fisheries experts, conservation practitioners, technology developers, and external partners to advance innovative technology solutions that improve the transparency and sustainability in industrial fisheries. The Ocean Science and Technology Manager may lead the development and implementation of one or more projects and/or strategic initiatives that leverage electronic monitoring, machine learning, computer vision, data systems, and seafood traceability technologies.

What We Can Achieve Together

The Ocean Science and Technology Manager supports the development and implementation of science and conservation technology initiatives within The Nature Conservancy's Large-Scale Fisheries Program. They are a bridge between fisheries experts, conservation practitioners, technology developers, and external partners to advance innovative technology solutions that improve the transparency and sustainability in industrial fisheries. The Ocean Science and Technology Manager may lead the development and implementation of one or more projects and/or strategic initiatives that leverage electronic monitoring, machine learning, computer vision, data systems, and seafood traceability technologies.

This is a two-year term position with opportunity for extension based on funding availability and performance.

The Ocean Science and Technology Manager is a key contributor to the Program's growing Science and Technology portfolio, helping evaluate, procure, deploy, and scale emerging technologies in real-world industrial fishing environments. They possess sufficient technical fluency in artificial intelligence, computer vision, data systems, hardware, and software deployment to effectively manage technical vendors and contractors, evaluate proposed solutions, identify implementation risks, assess budgets and technology investments, and ensure that deployed systems meet conservation and operational objectives. Working closely with TNC staff, governments, industry partners, technology providers, and other stakeholders, the Ocean Science and Technology Manager helps guide complex, multidisciplinary projects from concept through implementation and scaling. They have strong project management skills, technical fluency, and the ability to translate between technical and non-technical audiences to advance conservation outcomes through the strategic application of science and technology. They may advise TNC communications, marketing and philanthropy staff on issues related to the priority project(s) and related issues.

We’re Looking For You

The Ocean Science and Technology Manager is a key contributor to the Program's growing Science and Technology portfolio, helping evaluate, procure, deploy, and scale emerging technologies in real-world industrial fishing environments. They possess sufficient technical fluency in artificial intelligence, computer vision, data systems, hardware, and software deployment to effectively manage technical vendors and contractors, evaluate proposed solutions, identify implementation risks, assess budgets and technology investments, and ensure that deployed systems meet conservation and operational objectives. Working closely with TNC staff, governments, industry partners, technology providers, and other stakeholders, the Ocean Science and Technology Manager helps guide complex, multidisciplinary projects from concept through implementation and scaling. They have strong project management skills, technical fluency, and the ability to translate between technical and non-technical audiences to advance conservation outcomes through the strategic application of science and technology. They may advise TNC communications, marketing and philanthropy staff on issues related to the priority project(s) and related issues.

Responsibilities And Scope

• Leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of science and technology initiatives that advance fisheries transparency, monitoring, and sustainability objectives, with a focus on electronic monitoring, computer vision, machine learning, and seafood traceability systems.
• Serves as a technical project manager for complex, multidisciplinary projects, coordinating work across TNC teams, technology providers, contractors, government agencies, and industry partners to ensure successful project delivery.
• Provides technical oversight of contractor- and vendor-delivered solutions, reviewing proposed approaches, deliverables, budgets, and timelines to ensure projects meet operational, technical, and conservation objectives.
• Supports the design, deployment, and scaling of hardware, software, and data management systems in fisheries and remote operational environments, including workflows for transmission, compression, storage, and management of large video and sensor datasets.
• Evaluates emerging technologies and technical approaches and provide recommendations regarding feasibility, scalability, cost-effectiveness, implementation risks, and potential conservation impact.
• Develops technical assessments, reports, presentations, and recommendations to inform programmatic strategy and project implementation, translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Manage project budgets and technology procurements, contribute to vendor selection and contract management, and build productive relationships with internal and external partners to advance strategic conservation goals.
• Provides technical advice and support to other LSF team members as needed.
• May involve domestic and international travel of 25% or more.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, political science, public policy, international relations, international development or related field and 4 years related experience, or equivalent combination.
• Experience leading complex projects or strategic initiatives in an unstructured environment.
• Experience researching, critically analyzing, and evaluating information from divergent sources and compiling it into cohesive reports and recommendations for strategy and action.
• Experience writing and editing technical and informational material.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to write and speak in a language other than English, such as Spanish, Portuguese French or Chinese, highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision concepts, including the ability to evaluate proposed technical approaches, identify potential risks, and effectively oversee contractor-delivered solutions.
• Familiarity with the lifecycle of AI-enabled technology projects, including requirements development, data collection and management, model development, testing, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
• Critical analytical thinking and excellent English writing skills are essential.
• Ability to develop and drive new ideas and approaches.
• Ability to work well in a highly matrixed, decentralized and collaborative organization.
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills and political savvy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet time sensitive deadlines.
• NGO and/or corporate relations experience.

Salary Information

This position may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity, taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. For U.S. based applicants only, the starting pay range for this position is generally within the range of $70,000 – 104,000 for annual base salary and is based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. For all other applicants, pay ranges will be in local currency, the pay range will be based on the local labor market, and not tied to the above pay range. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment and used to determine your actual pay range. Additionally, for all applicants, actual pay will fall within a range based on a variety of factors including, for example, the candidate’s qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

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. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will unposted.

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. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and 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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

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 [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.