Science Director

River Partners; Rancho Murieta (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

River Partners seeks a Science Director to lead the Science Team in large-scale habitat restoration projects across California. This role involves managing scientific contributions, overseeing the Biology Department, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance environmental outcomes.

Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess more than 10 years of experience in river restoration ecology. Excellent communication and leadership skills are essential for this important role in advancing our mission.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Knowledge of river restoration ecology.
• Ability to write and implement habitat restoration plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Science team and oversee project site assessments.
• Cultivate partnerships for rigorous scientific studies.
• Assist Development and Implementation Teams with project proposals.

Skills

Leadership

Ecological knowledge

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

PhD in a related field

Job description

River Partners’ helps local communities reconnect and revitalize floodplains and river landscapes across the state of California. We are a private, non-profit organization with offices in Chico, Sacramento, Turlock, and San Diego. As a project-focused company, we believe in the power of demonstrating environmental improvement through large-scale river restoration and empowering others through partnership and collaboration.

Job Description

The Science Director will lead the efforts of River Partners’ Science Team to conceive, plan, permit, deliver, and monitor large-scale habitat restoration projects that contribute to our mission, influence policy improvements, and support our financial model. The Science Director will oversee and train all personnel in the Biology Department and be responsible for building the organization’s capacity and partnerships to generate and communicate scientific advancements to government, academic and private sector partners.

Essential functions and responsibilities include:

• Lead the Science team
  • Provide guidance and oversight for restoration project site assessment, planning, permitting, installation and monitoring
  • Cultivate strategic external project and agency partnerships to support rigorous scientific study of our restoration projects and their effects on the environment and people
  • Communicate our work and scientific contributions with River Partners’ Board of Directors, staff and partners
  • Participate in the recruitment and training of new Science Team members
• Assist the Development and Implementation Teams
  • Provide guidance and oversight for restoration project proposals and implementation plans
  • Cultivate strategic external partnerships with academic researchers, vendors, neighbors and partner organizations to deliver new projects, novel approaches and relevant ecological outcomes supporting our mission
  • Communicate science developments and conservation initiatives with River Partners’ development and implementation staff during regular meetings and trainings
  • Work with the President, emeritus staff, external partners and senior Development Team members to evaluate opportunities for organizational expansion and new program areas
• Assist the Advancement team
  • Create written and verbal communication pieces in collaboration with the Advancement Director to support fundraising
  • Provide Science oversight for proposals and pitches for foundation and private
  • Contribute to River Partners’ blog, social media, and web presence with photos, written content, and links

Qualifications

• Ability, vision, and energy to lead River Partners’ Science Program
• Experience and knowledge of river restoration ecology across the Western US
• Interest, enthusiasm, and ability to write and implement habitat restoration plans
• Experience in wildlife, wetland and vegetation survey techniques
• PhD in a related field
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience
• A self-starter who can work individually or on a team and succeed with limited direction, under changing conditions
• Ability to navigate differences of opinion with poise and focus
• Unsurpassed written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure, multitask, and prioritize workload
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing and monitoring restoration projects
• Familiarity with environmental permitting
• Flexible schedule – early morning, late evening and weekend hours on occasion
• Valid California Driver’s License, and a clean driving record