Senior Scientist

Save the Redwoods League; Santa Rosa (CA); Hybrid; USD 141,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off including vacation and holidays

100% employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision

5% employer contribution to retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Annual stipend for wellness or gear purchases

Job summary

Sonoma Land Trust in Santa Rosa, California, seeks a Senior Scientist to lead applied research projects and inform conservation strategies. The role requires strong communication skills and expertise in conservation science.

This full-time position offers an annual salary range of $141,000—$159,000 and benefits including healthcare, retirement contributions, and paid time off. A hybrid work model is implemented.

Qualifications

• Rigorous conservation scientist with a commitment to effective collaborations.
• Experience overseeing applied research and managing scientific data collections.
• Track record of leveraging science to inform conservation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee applied field research and scientific data collection.
• Collaborate across the organization to implement landscape scale conservation.
• Advise conservation research strategy as part of the leadership team.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Technical expertise in conservation

Ability to conduct applied research

Understanding of climate challenges

Collaboration with conservation communities

Education

Advanced degree in a relevant field

Tools

GIS tools

Job description

Sonoma Land Trust seeks a rigorous conservation scientist with strong communication skills to oversee applied research projects, furthering the organization’s commitment to scientifically informed conservation.

The newly established Senior Scientist position builds on Sonoma Land Trust’s five-decade record of conservation innovation and excellence by leveraging the latest science to inform its conservation strategy development, planning, preserve management, educational programs, decision making, and advocacy. This position will oversee the Land Trust’s applied field research and scientific data collections, and will work collaboratively across the organization to identify opportunities to implement landscape scale conservation. In addition to technical expertise and an expansive understanding of the role of conservation in tackling climate, biodiversity, and environmental justice challenges, the Senior Scientist must demonstrate a strong commitment to partnership and forging effective collaborations with peers in the conservation and academic communities. The Senior Scientist is an integral member of the Conservation Program’s team and supports the leadership team in advising conservation research strategy. They will report to the Director of Conservation and will be responsible for supervising the Land Trust’s GIS Manager.

Compensation

This is a full‑time, exempt, benefit‑eligible position. The anticipated annual salary range for the Senior Scientist position is $141,000–$159,000, commensurate with knowledge, abilities, and experience. Relocation support is available.

Sonoma Land Trust’s benefits include:

• Paid time off including paid vacation based on tenure, 15 paid holidays, and paid sick and family leave
• 100% of employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision, and 75% of dependent premiums
• 5% employer contribution to retirement plan after one year of employment
• Employee life and disability insurance
• Pre‑tax dependent care coverage plans for dependent or elder care
• An employee assistance program for mental health, coaching, and financial or legal consultation services
• A lifestyle account annual stipend for wellness or gear purchases

Location

This position is located at the Sonoma Land Trust office in Santa Rosa, California. Staff are working in a hybrid model. Some field work is required.

Start Date

Fall 2026

To Apply

Select “Apply Here.” Please include a CV or resume and a cover letter describing your research experience, qualifications, and skills that match the position criteria, and what you will bring to the role.

Interested and qualified candidates should apply by July 10, 2026 for priority consideration. The position is open until filled.