Specialist, Exploration Technology Lab

National Geographic; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with matching

Flexible paid time off (up to 22 days)

Job summary

The National Geographic Society is seeking a Specialist for the Exploration Technology Lab to support technology access and administration for our Explorer network. You will conduct conservation technology research, manage program data and dashboards, coordinate procurement and logistics, and assist with outreach and communications.

This fixed-term role reports to the Director, Product Development and requires strong organization and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science or conservation fields strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in science, conservation, program coordination, metrics/evaluation, operations, or admin support.
• Experience conducting research and synthesizing findings into clear written summaries.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to work with diverse teams.
• Ability to work independently on process-driven tasks and know when to escalate.
• Ability to compile information from disparate sources and produce concise topline messaging.

Responsibilities

• Conservation and Storytelling Technology Research: research and plan technology options; synthesize findings into actionable summaries.
• Data Management & Reporting: ingest and organize program data; create forms, reports, dashboards; support surveys.
• Program Administration and Logistics Coordination: manage hardware procurement, shipping, budgeting, schedules, notes, records, and contracts.
• Outreach & Communications: assist with recruitment outreach, distribute content, coordinate with partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Research ability

Data synthesis

Multi-project management

Excellent communication

Independent work

Information compilation

Fast learner

Proactive attitude

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or conservation fields

Tools

Airtable

Formstack

Salesforce

Job description

How You’ll Contribute

The National Geographic Society invests in a diverse, global community of National Geographic Explorers who are leading a new age of exploration in support of our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, education, and storytelling. These bold individuals represent more than 140 countries and their vast array of backgrounds, perspectives, and fields bring us to the far reaches of the globe. Within the National Geographic Explorer Engagement team, the Exploration Technology Lab is a department that empowers our network of Explorers through access to innovative science and storytelling technologies and tools. In addition to providing physical and virtual technology to National Geographic Explorers, the team members also serve as technology advisors and subject matter experts to ensure National Geographic Explorers have resources when technology questions arise. The Specialist, Exploration Technology Lab (Specialist)’s primary responsibility is supporting the Exploration Technology Lab's programmatic needs, including the operational execution of technology access and support programs across all program tiers, keeping each program running smoothly from launch through close and follow-up. This role is responsible for executing administrative and operational tasks, conservation technology research, as well as managing the logistical, communications and data infrastructure that supports program delivery and the daily functions of the Exploration Technology Lab. The Specialist will report to the Director, Product Development to support the team in the strategic development and adaptive management of Exploration Technology Labs' programs and portfolios, but will support other dynamically evolving needs across the Lab. The Specialist should have a deep and broad curiosity about the world, a proactive and collaborative mindset, a strong sense of accountability and follow-through, and a willingness to take on new challenges. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented and comfortable managing many moving parts across programs of varying structure and duration. This is a fixed-term role with an end date of December 31, 2030.

Your Impact Responsibilities Include:

• Conservation and Storytelling Technology Research Support (30%) Understand related conservation and storytelling technology research relevant field(s), stay networked and informed on emerging trends, and scan for gaps and opportunities in the Exploration Technology Lab’s portfolio. With guidance from the Product Director, conduct research, program planning, and make recommendations on technology decisions. This includes performing landscape analyses for commonly used equipment in a technical area, identifying emerging tools or methods relevant to a program's focus, or compiling comparative information to inform the selection of a piece of technology. Synthesize findings into clear, actionable summaries for program staff.
• Data Management & Reporting (30%) Ingest and organize program management data as well as field-collected data using data management tools while adhering to data best practices. Perform data collection, maintenance, updating and reporting; working with team members to create NGS forms, reports, campaigns, and dashboards to visualize program impact; summarize data and metrics for use in divisional reporting and analysis. Administer evaluation touchpoints and surveys tailored to each program's structure and needed response rate.
• Program Administration and Logistics Coordination (25%) In coordination with the operations team, support the mechanics of hardware and material acquisition, shipping, and management. This includes departmental purchasing and expense reporting, outbound and inbound equipment shipping tracking and associated paperwork. Support program organization, including scheduling, drafting and distributing agendas, taking and distributing notes, tracking action items, managing project records, and supporting facilitation as needed. Support programmatic administration of collaborators, independent contractors, and partners, including contracts and paperwork.
• Outreach & Communications (15%) In coordination with the Product Director, support the Exploration Technology Lab’s Explorer technology opportunity outreach strategy from initial recruitment through active program involvement, including collecting, drafting, editing, and distributing key content and programmatic surveys. Build distribution lists from internal databases and coordinate with partners and stakeholders to promote opportunities. Monitor communication channels and address routine questions.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree required in one or more science or conservation related fields is strongly preferred (such as in environmental science or conservation biology, metrics and evaluation/data science with a social or environmental science application, environmental studies, or natural resource management or engineering-adjacent degrees).

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

3+ years of relevant experience in science or conservation, program coordination, metrics and evaluation, operations, or administrative support is preferred.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Experience conducting research and synthesizing findings into clear written summaries.
• Strong organizational skills; proven ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines, with changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to work with individuals and groups at all levels.
• Ability to work independently on process-driven work while knowing when to escalation.
• Ability to compile information from disparate sources (literature review, interviews and conversations, first‑hand accounts, etc.) and produce condensed, topline messaging and/or recommendations.
• Must be able to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
• Positive attitude with proactive approach.

Desired Qualifications

• Background or experience working in conservation, science, or exploration-focused programs.
• Experience working in database/data‑tracking systems (e.g., Airtable, Formstack, Salesforce or similar), including basic reporting or query-building.
• Experience with survey administration or program evaluation support.
• Familiarity with grants, contracts, or legal documentation workflows.
• Experience coordinating across international stakeholders or time zones.

Supervision

No direct reports

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry‑specific market data for similar‑sized nonprofit organizations. The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The salary range for this position is $71,250.00 - $75,000.00.

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• engaging and comprehensive wellness program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
• flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave
• 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.)
• paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits
• learning and development opportunities
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• pet adoption assistance and insurance
• pre‑tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
• employer‑paid life insurance and disability benefit
• a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks

Job Designation

Hybrid - At the Society, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are Hybrid. Our Hybrid category requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Tuesday and Wednesday. Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if preferred.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Who We Are

The National Geographic Society uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Our mission is only complete when our staff, explorers, educators, youth and partners are seen, valued, and heard. We embrace each person’s identity, experiences, and abilities, and we commit to cultivating an environment where everyone benefits from opportunity, mutual respect and a sense of belonging. National Geographic's headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, generous vacation and parental leave time, a 401(k) plan, flexible work options, and career development.