Ocean Recovery Scientist

Location: Remote – California (travel to field sites as needed)
Organization: The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
Schedule: Full-time
Application Deadline: September 17, 2025
Requisition ID: JR100771

Role Summary

The Ocean Recovery Scientist provides scientific leadership and technical support for conservation initiatives under Conservation by Design (CbD) and Measures of Success (MOS), with a primary focus on recovering the endangered kelp-forest predator, the sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides). You will design and implement marine ecological studies, classify conservation targets, analyze and manage data to prioritize sites, and translate science into actionable restoration and species-recovery strategies. This role includes marine fieldwork in variable weather and remote settings, rigorous data management, cross-functional collaboration, and clear communication of findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Lead design, coordination, and implementation of marine ecological field studies and monitoring aligned to species recovery and restoration objectives.
Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret ecological data; develop decision-support tools to prioritize conservation actions and assess outcomes.
Plan and conduct scientific surveys (SCUBA-based and other methods); ensure adherence to safety, QA/QC, and permitting requirements.
Prepare scientific reports, technical briefs, grant proposals, and peer-reviewed publications; present findings to partners, agencies, and community stakeholders.
Advance species-recovery strategies for Pycnopodia helianthoides, including site selection, experimental design, and pre/post-restoration monitoring.
Build and maintain collaborations with academic partners, NGOs, agencies, Tribes/Indigenous communities, and local stakeholders to accelerate recovery.
Contribute to budgeting, timeline management, and grants compliance; track metrics and report on Measures of Success (MOS).
Support hatchery/lab collaborations as needed (e.g., culture methods, health screening, outplant-readiness).
Champion science communication across written, spoken, and visual formats; support internal and external knowledge sharing.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in an ocean science–related field and 5 years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Demonstrated experience in applied marine ecological research, field implementation, monitoring, and data management.
Proven track record designing, leading, and coordinating field studies, including logistics, safety, and team leadership.
Experience collaborating with peers, partners, agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions on marine initiatives.
Strong science communication skills across technical reports, presentations, and public-facing materials.
SCUBA certification with documented scientific/fieldwork diving experience.

Desired Qualifications

Proficiency with statistical analyses and/or GIS applications for marine conservation planning.
Hands-on experience implementing marine restoration or species-recovery projects, including baselines and post-restoration monitoring.
Experience coordinating field experiments in remote locations and challenging conditions.
Familiarity with hatchery or marine lab operations and organism culture techniques.
Background in invertebrate pathology, genetics, and/or selective breeding is a plus.
Demonstrated problem-solving, adaptive management, and entrepreneurial mindset in dynamic contexts.
Successful grant writing/fundraising experience; budget management and public grant administration.
Experience engaging with state/federal agencies and working within species-recovery frameworks.
American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) certification preferred.
Strong track record working with diverse communities and stakeholder groups.

Compensation

Arcata, Chico, Three Rivers: $73,000–$85,800
Sacramento, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Ventura: $80,300–$94,500
San Francisco Bay Area & Los Angeles County: $87,700–$103,100
Final pay within range based on location, skills, and experience.

Benefits and Work Environment

Comprehensive benefits including health care, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) with 8% employer match, parental leave, paid time off, life and disability coverage, and employee assistance program.
Flexible, supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth in a science-driven, mission-focused organization.
Fieldwork may involve remote sites, variable weather, hazardous terrain, and physically demanding conditions.

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. TNC advances inclusive, science-based, on-the-ground solutions to address climate change and biodiversity loss, fostering a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences drive impact. TNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a respectful, inclusive environment and offers accommodations upon request during the application process.