What We Can Achieve Together:
The Marine Scientist will be part of a small team of multi-disciplinary team members working towards achieving The Nature Conservancy’s marine/estuarine conservation goals in New York and along the Atlantic coast. Marine Scientist will join the New York Oceans and Great Lakes Fisheries team to help advance ecosystem-based approaches to marine and estuarine habitat protection, management, and restoration, marine fishery management, and conduct and communicate science to inform the development and operations of future ocean and estuarine uses such as offshore energy development. The Marine Scientist will work with The Nature Conservancy’s NY Government Relations, Marketing and Communications, Stewardship, Climate Mitigation, Adaptation and Philanthropy teams and marine scientists and practitioners across the Atlantic coast and North America. The Marine Scientist will likely represent The Nature Conservancy and serve as a subject matter expert on intergovernmental committees, councils, and taskforces.
We’re Looking for You:
The Marine Scientist will synthesize and communicate existing scientific knowledge and build partnerships to generate new knowledge applicable to improving and accelerating the success of marine and estuarine habitat protection and restoration efforts in and beyond NY, improving upon the success of ecosystem approaches to marine fisheries management in and beyond NY, avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating potential impacts to marine life and marine habitats from the development of offshore energy along the Atlantic coast. They will collaborate with members of the commercial, for hire, and recreational fishing communities, university scientists, fisheries managers, regulatory agencies, energy agencies, private industry, non-profit organizations and others to identify and resolve technical issues and widely communicate solutions and best practices in pursuit of The Nature Conservancy’s healthy oceans goals.
Responsibilities & Scope :
Advance program objectives within a complex, matrixed organizational environment.
Lead and/or contribute to cross-functional teams and collaborative initiatives.
Represent The Nature Conservancy as a subject matter expert on external committees and technical working groups (e.g., estuary programs and fisheries management bodies).
Manage grants, contracts, budgets, and proposal development.
Conduct or support collaborative research, monitoring, and restoration projects with partners from the fishing industry, public agencies, academia, and private sector organizations.
Interpret policies and scientific information to adapt program strategies and operations.
Provide technical expertise and guidance to staff and partners to support conservation outcomes and ensure effective project delivery.
Communicate ecological and conservation science concepts to internal and external audiences.
Perform fieldwork in variable weather, remote locations, hazardous terrain, and physically demanding conditions, including work aboard ocean-going vessels.
Operate and maintain boats and trailers safely and in compliance with procedures.
Steward The Nature Conservancy’s 13,425-acre Bluepoints Bottomlands Preserve in Great South Bay, including seasonal boundary marking, shellfish monitoring, restoration support, partner coordination, and stakeholder relations with local baymen.
Build and maintain productive partnerships to advance program goals across New York, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Atlantic Coast.
What You’ll Bring:
Master’s degree in marine fisheries, oceanography, marine ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or a related field, and two years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Sufficient sea time to qualify for the U.S. Coast Guard OUPV or Master’s license exam within the first 12 months of employment (minimum 360 sea days since age 16, including at least 90 days on ocean or near‑coastal waters within the past seven years).
NAUI or PADI SCUBA certification, with sufficient dive experience to qualify for participation in The Nature Conservancy’s AAUS SCUBA program.
Experience collecting, synthesizing, interpreting, and communicating scientific or statistical information from diverse data sets.
Experience in preparing technical reports and documenting findings.
Experience leading or contributing to cross-functional teams.
Experience managing complex projects, including financial oversight and coordination of work with peers and external partners.
Experience working and communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders and audiences.
Desired Qualifications:
PhD with authorship of peer-reviewed publications related to marine or estuarine species, habitats, or conservation issues relevant to New York.
Current or prior appointment to an intergovernmental advisory body (e.g., estuary programs, fisheries management council advisory panels, or state environmental task forces) relevant to New York marine or estuarine resources.
Strong computer and technical skills, including proficiency with common software applications and familiarity with statistical software.
Strong knowledge of mathematical and population models used in fisheries science and ecosystem‑based fisheries management in the United States.
Experience with interstate and federal fisheries management processes.
Experience working collaboratively with recreational and/or commercial fishermen on cooperative science projects.
Demonstrated ability to complete projects as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
Practical field experience working aboard vessels in oceanic or coastal environments.
Basic mechanical skills related to the maintenance of boats, trailers, and field equipment.
Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills in English.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Valid driver’s license.
New York State Boating Safety Certificate and experience trailering boats on public roads.
Ability to lift and transport containers weighing up to 50 pounds.
Residency within commuting distance of Suffolk County, New York.
Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross‑cultural experience are a plus.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $103,000 – 105,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
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. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. 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 be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
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.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
