NCS Spatial Data Scientist Job Listing at The Nature Conservancy in United States of America (Job ID JR101198)

Description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The NCS Spatial Data Scientist lead and support geospatial, statistical, and ecological analyses that quantify and map climate mitigation opportunities, and measure climate mitigation performance—primarily in forest ecosystems, but also peatland ecosystems, with occasional work in other high-carbon landscapes. Working independently within a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary team, the NCS Spatial Data Scientist designs and executes complex scientific projects, develops remote sensing geospatial, and ecological models, and synthesizes findings to inform conservation strategies. They serve as the principal geospatial lead for climate-smart forestry, reforestation, and agroforestry initiatives and contribute to the refinement of NCS pathways and monitoring tools by assessing impacts on carbon stocks, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being.

This position also plays a key role in project coordination, data stewardship, geospatial partnership maintenance, and capacity building—delivering tools, training, and technical support to TNC staff and partners across global business units.

The location for this position is flexible within countries where The Nature Conservancy has an established office. Salary is based on physical working location. No relocation assistance.  

This is a two-year funded position with the possibility for extension based on deliverables and funding. 

The NCS Spatial Data Scientist provides technical leadership and scientific expertise to advance the global NCS strategy. In this role you will be expected to:

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Lead and collaborate on scientific investigations that assess the climate mitigation potential and measurement of NCS interventions, with a focus on spatial heterogeneity and ecosystem dynamics in forest systems (with an emerging focus on peatland systems).
• Collaboratively design and implement innovative studies and partnerships investigating climate outcomes and enabling conditions for NCS interventions.
• Design and implement remote sensing workflows and ecological models to evaluate land management impacts on carbon, biodiversity, and livelihoods, including accuracy assessments, data QA/QC, power analyses, and uncertainty assessments.
• Conduct advanced geospatial analyses ranging from zonal statistics to spatially explicit modelling of landscape vulnerability and future deforestation, to mapping of forestry harvest cycles, to quantification of forest regrowth.
• Develop new datasets as needed, including classification of remote sensing imagery (e.g., Landsat, MODIS, LIDAR, SAR).
• Coordinate data delivery and sharing agreements with collaborators, ensuring quality control and compliance.
• Draft and publish peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, and visualizations that communicate key findings to internal and external audiences.
• Serve as a scientific thought leader for geospatial work within the NCS Team, including leading cross-cutting projects and targeted trainings.
• Provide strategic engagement and technical support to TNC staff and partners across global, regional, and country programs.
• Operates independently with minimal oversight, managing complex scientific projects from concept to delivery.
• Works across multiple geographies to support global NCS initiatives.
• Engages with a broad spectrum of partners—internal and external—to drive science-informed implementation of NCS.
• Advises and trains TNC staff and collaborators in the use of geospatial tools and analytical methods.
• Develop adaptive management plans, conceptual models and designs ecosystem conservation strategies.
• Administer and coordinate  interdisciplinary projects, including oversight of grants, contracts, and field campaigns.                                
• Deliver tools, field services and training to staff and partners.                                 
• Provide fieldwork and logistical support for research, project development and monitoring.       
• May lead staff, interns or volunteers on a project basis.                      
• May manage a grant, contract or request for proposal.                      
• Must work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• May travel internationally

If you're looking for a career where you can find purpose, come join our NCS Team within the Tackle Climate Change Business Unit as the NCS Spatial Data Scientist. Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives on our global team, but you'll contribute to conservation goals through many networks! We're looking for a passionate, dedicated person to support our NCS strategy and work within our business unit and organization. Communication and experience interpreting scientific information are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

• Master's Degree in natural resources, geospatial science, or a related scientific field and at least 2 years of experience in a professional , scientific setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.                  
• Extensive experience in forestry, reforestation, agroforestry, and/or other forest-related land uses.
• Proven ability to independently design and complete scientific deliverables for complex projects
• Proficient in GIS tools, including ArcGIS and Google Earth Engine, with experience conducting advanced geospatial analyses

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous or current experience working with The Nature Conservancy is strongly preferred.
• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Strong knowledge of common software applications.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Ability to make independent decisions.
• Experience working across cultures and languages.
• Extensive experience in the field of monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
• Attention to detail.
• Training experience.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

This position may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity, taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. For U.S. based applicants only, the starting pay range for this position is generally within the range of $58,500 – 100,725 for annual base salary and is based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. For all other applicants, pay ranges will be in local currency, the pay range will be based on the local labor market, and not tied to the above pay range. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment and used to determine your actual pay range. Additionally, for all applicants, actual pay will fall within a range based on a variety of factors including, for example, the candidate's qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

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.”

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.