1. Designs, plans and implements island conservation projects.
2. Represents Island Conservation to partners, funders and the public.
3. Oversees all project activities, including coordination with IC partners, budgeting, contracting,   regulatory compliance, research, monitoring, field work and writing reports.
4. Tracks project expenses in coordination with IC administrative support staff.
5. Coordinates project activities with other project managers locally and internationally.
6. Participates in recruitment and hiring process for projects requiring additional staff.
7. Participates in field work as a leader of field crew or as a team member.
8. Compiles and analyzes data collected in the field, reports and summarizes data.
9. Writes reports, scientific, and popular articles based on research and monitoring.

• Direct experience in invasive species eradication, including the theory and implementation of eradication projects.
• MSc or PhD in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Science, or other Biological disciplines.
• Willingness and ability to spend significant time in the field away from home.
• Excellent written and spoken English language skills.
• Position requires excellent organizational skill, ability to work independently, ability to solve problems with limited supervision, and the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
•  Ability to perform efficiently under physically demanding conditions, including walking daily on rough footing with a backpack. Ability to live harmoniously in small groups, in remote field camps.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Passport. 

• Foreign language skills (Spanish, French)
• Experience in small boat handling, skippering, small engine and electronics maintenance. 
• Helicopter training, and/or experience working around helicopters.
• Wilderness First Aid/First Responder certification or equivalent. 

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Position: CHIEF SCIENTIST

The Chief Scientist reports to the Executive Director, serves as an active member of Island Conservation’s senior management team. The Chief Scientist will be responsible for leading and/or guiding teams and individuals to develop and apply innovative, adaptable, and scientifically-credible planning frameworks, decision-support tools and analyses. He or she will lead the processes of identifying the highest priority conservation projects and measuring the impact of invasive species removal on conservation targets and ecosystems.

The Chief Scientist is responsible for working with Island Conservation staff members to communicate and publish conservation advances and research findings in academic and other relevant publications. He or she will serve as a spokesperson and fundraiser for Island Conservation, interacting with domestic and international conservation partners, scientific organizations, major donors, the Board of Directors, the media and the academic community. The Chief Scientist, ideally, will be based in Santa Cruz, California. In close collaboration with the Executive Director, the Chief Scientist will ensure that Island Conservation has access to and applies the best available conservation science and establishes productive partnerships with the University of California, Santa Cruz, other universities academic institutions and NGOs.

The broad objectives for the Chief Scientist are to:

• Manage the process of defining conservation priorities;
• Manage the process of measuring the impact of invasive species removal on  conservation targets and ecosystems;
• Develop key partnerships with public and private organizations in order to identify and resolve technical issues and to communicate solutions and best practices;
• Develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address IC’s needs; and
• Communicate the successes and lessons learned to conservation partners, academic institutions, funders and the public.

Professional Qualifications and Personal Attributes

The Chief Scientist ideally will possess the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:

Professional Qualifications:

• A passionate commitment to IC’s core values and mission;
• Advanced degree in conservation biology discipline - Ph.D. preferred;
• 5 or more years of related experience working in international conservation;
• Knowledge of current trends in invasive species management and island  conservation;
• Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects;
• A demonstrated publication record;
• Experience with experimental design and statistical data analysis;
• An entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to think strategically and tactically;
• An ability to perform effectively under pressure and to utilize strong organizational skills when faced with multiple time-sensitive priorities – a willingness to "roll-up sleeves" and personally handle all aspects of position; and
• Exceptional oral and written communications abilities, including public speaking and a facility for translating complex information for a broad range of audiences.
• Fluency in Spanish language also a plus.

Personal Attributes

• An ability to listen to others and learn from their best ideas with a sense of inquisitiveness and intellectual curiosity;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including ability to form lasting bonds with partners and to build close working relationships with colleagues at all levels;Personable, respectful, trustworthy, diplomatic, and in possession of impeccable and unquestioned integrity;
• A flexible and enthusiastic approach to work, including the humility and grace to work effectively with others in a collaborative workplace; and
• Possessing a keen sense of humor.

Compensation

Island Conservation offers a salary that is competitive with other international not-for-profit conservation/environmental organizations; compensation will be commensurate with experience and includes an excellent employee benefits package.