NCS Data Scientist

The NCS Data Scientist will lead and support quantitative, statistical, and geospatial analyses related to quantifying and mapping climate mitigation potential from forest and peatland ecosystems, and enabling development and implementation of NCS projects and strategies by TNC and partners. The NCS Data Scientist will be responsible for designing and executing complex and various analytical work flows, and will work with a range of data types (tabular, spatial, remote sensing imagery) at a range of geographies (local to global).

What We Can Achieve Together:

The NCS Data Scientist will lead and support quantitative, statistical, and geospatial analyses related to quantifying and mapping climate mitigation potential from forest and peatland ecosystems, and enabling development and implementation of NCS projects and strategies by TNC and partners. They will work independently within a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary team. The NCS Data Scientist will be responsible for designing and executing complex and various analytical work flows, and will work with a range of data types (tabular, spatial, remote sensing imagery) at a range of geographies (local to global). They will synthesize findings through the creation of novel datasets, reports and/or tools to inform conservation strategies and project implementation. This position plays a key role in project coordination, data stewardship, and capacity building-delivering tools, training, and technical support to TNC staff and partners across global business units.

We're Looking for You:

The Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) Data Scientist provides technical support, leadership, and scientific expertise to advance the global NCS strategy, with a focus on forests and peatlands.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Lead and/or support the design and implementation of scientific studies that assess the climate outcomes and enabling conditions of natural climate solutions, primarily in forests and peatland systems.
  
• Design and implement analytical workflows, including advanced statistical and geospatial analyses.
  
• Manage objectives and timelines across various partners and stakeholders (internal and external) to deliver timely results.
  
• Operate independently with minimal oversight, managing complex scientific projects from concept to delivery.
  
• Work collaboratively and creatively, to efficiently deliver data, analyses, and tools that meet near term conservation objectives.
  
• Deliver tools, data, analytical support and training to staff and partners in direct support of conservation strategies and projects, across global and regional teams.
  
• Draft and publish written material and/or visualizations to communicate information effectively to internal and external audiences, including peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, and plain language science syntheses.
  
• Works across multiple geographies and timezones to provide technical and strategic support of global NCS initiatives, as well as regional and country programs.
  
• May have opportunity to work in the field (with variable weather conditions, at remote locations, potentially hazardous terrain).
  
• May lead staff, interns or volunteers on a project basis.
  
• May manage a grant, contract or request for proposal.
  
• May travel internationally.
  
• May lead workshops or training sessions.
  

The location for this position is flexible within countries where The Nature Conservancy has an established office. This position is not eligible for relocation, immigration assistance or sponsorship.

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

What You'll Bring:

• Master's Degree in scientific field relevant to natural resources and 2 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
• Experience working within cross functional teams.
  
• Experience working with a various set of stakeholders on scientific topics.
  
• Experience producing, cleaning, analyzing large datasets, related to natural resources, environmental data, large geospatial data, and/or remotely-sensed imagery.
  
• Proven experience with written and verbal communication skills, specifically experience synthesizing, interpreting and communicating scientific information to various audiences .
  
• Strong knowledge of common software applications.
  
• Proven ability to independently design and complete scientific deliverables for complex projects.
  
• Skilled in code-driven analytical tools such as R or Python for manipulating and analyzing tabular data.
  
• Proficient in GIS tools, including ArcGIS, QGIS, and GEE, with experience conducting advanced geospatial analyses.
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in forestry, reforestation, agroforestry, peatlands, and/or other forest-related land uses.
  
• Experience working on climate solutions, especially natural climate solutions.
  
• Carbon accounting expertise that might include expertise in leakage, durabi