The Nature Conservancy in Alaska is seeking a motivated, dedicated person to serve as Marine Conservation Planner and GIS Analyst in the Bering Sea and Polar Marine program.  Please send cover letters and CVs to Shelly Morgan at smorgan@tnc.org with “marine conservation planner” in the subject line.  For information about how to apply, please visit http://careers.nature.org and search for “marine conservation planner”.

POSITION SUMMARY  

The Marine Conservation Planner / GIS Analyst will support The Nature Conservancy’s Bering Sea and Polar Marine conservation programs, focusing initially on the coastal, estuarine, and continental shelf habitats of the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas.  S/He will be instrumental in developing science-based conservation plans for these regions through data collection, development, analysis, and mapping and through conservation approaches including regional planning, policy, protected-area designation, and market-based strategies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Marine Conservation Planner/GIS Analyst will:

• work collaboratively with the Bering Sea / Polar Marine director to develop multi-faceted regional and community-based collaborative initiatives with partners;
• be part of a team that works on the design of marine protected areas, approaches and tools for ecosystem-based management, gap analyses, ecoregional assessments, and conservation action plans;

• serve as a primary point of contact for marine planning and will be expected to enhance strategic partnerships both within and outside the Conservancy to improve the development and implementation of plans;
• report the advancement of marine science in planning, tools, and training;
• engage relevant local communities, government agencies, academic institutions, and other private non-profit organizations by building connections and collaborative undertakings;
• organize and oversee a variety of program activities;
• recognize and develop new opportunities to advance program goals, communicate regularly and effectively with a wide variety of people with different backgrounds and perspectives;
• develop and manage spatial and non-spatial data and databases;
• be the primary marine species and habitat analyst;
• contribute to the Conservancy's global and regional marine conservation goals by coordinating with marine staff across the organization.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• MS degree in a field relevant to marine science and marine resource conservation and 3-5 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems technology and software such as ArcGIS, but also including graphics, and database software packages such as Microsoft Access;
• Demonstrated conservation planning experience, including the design and implementation of conservation planning projects involving GIS data development and management, map production, and spatial analysis.

 ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

• Experience with tools for conservation planning such as Marxan is desired.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative when working independently or as part of a group. 
• Ability to work effectively in a lead or support position within a team. 
• Excellent creative problem-solving skills, ability to learn new skills and procedures quickly and to train others in their use. 
• Comfort with uncertainty.
• Advanced analytical skills including manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data for marine ecosystems
• Knowledge of marine species and ecosystems and their conservation needs
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently and occasionally on evenings and weekends

BENEFITS

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.  

ABOUT US

The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.