Job Title:                      Human Dimensions of Conservation Scientist

Department:                 Department of Conservation

Exemption:                  Exempt

Level of Authority:      

            Reports to:             Director of Conservation

            Supervises:            Other Conservation Department Staff, Volunteers, Staff from other Departments that help during fieldwork.

General Responsibilities:

• Plans, develops and implements a diversity of human dimensions of conservation projects in North America, Africa, and Australia, including those focused on understanding how to better involve communities in conservation, impact assessments, and perception studies, as well as other studies as approved by the leadership at TLD.
• Plans, develops and implements a diversity of conservation outreach, capacity building and training programs, and public education programs as parts of conservation projects in North America, Africa, and Australia, including those in collaboration with the Education Department as well as other studies as approved by the leadership at TLD.
• Writes reports that summarize the success of the research and outreach projects in which the position has been involved that can be used in publications, grants, and reports, as guided by TLD’s Director of Conservation.
• Assists in locating funding and partnerships in support of TLD field conservation strategies in North America, Africa, and Australia, as guided by TLD’s Director of Conservation.

Specific Tasks:

• Plans, develops, and implements a wide range of projects and initiatives associated with conservation outreach, education, and social science research projects, mostly focused on work in and across North America, Africa, and Australia.
• Writes and edits a broad range of written materials.
• Organizes and carries out project management activities such as researching and preparing project budgets, preparing project timelines, analyzing projects for required elements and key tasks, identifying key individuals and resources needed to complete assigned projects and tasks, developing scopes of work and specifications for projects involving use of outside services and contractors, and organizing and carrying out projects tasks and elements to meet project goals, deadlines, and performance targets.
• Organizes and conducts teacher meetings, conferences, and workshops as necessary to communicate and distribute education materials to target education audiences.
• Establishes professional relationships with a wide range of individuals, groups, and organizations interested in species recovery efforts.
• Attends working group meetings, conference, workshops, and other meetings associated with outreach and social science research activities. Prepares and conducts presentations to agency sponsors to report on outreach program activities.
• Researches and identifies appropriate sources of government and non-government funding support that may help to provide funding for additional staff and support staff in the Department of Conservation. Assists in crafting grants and other proposals to secure funding to further the approved goals and objectives of the Department of Conservation. Prepares progress reports and project summaries for reporting to grant-giving organizations.
• Keeps financial records, correspondence, and other documentation on research and program activities.
• Other duties, as assigned.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification, including projects in locations other than those listed above.

Equipment Used:

Standard biological and social science fieldwork equipment, PC and/or Apple computer, general office equipment, telephone, radio, electric and gas cart, manual and automatic transmission vehicles, digital camera, audio-visual equipment, camping equipment, among others.

Specific Skills:

• Skill in managing volunteers and collaborators from other Departments at TLD and possibly from among the general public
• Overseeing and conducting social science field research, education, and outreach programs, all of which may involve either solitary (when safe), collaboration with other professionals, or involvement with volunteers
• Skills in survey creation, implementation, data processing, and analysis using R or another comparable statistical tool
• Ability to coordinate all aspects of an education and outreach program involving the conservation of a federally threatened species, in collaboration with a wide range and diversity of stakeholders
• Ability to plan, implement and evaluate communications strategies, education programs, and interpretive media based on established professional practices
• Knowledge and ability to plan, write, and develop educational curricula according to recognized educational standards
• Knowledge of computer, multimedia, and information technology
• Knowledge of broad range of interpretive skills and techniques applicable to interpretive media development
• Skill in written communications, including the ability to write grants, plans, and reports in accordance with TLD policy, develop curriculum-based instructional materials, and generate and answer routine correspondence
• Skill in oral communications, including the ability to present material in a training or instructional capacity, speak before large and small audiences, and interact effectively with a diverse collection of individuals and groups
• General knowledge, enthusiasm, and compliance with the TLD mission, history, and policies
• Knowledge of the natural and cultural history of southern California’s desert ecosystems

Conditions of Work:

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Requires walking, hiking, bending, climbing, lifting, and driving of vehicles. Requires time working on a computer.

DISCOMFORT/RISKS: Work with constantly changing external groups may be physically and intellectually demanding. Occasional exposure to the extreme heat and aridity of the desert environment will occur.

HOLIDAY/EVENING WORK: Holiday, weekend and evening work may be required.

TRAVEL: Regular travel in the deserts of North America, Africa, and Australia in carrying out job responsibilities. Occasional travel to attend workshops, conferences, symposiums and meetings around the world will be necessary.

Qualifications:

• MA degree in the social sciences, psychology preferred, or environmental education is required.
• Four-year university degree in the social sciences, psychology preferred, or environmental education is required.
• At least one year experience in social science conservation fieldwork is required.
• Must be fluent in English and in at least one of the following languages: Spanish, Afrikaans or Dutch, Swahili, Tsonga, or Tswana.
• Valid California driver’s license must be obtained or possessed. Must be insurable on The Living Desert's automobile policy.
• Must be a motivated self-starter with good leadership and communication skills.