Water & Agricultural Scientist, Corporate Engagement

United States

This position can be based anywhere in the United States

#LI-REMOTE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Water and Agricultural Scientist is a member of TNC’s Corporate Engagement Science and Standards team in the Impact Finance & Markets Division. The Corporate Engagement (CE) team, one of four business units in the Impact Finance & Markets Division, provides technical leadership to translate the value of nature and conservation into actionable strategies for the private sector.

The Water and Agricultural Scientist will be responsible for advancing water resilience in agricultural supply chains in support of TNC’s dual climate and biodiversity goals. A core function of this role will be adapting existing agricultural water management science and third party standards to applied contexts for corporations in the agricultural sector. They will need to stay up to date on emerging climate resilient agricultural strategies related to water and rapidly evolving corporate water reporting frameworks, working in close coordination with their supervisor for guidance and direction.

The Water and Agricultural Scientist will report to the Spatial Data Science Lead on the Science and Standards Team in Corporate Engagement. This position may be based in anywhere in the United States. The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $75,000- $85,000 for annual base salary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• The Water and Agricultural Scientist will synthesize scientific information on water resilience within agricultural value chains in support of TNC’s strategic engagements with the private sector. They will work with scientists and conservation teams across the organization and located throughout the world to align on internal priorities and then execute on those priorities through direct interface with agricultural sector companies.
• They will also support the design and implementation of a business case for water resilient value chains via TNC’s Resilient Watersheds and Foodscapes Strategies and multiple aligned third-party standards and platforms, e.g., CEO Water Mandate, Science Based Targets Network.
• They will advise internal and external teams on effective pathways for securing water for agricultural production, people, and nature in key agricultural sourcing regions, with an emphasis on connecting farm-scale solutions to watershed-scale and global-scale outcomes. They will also compile and present excellent written and oral reports for audiences with varying levels of technical expertise and cultural backgrounds.
The Water and Agricultural Scientist will be expected to adhere to the Conservancy’s rigorous scientific and corporate engagement principles and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to produce quality conservation deliverables on-time and within budget.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Stay up to date on best available science and standards vis-à-vis best practices for corporate agricultural water target setting and action plans.
• Participate in relevant third-party standards and platforms to advance multi-stakeholder action around water resilience in agriculture.
• Coordinate with other scientists and key decisions makers within and outside of TNC.
• Help ensure programs and strategy are built on a credible scientific and technical basis.
• Develop and present written and oral communications for audiences with a broad range of technical expertise.
• Work with external and internal collaborators to design and implement corporate collaborations and programs in alignment with TNC’s strategies.
• Maintain a learner’s mindset, i.e., staying comfortable with ambiguity and being willing to ask questions.
• Some travel anticipated; up to 25% of time (global and domestic).

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We are a high functioning team who values collaboration, mutual respect, and curiosity. We're looking for a developing scientist to help us ensure our corporate partnerships are built on a foundation of robust science and accountability. If you are a scientist interested in creating impactful partnerships with corporations to deliver conservation benefits in agriculture, this job is for you!

• Master's Degree in an agricultural and/or engineering related field (e.g., agronomy, agroecology, agricultural and biological systems engineering, hydrology, natural resources, water resources engineering) and 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Education or experience in climate change science, adaptation planning, and/or climate resilient agriculture.
• Experience leading and working with cross functional teams.
• Experience synthesizing, interpreting, and communicating scientific information to a variety of audiences.
• Experience preparing reports of findings.
• Experience handling standard business communications.
  

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $75,000 – $85,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 55132, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.