Remote Ecologist Inc Remote Ecologist Inc Staff Conservation Scientist (Part-Time) Remote Ecologist, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit AZA Conservation Partner, seeks a Staff Conservation Scientist to enhance the development, support, and implementation of in situ and ex situ research and conservation activities with specific partners in Connecticut and in the Northeast region. The position will play a critical role in the expansion of Remote Ecologist's topic-based long-term collaborative research and conservation project areas. This position will be managed as hybrid remote, with some required in-person work with clients and collaborators, as activities require. ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND The mission of Remote Ecologist, Inc. is to facilitate science and conservation through empowering scientists with support services related to grantmaking and management, access to collaborators, library services, core laboratory and field equipment, and reciprocity for ethical review and scientific diving. Core Goals All personnel at Remote Ecologist aim to provide a way to expand conservation science output through providing the research support infrastructure and support mechanisms for these projects to occur - essentially, by functioning as a virtual academic and conservation department. This will facilitate quality science, scientific collaboration, professional growth, and grants management by its members. Unaffiliated scientists will the infrastructure to remain productive, engaged members of the scientific and conservation community, collaborate with Remote Ecologist's long-term staff, and to reenter that scientific community if they have taken a leave of absence. The vision is to provide a world in which scientists can focus on the science that improves our world by having an "on-ramp" back into academic science - or to simply continue their research. Many scientists, particularly those from underrepresented groups, find themselves moving into other careers due to lack of opportunity and connection. All personnel will work to achieve the following objectives of Remote Ecologist: 1) Retain current scientists; 2) Recruit scientists back into the workforce; and 3) Inspire and facilitate scientists in training. The entire team works to support these goals through providing the support mechanisms to function as science and conservation infrastructure, with the end goal facilitating quality science and conservation, collaboration, professional growth, and grants management by its employees, volunteers, and affiliated members. POSITION SUMMARY The Staff Conservation Scientist will work collaboratively with the team at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo and other external partner organizations in the development and implementation of in situ and ex situ research and conservation activities with partners as well as the development of funding streams for all related programs in their interest area. The Staff Conservation Scientist will report directly to the client General Curator and Curator of Education, and will communicate regularly with the Remote Ecologist President & CEO. They will work with all departments to foster productive partnerships and develop new funding opportunities to support specific areas of focus for research and conservation-related activities. The position will play a critical role in the growth of the research and conservation portfolio of Remote Ecologist, Inc., and improve its impact on the scientific community, the development of knowledge, and the conservation of global ecosystems and the organisms that live in these diverse habitats. In particular, this position will be concerned with local terrestrial and coastal populations of species of conservation concern, and those of concern to Remote Ecologist's strategic partners in Connecticut and beyond. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES This position will support the following specific activities in their primary responsibilities: * Evaluate partners' current conservation activities, needs, and ideas for prioritization. * Produce a Conservation and Science Strategic Plan by the end of Q2 (July 2024) that includes a strategic evaluation of each project area, and an implementation strategy. This plan will be ready for approval by the Q3 2024 board meeting. * Represent clients and RE in person throughout any AZA Accreditation process including in-person representation throughout the accreditation inspection and as needed with follow up on documentation, Zoom meetings, phone calls and correspondence to AZA. This effort will continue as a condition of the position beyond year 1. * During 2024, begin concurrent implementation of the most urgent local (Connecticut), regional, national, and international projects, as co-evaluated by client and RE leadership. * Determine a project and funding pipeline appropriate for the projects identified. Funding pipeline documents will include the evaluation of each Request for Proposals (RFP) or potential donation/donor, and whether the opportunity aligns with the team's capacity to execute a proposal and the project itself. * Co-promote 2025 field opportunities in range countries (e.g., RE's current opportunities in forests of Colombia and/or Indonesia) to generate funding and field connection for RE and client staff, volunteers, and education programs. Programs should be at least revenue-neutral and should directly align with clients' projected involvement in field programs over the long-term. * Assists in management of sample repositories of Remote Ecologist, as appropriate, curating collections of fixed and frozen samples collected during research and conservation activities. * Ensures federal, state, and local regulatory compliance, both in the United States and internationally, in all aspects of research and conservation operations. * Writes material for the website and newsletter as interested. Publishes peer-reviewed and popular articles, and presents at scientific conferences. * As needed, interact on behalf of Remote Ecologist with guests, media, general public, etc. * Other tasks/duties as agreed. These may include RE-wide activities that are generated from other funding mechanisms, which would increase the required hours of the position. * This is a year-round position. Experience Required QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Minimum M.S. in a biological/chemical/or physical science, research or conservation field. Two or more years of experience in geospatial biology research and/or conservation activities. Demonstrated publication and presentation record. Experience with techniques related to studying physical characteristics' effects on spatial distribution of Connecticut species of special concern (CT DEEP) or others. R (or similar statistical software), ArcGIS, and other relevant scientific tools. 2-3 years of work experience in a university, laboratory, government, AZA-accredited institution, or equivalent, working on research or conservation issues with aquatic animals or ecosystems. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Preferred: Some experience in public relations activities such as interacting professionally and effectively with journalists and other PR professionals. Optional: Open water SCUBA certification. (Preferred: AAUS Scientific Diver certification.) Preferred: Field and boating experience. Valid driver's license required. Necessary for any international work: Valid passport, or the ability to obtain one AND authorization to travel to Caribbean and South American nations. Optional: Spanish language fluency. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or valid authorization to work in the United States (U.S). Ability to work collaboratively and independently. Able to work weekends and holidays, and to travel for extended periods of time to perform project duties or for outreach. *Only as appropriate for field projects Required: Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet changing institutional requirements. This includes openness to the growth of this position into a full-time position. Further Comments Salary: Salary is fixed at $25 per hour at 25 hours average per week to start, with projected yearly increases both in hourly rate and hours, given current contractual funding. Dependent upon education, experience, and available funding, more opportunity will be made available as funds are acquired by the organization. This position is not eligible for full benefits at this time, and pay rate will be set by the grants and funding acquired. Work Mode: Hybrid Remote This position is expected to be physically present at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT between 1-2 days per week, eventually more. Field work will require physical presence, and the ability to lift 60 lbs. over uneven terrain. Field work may be local, regional, or international, depending on the project funding availability and the applicant's repertoire. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Remote Ecologist, Inc. an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Salary $25/hour, with projected yearly increases How to Apply TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter and CV to Dr. David Hudson at info@remoteecologist.org, with Staff Scientist in the subject line of your email. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a hire is identified, and resumes will be kept on file. No phone calls please. Remote Ecologist Inc 320 Boston Post Rd. Darien, CT 06820 Fax: Remote Ecologist Inc Visit our website Like us on Facebook