River Partners’ helps local communities reconnect and revitalize floodplains and river landscapes across the state of California. We are a private, non-profit organization with offices in Chico, Sacramento, Turlock, and San Diego. As a project-focused company, we believe in the power of demonstrating environmental improvement through large-scale river restoration and empowering others through partnership and collaboration.
Job DescriptionThe Science Director will lead the efforts of River Partners’ Science Team to conceive, plan, permit, deliver, and monitor large-scale habitat restoration projects that contribute to our mission, influence policy improvements, and support our financial model. The Science Director will oversee and train all personnel in the Biology Department and be responsible for building the organization’s capacity and partnerships to generate and communicate scientific advancements to government, academic and private sector partners.
Essential functions and responsibilities include:
Lead the Science team:
• Provide guidance and oversight for restoration project site assessment, planning,
permitting, installation and monitoring
• Cultivate strategic external project and agency partnerships to support rigorous
scientific study of our restoration projects and their effects on the environment and
people
• Communicate our work and scientific contributions with River Partners’ Board of
Directors, staff and partners
• Participate in the recruitment and training of new Science Team members
Assist the Development and Implementation Teams:
• Provide guidance and oversight for restoration project proposals and implementation
plans
• Cultivate strategic external partnerships with academic researchers, vendors, neighbors
and partner organizations to deliver new projects, novel approaches and relevant
ecological outcomes supporting our mission
• Communicate science developments and conservation initiatives with River Partners’
development and implementation staff during regular meetings and trainings
• Work with the President, emeritus staff, external partners and senior Development
Team members to evaluate opportunities for organizational expansion and new
program areas
Assist the Advancement team:
• Create written and verbal communication pieces in collaboration with the Advancement
Director to support fundraising
• Provide Science oversight for proposals and pitches for foundation and private
fundraising
• Contribute to River Partners’ blog, social media, and web presence with photos, written
content, and links
QualificationsKnowledge Skills and Abilities/Qualifications:
• Ability, vision, and energy to lead River Partners’ Science Program
• Experience and knowledge of river restoration ecology across the Western US
• Interest, enthusiasm, and ability to write and implement habitat restoration plans
• Experience in wildlife, wetland and vegetation survey techniques
• PhD in related field
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience
• A self-starter who can work individually or on a team and succeed with limited direction,
under changing conditions
• Ability to navigate differences of opinion with poise and focus
• Unsurpassed written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure, multitask, and prioritize workload
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing and monitoring restoration projects
• Familiarity with environmental permitting
• Flexible schedule – early morning, late evening and weekend hours on occasion
• Valid California Driver’s License, and a clean driving record
Additional InformationTo apply email your resume, cover letter and 3 references to: Jobs AT riverpartners.org Or send an application via mail to: River Partners Attn: Science Director 580 Vallombrosa Ave Chico CA 95926
Skills Required
- PhD in related field
- At least 10 years of relevant professional experience
- Experience and knowledge of river restoration ecology across the Western US
- Demonstrated experience designing, implementing and monitoring restoration projects
- Experience in wildlife, wetland and vegetation survey techniques
- Familiarity with environmental permitting
- Ability, vision, and energy to lead a science program
- Strong written communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work under pressure, multitask, and prioritize workload
- Self-starter who can work individually or on a team with limited direction
- Ability to navigate differences of opinion with poise and focus
- Flexible schedule including occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends
- Valid California Driver's License and a clean driving record
What We Do
River Partners is an environmental conservation organization dedicated to restoring California's rivers and floodplains to create wildlife habitats and secure the region's ecological and climate future. With the largest on-the-ground restoration footprint of any nonprofit or firm in the western U.S., they work to bring life back to rivers and rebuild wild places for the benefit of both people and the environment.
