Position Description

SFEI is seeking 1-2 talented, highly-motivated ecologists to join the Urban Nature Lab in our Resilient Landscapes Program. The positions are an opportunity to work with an outstanding multidisciplinary team of scientists on innovative projects that help improve the functioning of California landscapes for people and wildlife. We are looking for individuals who can start immediately.
 
The successful candidate will work on applied science projects relating to urban resilience, urban greening and biodiversity management, ecosystem restoration, and climate-change adaptation planning in the urban, working, and conserved landscapes of the Bay Area and statewide. 

Primary position responsibilities will include; developing multi-benefit strategies that increase equitable access to ecosystem services in urban and rural landscapes; and advancing landscape-scale conservation planning that promotes resilient riverine, wetland, coastal, and urban ecosystems in the context of climate change and increasing development. 

The position will require using a variety of analytical tools to understand landscape processes, writing technical reports to convey project findings, and working with external partners.This position will also play a leadership role in managing projects, coordinating teams, and working with partners to achieve successful project outcomes.

Qualifications

We are seeking highly creative and technically-strong candidates with a masters or PhD in the ecology of urban or terrestrial ecosystems (or related field). We expect to hire both an experienced mid-level position and a PhD-level scientist with a strong background in a related discipline. We are also interested in project management experience.

Associate Environmental Scientist 

• Master’s degree + 4 years experience in ecological restoration, environmental consulting, or other conservation-related field. 
• Exceptional project management skills, and strong track record of project leadership, including overseeing staff, budgets, schedules and deliverables 
• Highly organized person with ability to coordinate large teams combining both SFEI staff and external partners to achieve complex project goals under tight deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively and with interdisciplinary teams 
• Excellent communication skills; demonstrated ability to communicate findings clearly in writing and presentations and translate complex concepts for both general and technical audiences
• Ability to maintain excellent working relationships with external partners and stakeholders

Environmental Scientist 

• PhD + 1-2 years experience or masters + 7 years experience with strong scientific and technical background, quantitative skills, and demonstrated ability to lead complex scientific projects testing hypotheses, conducting novel experiments, and communicating findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences 
• Areas of expertise could include urban ecology, pollinator or insect ecology in an agricultural or urban context, ecosystem service quantification, the intersection between nature access and human health, or California restoration science. Knowledge of California ecosystems, plants, and biodiversity is a plus. 
• Ability to synthesize, analyze, and/or visualize information from qualitative and quantitative datasets using a variety of tools (e.g., Excel, GIS or other geospatial tools, R, statistical software, and/or data visualization techniques such as InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator)
• Excellent communication skills; demonstrated ability to communicate findings clearly in writing and presentations and translate complex concepts for both general and technical audiences
• Ability to lead projects, including overseeing staff, budgets, schedules, and deliverables
• Ability to maintain excellent working relationships with external partners and stakeholders
• Experience presenting at professional or academic conferences and to stakeholder groups

Our work bridges many topical areas. We do not require expertise in all these areas, but the successful candidates should have an interest in and knowledge of one or more of the following: 

• Urban ecology science and planning 
• California ecosystem restoration 
• Landscape-scale conservation and restoration
• Wildlife ecology
• Biodiversity or pollinator ecology in agricultural landscapes and urban community gardens 
• Landscape change and historical ecology
• Terrestrial ecosystem ecology, related to forest health, fire-adapted ecosystems, invasive species, and climate change in California or Mediterranean ecosystems
• Ecosystem services (e.g., heat island effect reduction, human health benefits)
• Human health links to nature access and connection 
• Engaging diverse communities in urban greening and adaptation planning

To apply, fill out the application form here. Please do not use any 3rd party web sites to apply for the position. No phone calls please.

About the Resilient Landscapes Program

SFEI’s Resilient Landscapes Program develops innovative ecosystem restoration and management strategies to re-establish and sustain key ecological functions and services. These strategies are helping integrate natural and human infrastructure to create systems that are more adaptive to climate change and other stressors. We are a team-oriented program of 25 interdisciplinary scientists (geomorphologists, hydrologists, ecologists), landscape designers, and GIS specialists, working closely together and with staff across the Institute with expertise in water quality and informatics.

About SFEI

The San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) provides independent science to assess and improve the health of the waters, wetlands, and wildlife, in rural and urban landscapes of San Francisco Bay, the California Delta, and beyond. SFEI’s 70 scientists and experts deliver data, technology, and tools that empower government, civic and business leaders to create cost-effective solutions for complex environmental issues–from cleaner water and sustainable communities to climate change.  

SFEI is committed to building a culturally diverse staff, and we strongly encourage applications from women, people of color and other groups commonly under-represented in environmental science.
San Francisco Estuary Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action Employer

At SFEI, we celebrate the diversity of our staff and the places we serve, and believe that diversity is a strength. We are committed to growing together and creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace.  We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, and people with other identities commonly under-represented in environmental science.

San Francisco Estuary Institute is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind.  All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, family or parental status, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Application Information

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact Linda Russio at 510-746-7355 or linda@sfei.org.

For more information on our mission, values, programs, and staff, visit the San Francisco Estuary Institute website www.sfei.org.  

Please note that SFEI cannot sponsor an employment visa (e.g., H-1B) to fill this position.

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