Peatlands Climate & Restoration Scientist

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Peatlands Climate and Restoration Scientist will play a key role in advancing The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) climate mitigation and ecosystem restoration strategies in North Carolina. This includes directly informing efforts to rehabilitate more than 30,000 acres of ecologically significant wetlands in eastern NC, helping to maximize the climate, environmental and community benefits of restoration investments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Working closely with TNC scientists and conservation practitioners, the Scientist will assess how peatland restoration influences wildfire risk, greenhouse gas emissions, hydrologic function, air quality, and other ecosystem services. Through advanced spatial analysis, statistical modeling, and climate projections, the Scientist’s work will inform long-term management strategies.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Analytics and Reporting (70%)

• Estimate the reduction in wildfire risk due to peatland rehabilitation in North Carolina using historical fire occurrence data environmental risk factors.

• Analyze relationships among fire risk, peatland drainage conditions, and other biophysical and socio-economic drivers of fire occurrence.

• Evaluate the ecosystem service benefits associated with reduced fire risk, including impacts on carbon storage, air quality, public health, and community resilience.

• Develop and apply models to assess future wildfire risk under a range of climate change scenarios, including potential risks of restoration reversal.

• Collaborate with TNC scientists and practitioners to integrate analytical findings into investment strategy and management planning.

Communication (30%)

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive geospatial database incorporating fire occurrence and severity data, peatland extent and condition information, management context, climate projections, and other key determinants of wildfire risk.

• Present analyses and findings to technical and non-technical audiences, highlighting historical trends, key drivers of fire risk, restoration outcomes, and future climate-related risks.

• Prepare technical reports, white papers, scientific manuscripts, and other written products that communicate research findings and support conservation decision-making.

• Contribute to knowledge sharing across TNC programs and with external research and conservation partners.

By joining our North Carolina team, you will become part of a group that is a force for nature and people.  Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together.  We’re looking for an individual with GIS software and map creation experience who wants to make a difference.  Come join TNC and apply today!

• Bachelor’s Degree in science related field and 1-year experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with GIS software and data to create maps.

• Experience managing large, complex spatial datasets and analytics systems; proficiency in data analysis tools and coding environments.

• Demonstrated expertise in statistical modelling techniques and methods.

• Experience working with climate projections and scenarios to assess future environmental risks and outcomes.

• Ability to perform technical analyses and communicate findings to non-technical audiences.

• Proven ability to work independently and collaborate with diverse teams, including conservation practitioners and academic scientists.

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Field experience.

• Ability to interpret guidelines and evaluate information and adapt accordingly.

• Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment. 

• Time management skills.

• Track record of academic publications is a plus.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $30.00 – $35.00 per hour. 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.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

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 and Perks here.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.