Forest Spatial Scientist

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Forest Spatial Scientist will work on a large collaborative research project with the US Forest Service. The position will be embedded at a Forest Service Duty or Research Stations in the contiguous United States. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to work in Missoula, MT. We are looking for ecologists to conduct geospatial analyses related to wildfire behavior and wildfire risk reduction treatments. The Forest Spatial Scientist's work will include significant spatial analyses using the FSim wildfire risk simulation model. Prior experience with FSim is appreciated but not required. A demonstrated ability to process large geospatial datasets and conduct large scale spatial analyses using tools such as R and/or Python is required.

This grant-funded position is term-limited and is scheduled to end in June of 2027.

We are Looking For You:

We are hiring staff to support the United States Forest Service’s efforts over the next two years. We are looking for a forest ecologist to conduct geospatial analyses related to wildfire. Desired subject matter expertise includes: wildfire behavior, management, and impacts; quantitative/spatial science; forest ecology and management.

• Master's Degree in science related field and 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience (e.g., candidates just finishing their PhD).

• Experience on interdisciplinary, distributed research teams.

• Experience synthesizing, interpreting, and communicating scientific information.

• Experience preparing reports of findings.

• Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to conduct large-scale spatial analyses in ArcGIS Pro, R, Google Earth Engine, the Forest Vegetation Simulator, and/or Python.

• Expertise in parallel processing of spatial analyses in the cloud.

• Remote sensing expertise.

• Experience using Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) models or derived products and models.

• Experience using Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) forest plot data.

• Ecological expertise in forests and wildfires.

• Knowledge of fuel treatment prescriptions and effects on fire behavior.

• Knowledge of spatial statistics.

• Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people and working with cross functional teams.

• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means.

• Knowledge of spatial statistics.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $67,500 - $100,000. 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.

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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.