Peninsula Open Space Trust Careers

Conservation Research Fellow

The Conservation Research Fellow supports science-driven conservation at POST by leading and managing conservation science research projects in the Peninsula and South Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The Fellow reports to the Director of Conservation Science helping to support the conservation science and learning throughout POST.

The Fellowship offers a two-year, full-time, paid position with a comprehensive benefits package, working alongside our staff based out of POST’s Palo Alto office. POST’s position as a leader within the regional conservation field will offer the Fellow the opportunity to learn from a diverse array of colleagues, engage in a breadth of innovative projects and programs, and continue to develop their professional skills for a career in the field of conservation science.

This is a unique opportunity to join one of the most successful land trusts in the country and to study conservation of the spectacular landscapes of the San Francisco Peninsula and the South Bay for the benefit of all.

Conservation Research Fellow will dedicate about half of their time to one or more projects addressing a regional conservation knowledge gap through collaborative research. The Fellow will work with the Director of Conservation Science to identify the research questions and lead the experimental design and execution of research, analysis, and communication of research outcomes. Fellows are encouraged to share their areas of conservation research interest.  The focus should be on applied conservation science that is relevant to the San Francisco Bay Area and of interest to POST; examples include:

• Measuring conservation success
• Regional biodiversity monitoring
• Land use change projection
• Barriers to increase use of prescribed fire
• Wildlife / Human conflict

The other half of the Fellow’s time will be dedicated to working closely with POST’s program areas (Forest Health, Wildlife Linkages, Public Access, Coyote Valley, Farmland) to develop science-driven solutions to program specific conservation challenges. In addition, the Fellow will support the Director of Conservation Science in identifying and communicating emerging conservation science topics relevant to POST.

POST is currently a combined remote and hybrid workplace, and our policy regarding hybrid work schedules continues to evolve. We expect to maintain flexibility regarding schedules and hybrid working arrangements. The successful candidate for this job must live within a reasonable driving distance to POST’s Palo Alto office and its lands on the San Francisco Peninsula and in the South Bay.

In this role you would:

• Lead conservation science research projects of regional significance
• Support Land Team decision-making through literature research and conservation science recommendations to planning processes, stewardship activities, or program strategy
• Coordinate and support external research projects occurring on POST managed properties
• Manage logistics of POST-led scientific research projects
• Coordinate implementation of research activities with internal staff, consultants, and external partners
• Collaborate with the Director of Conservation Science on updating all staff and board on recent conservation science developments through written memos and presentations
• Represent Science team at an organizational level as needed including through collaboration on marketing and fundraising projects
• General office duties as needed

For the best opportunity to succeed in this role, you would have:

• PhD degree or equivalent research experience in conservation or a related field
• Experience leading independent research projects with minimal direct supervision
• Demonstrated ability to build and effectively manage research collaborations with a diversity of individuals and groups
• Familiarity with recent conservation relevant research
• A commitment to POST’s mission, vision, and core values
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Experience working with external contractors a plus
• Proficiency in the MicroSoft Office Suite, Google Suite, database programs, and with administrative support and file management tools in an Apple environment.
• Valid California Driver’s License and insurable driving record to allow use of POST vehicles for site visits that may be associated with selected projects.

This job has the following physical requirements:

• Regular and accurate communication with others and completion of work tasks involving the use of phone, computer, web, and video technology, the ability to interact effectively with digital and printed materials, and to operate required job-related equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 lbs. of equipment and supplies in the office or the field.
• Ability to traverse uneven or rough terrain, and to tolerate exposure to outdoor elements and varying weather conditions potential project-related site visits.
• There are occasional duties that occur outside regular working hours.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to allow a person to perform essential functions.

If you would like to apply:

Please write a cover letter telling us why you are a great match for this role. We are not able to give the same level of consideration to applications submitted without a cover letter.

SALARY RANGE FOR THIS POSITION:
$71,370-79,300 depending upon level of skills and experience, plus excellent benefits including healthcare, retirement account contribution & matching, generous time off, paid maternity/paternity/family medical leave, excellent learning and mental/physical wellness programs, personal mobile/internet usage stipend, commuter benefits, and many more!

POST’s Core Values:

Nature Connects Us All: We believe that we are part of an interconnected web of life and that diversity of all types creates strength and resilience. In our work, we strive to protect and heal the ecosystems that support our collective well-being.

Act Today for the Long-Term: We take action today in ways that support our bold, long-term vision. We accept and balance the tension between the present and the future while staying true to our purpose.

Commit to Learning and Growth: We are creative, curious and courageous in our approaches and willing to change course when necessary. We learn from our successes and mistakes.

Care About How We Work: We believe all living things should be treated with dignity. We acknowledge the many injustices against people and nature. We are dedicated to strive for equity in our actions.

Honor Our Collective Strengths: We have the most positive impact when we work together toward a shared vision. We catalyze, collaborate and complement to support the best outcomes for all.

POST is an equal opportunity employer. We believe diversity and equity is central to our mission to protect open space in our region for the benefit of all. We are committed to creating an inclusive, values-driven workplace where all employees can thrive. Come join us!