THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED. WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.

The mission of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, a non-profit land trust, is to conserve and restore the Elkhorn Slough estuary and its watershed. The Mission of the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is to ensure the perpetual health of ecosystems in Elkhorn Slough and the surrounding watershed through preservation, restoration, research, information exchange and education with particular emphasis on the Research Reserve.

Summary: The Elkhorn Slough Foundation is currently looking for a skilled wetland scientist to support the Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Project, an initiative led by the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (ESNERR). ESNERR is owned and managed by the California Department of Fish and Game and is operated in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Elkhorn Slough Foundation (ESF). The Wetland Scientist will work independently under the guidance of the Tidal Wetland Project Director to conduct duties including restoration plan preparation, project management, contractor oversight, project permitting and the preparation of documents and reports. Though funded through ESF, the position reports to staff of ESNERR.

The Wetland Scientist will be engaged in an array of activities that advance the Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Project, which involves over 100 decision-makers, resource managers, stakeholders and scientists in developing and implementing restoration strategies for a 2600-acre estuary and its watershed (http://www.elkhornslough.org/tidalwetlandproject).  The main focus of this position is to implement the strategies outlined in the Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Strategic Plan (http://www.elkhornslough.org/tidalwetland/strategic_plan.htm).

Primary Responsibilities:
(1) Project Management – 60%

• Collect and compile scientific information generated by staff, consultants and collaborating scientists to inform restoration project plans and experimental designs.
• Develop and edit documents such as project planning reports, restoration plans, grant applications and progress reports.
• Identify and gather the elements needed for permits to implement restoration activities, including working with regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate with partners and staff and supervise the work of consultants, interns and volunteers to ensure timely delivery of high quality work products.
• Track budget expenditures.

(2) Working Group Facilitation and Stakeholder Involvement - 15%

• Contribute to meeting and educational material planning, including recruiting and collaborating with speakers
• Assist in the reduction of technical information for outreach/educational materials
• Assist in running meetings of coastal resource managers, scientific and restoration experts, representatives from key regulatory and jurisdictional entities, leaders of conservation organizations, and community members.

(3) Grant Writing – 20%

• Investigate funding opportunities for restoration, research and monitoring, and permitting activities. This includes reviewing requests for proposals, prioritizing opportunities, developing timelines, editing and compiling grant proposals and communicating with appropriate funding organizations and agencies about the project.

(4) General – 5%

• Participate in coordinated program initiatives of the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Elkhorn Slough Foundation.

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. (M.S., PhD. Preferred) in a relevant field such as biology, ecology, environmental planning, engineering, hydrology or geology.
• Strong knowledge of Pacific Coast salt marsh ecology and geomorphology
• Experience collaborating with engineers and engineering contractors
• Demonstrated success in restoration project planning
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work effectively 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working on complex projects.
• Desire to conserve and restore California’s wetlands

This position is offered as a part-time position (16 to 24 hours per week) without benefits. The compensation range is $20 to $25 per hour, commensurate with education and level of professional experience. This position is grant funded for 12 months, with potential for continued funding.

The position is filled. 

The Elkhorn Slough Foundation is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity employer.

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