Work With Us!

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (ACLC) is a scientific and educational nonprofit organization with the mission of promoting and inspiring passion for the conservation of Common Loons and studying how various environmental factors—natural and manmade— are affecting the Loon population and aquatic habitat within the Adirondack Park. The ACLC integrates scientific research with outreach programming to address conservation concerns while educating the public about human behaviors impacting the population of this iconic species.

LOCATION

Saranac Lake, NY

REPORTING

This individual will report to the Executive Director, Dorothy Waldt. Direct reports include a research biologist and science interns.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The ACLC’s Director of Science and Conservation will conduct scientific research, conservation, and loon population management to support our research and conservation endeavors. Reporting to the Executive Director, the new Director will be responsible for overseeing, designing, and implementing our scientific research studies and analyzing and interpreting scientific data for the scientific and public communities. This individual will conduct loon conservation and management projects in collaboration with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and other partners and will work closely with our communications and education staff to translate results into educational materials and programs that inform the public and scientific communities about loon ecology and conservation concerns.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Science and Conservation will be responsible for:

• Reviewing, designing and implementing the ACLC’s scientific research studies to provide insights into loon ecology, conservation needs, and threats affecting loon populations

• Developing and managing the Science and Conservation budget. Identifying, writing, and winning scientific grants that will cover the costs of the ACLC’s research projects

• Conducting data management and interpretation for ACLC’s loon research studies and conservation/management projects

• Developing and implementing conservation and management projects, including nest-site protection, rescues, banding, and rehabilitation, in collaboration with the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation and others to address threats to loons in and beyond the Adirondack Park

• Managing the annual loon census and analyzing results for scientific and community publication 2 Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation Director of Science and Conservation Position Profile

• Overseeing the ACLC’s loon and other wildlife health research and conservation programs, including rescues

• Partnering with the Director of Communications on press releases and public information pieces that convey our work in layman’s terms

• Collaborating with ACLC’s education staff to develop and implement interpretive educational programming that supports our conservation and management priorities

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s and master’s or PhD (preferred) degrees in natural resources, conservation, or wildlife management science

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in wildlife conservation, ornithology, or related field

• Demonstrated experience and success developing and responsibly managing departmental budgets

• Experience writing grants resulting in awards

• Experience designing and implementing scientific research studies and conservation, management

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret scientific data, prepare scientific articles for publication, and author technical reports

• Proficiency using GIS, R, statistical design, and analysis

• Ability to assess data quality and make improvements

• Experience developing and maintaining relevant external partnerships.

• Banding and blood drawing experience is highly desirable.

PERSONAL QUALITIES & ATTRIBUTES

• Highly collaborative team player; possesses the ability to build relationships and work cross-functionally with both internal and external partners

• Performance driven; be able to identify areas of improvement and make actionable recommendations that drive efficiencies and results

• Flexible and capable of managing through ambiguity

• Have excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to translate complicated scientific findings into non-science terminology as appropriate

• Be able to clearly and effectively articulate processes, goals, and results across the organization

• Is a motivated self-starter with a roll-up sleeves mentality. Does what it takes to get the job done well.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 with generous PTO, health insurance and IRA match

To apply for this position, kindly send a cover letter and resume to: info@adkloon.org.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by Federal, State, or Local law.