JOB TITLE: SCIENCE SPECIALIST
POSITION TITLE:RESEARCH ASSISTANT
LOCATION: BEIJING
JOB FAMILY: Science
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree or above in science-related field and 2 years’ experience related to ecology, biology, natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience utilizing GIS software and data to conduct basic analysis and create maps.
• Experience conducting surveys, recording data, analyzing data and writing project reports
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software and Web browsers.
• Experience managing databases and producing reports.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects, setting realistic deadlines and managing timeframes.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Research Assistant works closely with conservation and science staff to research and gather data relating to the creation and management of protected areas. This may include some or all of the following:
• Gathers and synthesizes literature & data relating to create conservation implementation and/or activities.
• Creates conservation plans to identify potential protected area sites and guide the implementation of conservation activities.
• Designs methodology, conducts surveys, records & analyzes data, and writes project reports and/or scientific articles.
• Performs fieldwork, including biodiversity surveys and field monitoring.
• Manages and updates the scientific experts database.
• Provides administrative assistance to the science team.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
• Bachelor’s degree or above in science-related field and 2 years’ experience related to ecology, biology, natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experiences in protected area management or biodiversity surveys & monitoring preferred.
• Prior field experience preferred.
• Supervisory experience a plus.
• Knowledge of biodiversity surveys & monitoring techniques as well as protected area management.
• Analyzing, manipulating, and interpreting data, including statistics.
• Gathering & synthesizing necessary literature & data, and publishing peer-reviewed articles on scientific journals.
• Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s)
• Managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
• Interprets guidelines, evaluates information, and modifies processes to adapt to changing circumstances
• Compiles data, resolves disparities, and modifies processes to generate plans
• Resolves routine issues independently, consulting with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of complex and unusual problems
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
• Work affords significant opportunity to act independently on assigned tasks with ability to exercise independent judgment
• Performs standard work requiring application of standard techniques and procedures
• Addresses issues with supervisor that affect others’ work or the overall program
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL AND SUPERVISORY:
• May supervise/lead a small staff of Science Technicians I, interns, and/or volunteers on a project basis and be assisted by lower-level scientists.
• Purchase equipment and supplies, in consultation with supervisor as provided for in budget
• May assist with program budget development and monitoring
• Works under minimal supervision
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
• Ability to work cooperatively with a number of staff and external parties, sometimes under pressure, in order to complete project work and goals in a timely manner
• Formulate ideas and communicate clearly with others, both orally and in written form
• Provide a variety of information to staff and others, contributing to conservation projects and assisting workflow throughout the organization.
• Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, preserve staff, and others, providing and obtaining needed information.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
The Research Assistant may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may:
• require physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
**Original posting on
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