Background

Friends of the River seeks to engage all California communities in protecting and restoring California’s aquatic ecosystems, to sustain life itself and provide the foundation for a water system that is just, resilient, sustainable and practical. Restoring natural river and estuary systems is critical to successfully reverse a century and a half of degradation and to adapt California’s water management to the future of climate change. Friends of the River works to accomplish these goals by influencing public policy and inspiring citizen action.

Lead Scientist

Friends of the River seeks an expert in the biology and ecology of aquatic systems to lead our technical and analytic efforts to evaluate proposed programs, policies and projects affecting California rivers and to develop and promote effective, efficient and durable approaches to restoring aquatic systems and improving water and land use management practices. The position is full-time. The Lead Scientist reports to the Program Director. 

Duties and responsibilities:

• Working under the guidance of the Program Director, implements science-based strategies for achieving FOR policy and advocacy goals.
• Oversees the technical, analytical work necessary to refine and promote FOR’s positions regarding river and estuary ecosystem restoration and water management, by:
• Reviewing, analyzing and commenting on proposed regulations and projects
• Conducting focused technical research and analysis on priority issues, and
• Supervising the activities of technical staff and consultants, and reporting to the Program Director on staff activities.
• Stays well informed regarding current scientific papers and studies, and other materials, as needed to track and apply the best available scientific information.
• Represents FOR in hearings, workshops, conferences and other meetings as appropriate, including formal testimony.
• Communicates to the media and the public regarding FOR priorities and contributes to FOR communication and outreach materials.
• Participates in grant-writing and reporting where relevant to program activities.

Lead scientist qualifications:

• Doctorate in conservation biology, aquatic ecology or related field, or equivalent expertise

Key skills/knowledge desired:

• Understanding of California water policy and environmental management issues
• Ability to rapidly review and analyze multiple streams of complex information and use findings to help formulate effective science-based policy guidance for management issues
• Ability to communicate complex scientific issues and recommendations to decision-makers and the public
• Several years’ experience in engaging on aquatic ecosystem management issues
• Exceptional writing ability
• Collegiality, flexibility and a sense of humor
• Flexible and positive outlook in the face of big challenges like the climate crisis, curious, independent with collaborative work style
• Foster productive work relationships with others. Follow FOR practices, procedures, and policies

Salary and benefits:

• The position is full-time.
• Salary range is $100,000 to $130,000 depending on qualifications and years of experience.
• Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, 13 paid holidays, a generous vacation and sick time policy, and 3% Simple IRA matching.

Other requirements:

• Valid driver’s license
• Travel within the state of California, mostly in Northern California, and access to a reliable automobile
• Evening and weekend work may be required for events throughout the year.
• Able to work on a computer for up to 8 hours a day and sit at a desk for extended periods; able to read a computer screen and manual dexterity to operate a keyboard.
• Able to speak clearly on the phone, in person and be understood by others.
• For events, meetings, and a safe return to the office, COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for all staff (unless medically exempt as authorized by a medical professional).

Location: 

• The job location is at the FOR offices in Sacramento.
• Candidates may have the option to work remotely at the discretion of their manager, when business needs do not require presence at the office.
• Travel to the Sacramento state capitol, and other locations throughout the state is required on occasion to meet the job objectives.