Climate Change Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Sr. Specialist, Technical Sustainability Services

Location: Remote, US – Arlington, VA – Little Rock, AR

Department: Sustainability Services/Environment and Climate

POSITION SUMMARY

This position will work with some of the most influential companies in the world. Past and current Winrock clients include Nestle, McCormick and Microsoft. The Senior Technical Specialist will provide technical advice on GHG measurement and monitoring, climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, climate risk analysis, ecosystem evaluation, and nature positive solutions in agricultural supply chains. You will work collaboratively with clients to identify decarbonization and nature-positive opportunities and ensure adherence to GHG calculation methodologies, including the draft Greenhouse Gas Protocol Land Sector & Removals Guidance and Science Based Targets initiative's Forest, Land, and Agriculture Guidance. When climate accounting and target setting standards are vague, this role will identify these areas of uncertainty and propose no-regrets approaches to support Winrock clients to innovatively take the most ambitious pathway that benefits climate, nature and people. The Senior Technical Specialist interacts with clients, conducts qualitative technical analyses, performs quantitative problem-solving, supports new business and collects and analyzes quantitative data.

This role will be fully remote, however, only employees residing in: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC, Wisconsin will be considered.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Major Responsibilities

• Leading or supporting interactions with clients, primarily in presenting updates or deliverables and conducting research to confidently answer client questions.
• Contribute to and help lead projects on GHG measurement, climate mitigation/adaptation, nature-positive strategies, and climate risk analysis.
• Manage projects to ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs. Maintain regular client communications and provide consistent technical support and oversee project budgets. Track and manage a pipeline of project validation and technical advisory requests on emissions and nature-based work for clients.
• Assess GHG reductions, removals, and nature-positive outcomes in agriculture to guide decarbonization strategies.
• Develop knowledge products and training on climate mitigation, adaptation, and nature-based approaches aligned with industry standards.
• Conduct research and prepare presentations, reports, and other communication materials.
• Create decision-support tools for the measurement and monitoring of GHG emissions and ecosystem services in the land use and forestry sectors.
• Working with small teams to prepare high-quality products, pitching in wherever necessary and providing guidance and leadership.
• Managing technical consultants and providing technical guidance to them as necessary.
• Preparing PowerPoint presentations, reports, memoranda, and other communication materials.
• Leading and/or supporting workplan development and new business proposals.  
• Completing tasks in fast-paced and self-motivated environment in a timely and efficient manner.
• Support the development of junior staff members on the team.
• Support the Associate Director in Sustainability Services to help clients achieve their climate mitigation, adaptation, and nature-positive goals.

Education: Bachelor's degree in international development or environment-related field required. Graduate level degree in environmental science, forestry, natural resource management, ecology, geography, or related discipline is strongly preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in climate change in adaptation/mitigation/resilience and GHG accounting for land use required. Additional years of experience are strongly preferred.
• Industry/sector understanding of GHG profiles and potential mitigation strategies for one or more of the following commodities: Palm oil, cocoa, sucrose, Vegetable Fats & Oils, Cereals & Grains.
• Working understanding or experience with preparing submissions or reporting against key climate corporate leadership standards (e.g. GHG Protocol Corporate Standard and/or Project Standard, Science-Based Targets Initiative's standards, the Value Change Initiative).  
• Experience managing GHG accounting and ecosystem services projects in the agriculture and forestry fields.
• Experience leading or supports new business development efforts.

• Fast learning, curious, passionate for uncovering and creating solutions to climate and sustainability problems.
• Demonstrated interest in contributing to technical innovation in climate change mitigation and adaptation, natural resource management, and biodiversity conservation.
• Strong analytical capability and problem-solving abilities
• Industry/sector understanding of the GHG profiles and potential mitigation strategies for one or more of the following commodities:
  • Fish and Seafood; Hazelnuts; Beef; Poultry and Eggs; Pulp and Paper; Packaging (pulp/paper, glass, or metals); Vegetable Fats & Oils; Vegetable & Horticulture; Spices; Cereals & Grains; Cocoa; Coconut; Soybeans; Animal By-Products; Energy (oil and gas and/or electricity)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, including effective public speaking and the ability to communicate complex issues both verbally and in written form.
• Ability to contribute to project operations and workflow effectively, to track and meet deadlines for multiple tasks, and work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to foster and maintain good working relationships with clients and partners, including non-profit organizations, the private sector, foundations, and multilateral organizations.
• Understanding of carbon quantification methodologies (e.g., for carbon credits/offset credits), carbon credit or other sustainability product certification standards, carbon credit project development, monitoring reporting and verification of GHG emissions impact.

Computer / Communication Skills:

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software, including Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Advanced proficiency in Excel is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, including effective public speaking and the ability to communicate complex issues both verbally and in written form.

Language: English professional-level oral and written fluency required.

Required Travel: Up to 10% travel, domestic and internationally.

Physical Demands: Capability to sit and operate a computer for long periods of time.

Must be authorized to work in the United States. This position may be based remotely within the United States but is expected to work East Coast hours (EST).

Winrock offers competitive pay and an excellent benefits package.

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by law.
At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation.