Data Scientist Contract Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

The NCS Data Scientist will lead and support quantitative, statistical, and geospatial analyses related to quantifying and mapping climate mitigation potential from forest and peatland ecosystems, and enabling development and implementation of NCS projects and strategies by TNC and partners. They will work independently within a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary team. The NCS Data Scientist will be responsible for designing and executing complex and various analytical work flows, and will work with a range of data types (tabular, spatial, remote sensing imagery) at a range of geographies (local to global). They will synthesize findings through the creation of novel datasets, reports and/or tools to inform conservation strategies and project implementation. This position plays a key role in project coordination, data stewardship, and capacity building—delivering tools, training, and technical support to TNC staff and partners across global business units.

The Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) Data Scientist provides technical support, leadership, and scientific expertise to advance the global NCS strategy, with a focus on forests and peatlands.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Lead and/or support the design and implementation of scientific studies that assess the climate outcomes and enabling conditions of natural climate solutions, primarily in forests and peatland systems.

• Design and implement analytical workflows, including advanced statistical and geospatial analyses.

• Manage objectives and timelines across various partners and stakeholders (internal and external) to deliver timely results.

• Operate independently with minimal oversight, managing complex scientific projects from concept to delivery.

• Work collaboratively and creatively, to efficiently deliver data, analyses, and tools that meet near term conservation objectives.

• Deliver tools, data, analytical support and training to staff and partners in direct support of conservation strategies and projects, across global and regional teams.

• Draft and publish written material and/or visualizations to communicate information effectively to internal and external audiences, including peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, and plain language science syntheses.

• Works across multiple geographies and timezones to provide technical and strategic support of global NCS initiatives, as well as regional and country programs.    

• May have opportunity to work in the field (with variable weather conditions, at remote locations, potentially hazardous terrain).

• May lead staff, interns or volunteers on a project basis.                      

• May manage a grant, contract or request for proposal.      

• May travel internationally.

• May lead workshops or training sessions.

The location for this position is flexible within countries where The Nature Conservancy has an established office. This position is not eligible for relocation, immigration assistance or sponsorship.

This is a two-year funded position with the possibility for extension based on deliverables and funding. 

• Master\'s Degree in scientific field relevant to natural resources and 2 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.                 

• Experience working within cross functional teams.

• Experience working with a various set of stakeholders on scientific topics.

• Experience producing, cleaning, analyzing large datasets, related to natural resources, environmental data, large geospatial data, and/or remotely-sensed imagery.

• Proven experience with written and verbal communication skills, specifically experience synthesizing, interpreting and communicating scientific information to various audiences .       

• Strong knowledge of common software applications.

• Proven ability to independently design and complete scientific deliverables for complex projects.

• Skilled in code-driven analytical tools such as R or Python for manipulating and analyzing tabular data.

• Proficient in GIS tools, including ArcGIS, QGIS, and GEE, with experience conducting advanced geospatial analyses.

• Extensive experience in forestry, reforestation, agroforestry, peatlands, and/or other forest-related land uses.

• Experience working on climate solutions, especially natural climate solutions.

• Carbon accounting expertise that might include expertise in leakage, durability, and/or carbon market methodologies.

• Experience in efficient use of AI and familiar with machine learning techniques in data analytics.

• Experience managing partnerships, including oversight and administration of contracts and grants.

• Record of developing written material for end users, such as peer reviewed publications in scientific journals, extension articles, methodologies.

• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Experience working across time zones, with internationally field-based partners, in applied conservation scenarios.

• Attention to detail.

• Experience developing and delivering capacity building trainings.

• Ability to meet deadlines.

This position may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity, taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. For U.S. based applicants only, the starting pay range for this position is generally within the range of $69,275 -$103,785 for annual base salary and is based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. For all other applicants, pay ranges will be in local currency, the pay range will be based on the local labor market, and not tied to the above pay range. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment and used to determine your actual pay range. Additionally, for all applicants, actual pay will fall within a range based on a variety of factors including, for example, the candidate’s qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy\'s background screening process.
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TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.