Entry Level Conservation Data Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE CONSERVANCY

Chesapeake Conservancy is a non-profit organization based in Annapolis, Maryland, dedicated to ensuring a healthier Chesapeake Bay watershed where fish and wildlife thrive, with healthy waters and abundant forests, wetlands, shorelines, and open spaces. With a human population in the Chesapeake watershed of 18 million and tens of thousands of acres of open space vanishing each year, the Conservancy works to connect people with the Chesapeake’s wildlife and history; conserve landscapes and rivers; and restore the region’s natural resources. The Conservancy works in close partnership with the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Office as well as other federal, state and local agencies, private foundations, and corporations to advance conservation.

Within the Conservancy, the Conservation Innovation Center (CIC) group has become a globally recognized leader in producing data, analyses, and web applications to advance precision conservation and restoration. We partner with industry-leading organizations like Microsoft and Esri to help define the next generation of environmental data and work with partners on the ground to make sure it is useful. The CIC has recognized the potential of AI/ML to dramatically improve the analysis of large and complex datasets to improve environmental decision making. 

Chesapeake Conservancy is seeking a Conservation Data Specialist with experience leveraging machine learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and large and complex data sets in the environmental world.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Conservation Data Specialist will be responsible for assisting with the development and management of a variety of projects both inside and outside the Chesapeake Bay watershed that leverage AI, big data, and cloud computing to improve environmental decision making. The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to develop innovative data products and tools while collaborating with other leading organizations, and work with impact partners to deliver on-the-ground conservation benefits. Experience with or interest in environmental issues, including water quality and quantity management, ecosystem and habitat modeling, and land management is highly desired.

Essential Functions

1. Create data science solutions for a diverse set of environmental problems. With guidance from the Deputy Director, the Conservation Data Specialist will develop and test data visualization and analytical tools that use statistics, machine learning, and AI to generate new information that improves conservation decision making. These tools may range from internal modules to public facing web applications.
2. Develop efficient pipelines to leverage large data sets. The CIC uses a variety of spatial and non-spatial data, including satellite and aerial imagery; LiDAR; national, state, and local planimetrics; and ecological models. The Conservation Data Specialist will design and implement data processing and storage protocols that efficiently access these resources and translate them into analysis-ready formats.
3. Work closely with the CIC team and external partners to incorporate domain expertise into the design and function of  data science solutions that improve conservation workflows and outcomes.
4. Collaborate with team members. Candidates must be able to work within the CIC’s structure to add additional capabilities. This includes working with peers and supervisors in problem solving, and providing constructive feedback on ideas and problems. The CIC team is a highly collaborative and innovative group. Ideal candidates will participate in brainstorming and discussions. 
5. Obtain, organize, and process component datasets. The Conservation Data Specialist will implement effective data organization and documentation systems to successfully complete projects with high volumes of diverse, complex data. The Conservation Data Specialist will be expected to stay up-to-date with new datasets that can be leveraged in the CIC’s work.
6. Independent problem solving. Much of the CIC’s work involves finding unique, customized solutions to conservation challenges. Errors and unknowns will be encountered. This position will be required to handle a range of technical challenges and to devise solutions based on available resources. The Conservation Data Specialist will be expected to stay current with new and emerging geospatial and data science tools, and to share these with the rest of the CIC team.
7. Compiling deliverables. Project deliverables may include maps, memos, methodology, reports, slide decks, datasets, or grant reports. Applicants should be able to write concisely and effectively, and design impactful products.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

The Conservation Data Specialist should be an organized, dependable, and goal-driven individual with a passion for the mission of the Chesapeake Conservancy – public access, conservation, and education and stewardship of the Bay and its resources. Candidates must be able to challenge conventions, to thrive independently as well as on a team in a relaxed, dynamic office culture, and to think creatively. Other essential skills include adaptability, independence in problem solving, strong oral and written communication, and an ability to teach others technical material.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s in data science, computer science/engineering, geospatial analysis, GIS or related field.
• 2-3 years experience using data science to solve problems.
• Familiarity with AI (e.g., neural networks for NLP, computer vision, etc.), ML. (e.g., random forests, clustering, PCA, etc.) techniques.
• Proficient in Python.
• Experience with other programming languages such as JavaScript, R, or similar.
• Familiarity with SQL and relational databases.
• Familiarity with Git and GitHub
• Experience analyzing geospatial data.
• Experience analyzing time series data.
• Experience developing and conducting statistical analysis including: Bayesian modeling, causal inference methods, generalized linear models, joint modeling, or hierarchical models.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Team player with proven ability to build trusted relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, independently manage time, and meet demanding deadlines.
• Ability to learn new technologies, adapt to dynamic mission needs, and develop/test new analytic methodologies 

Skills/Experience Nice to Have

• Experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras
• Experience managing resources on cloud computing platforms e.g., Azure or AWS
• Experience working with remote sensing data and repositories e.g., Google Earth Engine, Microsoft Planetary Computer
• Experience deploying web-based software
• Experience managing and maintaining servers hosting web applications
• Experience building custom web applications
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• The ability to translate data science to non-technical people at all levels
• Experience adapting geospatial foundational models

LOCATION

This position will be based in Annapolis, Maryland, however travel throughout the United States for meetings with partners may be required. 

The Chesapeake Conservancy office operates under a hybrid remote/in-person environment with one day in the office per week required.

Chesapeake Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. Salary and benefits are commensurate with the candidate’s relevant professional experience and/or education with an expected salary range between $70,000-$80,000.

The Conservancy offers a competitive employee benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and participation in a retirement savings plan. Opportunities for advancement and professional development are available.