POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE
JOB TITLE/NUMBER
JOB FAMILY
SALARY GRADE
STATUS
Spatial Ecologist
Spatial Ecologist (ICR) / 400006
Science
7
Salaried
SUMMARY The Spatial Ecologist provides technical and scientific support and leadership for conservation initiatives.
The Spatial Ecologist works in coordination with the Eastern Division Conservation Team and other
Conservancy staff to develop and implement spatially-based conservation projects, and will include a
heavy emphasis on marine analysis, but may also include freshwater and terrestrial projects. S/he
manages and maintains conservation databases and provides technical support, analysis and ecological
ESSENTIAL modeling using GIS and other relational database technologies, project design and execution, application
FUNCTIONS development, technical writing and documentation, training and technical support at site, landscape,
and regional scales. S/he will compile, assemble and maintain biodiversity use and management
information from various sources and communicate to both technical and non-technical staff and
partners. Position location is flexible within established office locations along the East Coast, with
preference given to Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; and Brunswick, ME.


RESPONSIBILITIES
& SCOPE



MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS





PREFERRED 
KNOWLEDGE, 
Science Projects: Support a major project to develop and refine benthic habitat models for the
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Research, acquire, develop, analyze, manage, and map spatial data to
support marine, coastal, freshwater and terrestrial conservation projects in the Eastern Division.
Technical Skills: Processes spatial and other relational datasets derived from spatial and tabular
source material and builds, maintains, and populates spatial databases. Participate in Division
conservation planning and modeling activities. Provide technical, mapping and analytical support to
science staff on a range of conservation projects.
Communications: Act as principle GIS liaison to partner organizations, government agencies and
universities on spatial planning matters. Oversee and track spatial data distribution to partner
organizations. Manage GIS-based projects with external collaborators. Work with partners, translate
scientific concepts into appropriate GIS analyses, and effectively communicate GIS results to both lay
and scientific audiences, through written material, verbally and cartographically. Work with a
variety of staff to produce high-quality maps for proposals, presentations, and
communications/fundraising needs.
Project Management: Provides project leadership and management through strong communication
and coordination between technical and conservation staff. Support a major project to develop and
refine benthic habitat models for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Graduate Degree in science related field and 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of
education and experience.
Experience leading and working with cross functional teams.
Experience synthesizing, interpreting and communicating scientific information.
Experience preparing reports of findings.
Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.
Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
Experience with high level, complex GIS analysis.
Experience understanding and communicating scientific communication.
SKILLS & 
EXPERIENCE 






Demonstrated experience with complex project management.
Experience with producing maps and/or other graphic products and reports, analyzing data and
producing data reports.
Experience managing and populating databases, populating and producing reports from databases.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Web browsers.
Online mapping development (e.g. ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Online, Java Script, HTML) and
programming experience (e.g. Python, Model Builder, AML, SQL, C++, etc.)
Passion for the mission of The Nature Conservancy and conservation.
Attention to detail.
Ability to meet deadlines.
Communicatio
ns
Flexibility &
Innovation
Interpersonal
Savvy
ORGANIZATIONAL
COMPETENCIES
Open to
Learning
Organizational
Awareness
Produces
Results
Effectively expresses messages verbally and in writing. Actively listens to others.
Fosters open exchange of issues. Is timely with information.
Flexible to changing circumstances. Takes innovative approaches towards work.
Takes calculated risks and makes dependable decisions in the fact of uncertainty.
Maintains positive working relationships. Contributes to productive partnerships
inside and outside the organization. Understands team member roles and values the
contributions of others. Effectively deals with conflict.
Versatile learner and committed to self-improvement. Employs strengths effectively.
Willingly shares knowledge with others. Seeks coaching on areas needing
improvement. Adjusts behavior/performance as needed. Views mistakes as learning
opportunities.
Understands the basics of our business. Knows how local job relates to the big
picture & contributes to the overall strategy. Knows how/why things work inside
TNC. Easily moves through internal networks and channels for success.
Takes Initiative. Focuses on priorities. Strives for excellence. Is dependable and
accountable for results. Persistent in the face of obstacles and meets deadlines.
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our
conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs
and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority
and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status,
sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.
HOW TO APPLY:
Visit www.nature.org and apply online to job# 43413 or apply directly at http://tinyurl.com/SpatialEcologist . All resumes and
cover letters must be submitted through The Nature Conservancy’s online application system. Cover letter and resume should
be combined and uploaded into your application as a single document. The application deadline is Midnight EST August 30,
2015.