Job Description

Summary:

As a senior member of NCF’s Department of Ecological Research, Stewardship and Restoration, the Coastal Wetlands Research Ecologist is responsible for executing the Coastal and Wetland Ecology Research Program. They oversee research on the ecology of wetlands and coastal habitats related to restoration, habitat quality, ecosystem function, and resilience. Broad project topics include but are not limited to baseline coastal wetland habitat health, effectiveness of nature-based responses to climate change impacts, understanding impacts of climate change on coastal habitats, habitat restoration for function and improved resilience, and broad ecological research within the Program focus.

Under the direction of the Vice President of Science and Stewardship, the Coastal Wetlands Research Ecologist is responsible for developing targeted inventory, monitoring and research projects related to their Program’s areas of interest (as described above) as well as overseeing and participating in the successful execution of these projects. They provide oversight, planning, and logistical support to NCF’s year-round Coastal Research Technician and related seasonal field staff. They also oversee and may participate in related research conducted by outside research partners working on NCF properties, work cooperatively on joint projects with other local and regional conservation organizations, and represent NCF on key committees, working groups and the like related to their program’s areas of expertise.

The Coastal Wetlands Research Ecologist serves as a key senior member of the NCF Department of Ecological Research, Stewardship and Restoration, working closely and coordinating with senior level staff from the Wildlife Ecology, Plant Ecology and Botany, and Land Management and Stewardship Programs. Furthermore, they coordinate education, mentoring and outreach programming relevant to coastal wetland ecology in partnership with NCF’s Interpretive Education staff, contribute content to NCF’s social media, website, newsletters, annual reports, and other publications and provide team-oriented support for the successful implementation of NCF’s overall mission.

Specific Responsibilities:

Staff Management

1. Supervise the Coastal Research Technician; assists in supervising seasonal field assistant(s) and volunteers working on coastal and wetland ecology related projects.

Coastal and Wetland Ecology Research

In coordination with the Vice President of Science and Stewardship, oversee all aspects of the Coastal and Wetlands Ecology Program of the NCF Department of Ecological Research, Stewardship and Restoration, including but not limited to the following:

1. Provide leadership and strategic planning for current and future goals and projects related to the Program.

2. Develop and oversee the implementation of research, restoration and monitoring projects related to coastal and wetlands ecology and potential coastal resilience initiatives on NCF properties, including:

o Project design, field work, data collection and analysis, and interpretation and presentation of results in reports, scientific publications, and professional presentations.

o Staff oversight, delegation and support for all aspects of project implementation needed for success.

o Relevant grant opportunity identification and application for funding as opportunities arise.

3. Identify and target potential partnerships with academic and research institutions that complement the focus of the Coastal and Wetland Ecology Program, as well as the vision, mission and strategic goals of the overall department.

4. Represent NCF’s wetland ecology interests and coastal resilience initiatives at appropriate local and regional committees, working groups, professional networks and the like when appropriate.

5. Provide oversight and participate as appropriate in research conducted by outside investigators working on Foundation properties.

Stewardship, Land Management and Restoration

1. Play a leadership role in identifying, planning and implementing projects focused on wetland restoration and coastal resilience.

2. Contribute expertise and collaborate on the development, planning and implementation of stewardship, land management and restoration projects on NCF properties.

3. Collaborate on joint projects with local and regional conservation organizations and governmental agencies involved in coastal resilience and coastal and wetland ecology projects, as needed.

4. Coordinate with NCF’s Department of Land Management regarding the need for land management staff and equipment support for Coastal and Wetland Ecology Program projects, as needed.

Interpretive Education and Community Relations

1. Contribute content related to Coastal and Wetland Ecology Program projects to NCF’s website, social media outlets, newsletters, publications, press releases, video productions and the like, as well as outside requests for content.

2. Develop and participate in NCF’s interpretive education excursion programming aimed at providing experiences that educate participants in coastal resilience and wetland ecology, as well as other outside opportunities as they arise.

Development, Fundraising and Donor Relations

1. Work with the Vice President of Science and Stewardship to identify grant opportunities, write proposals and manage grant awards supporting NCF’s overall research, stewardship and restoration projects.

2. Participate as a senior department representative at fundraising, outreach and donor cultivation events to provide support for the Development Department’s efforts to connect donors with aspects of NCF’s mission that complement their interests.

Dates/Hours:

This is a full-time, year-round exempt position beginning in late-July 2025; exact dates are somewhat flexible. Hours are 40 hours per week, generally during normal business hours from Monday through Friday. Daily hours may be somewhat variable depending on particular projects: early-morning and late-night fieldwork may be required depending on weather, tides, etc. Weekend work will occasionally be required for certain field projects and non-profit events.

Field Work Environment:

A component of this position involves field work involving hiking, standing, bending, kneeling, and hauling field gear. Applicants should be accustomed to occasionally working in inclement weather or at sites with variable terrain, poison ivy, biting insects, etc. such as salt marshes and other wetlands. Nantucket is an area with a high incidence of tick-borne disease so precautions to minimize risk are encouraged.

TO APPLY:

Application Packet: ONE PDF DOCUMENT including cover letter, resume, contact information for 3 professional references and an unofficial copy of your college transcripts. Incomplete application packets will not be considered.

Application deadline is June 27, 2025, by 5pm. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so apply early for consideration.

Click APPLY to job and fill out the form. Upload your Application Packet using the “Upload Resume” Link.

Requirements

1. Master’s degree in Ecology, Botany, Wetland Ecology, Coastal Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related biological/ecological field.

2. At least five years of relevant work experience post-graduate school.

3. Proven organizational skills and ability to independently prioritize, plan, lead and oversee multiple projects.

4. Experience in experimental design, field work (especially freshwater wetland and salt marsh field sampling in New England), data collection, quality control and data analysis (including statistics proficiency).

5. Working knowledge of community and ecosystem ecology; familiarity with plant and wildlife identification. 

6. Proven ability to effectively supervise, mentor, and develop team members, including providing feedback, setting performance goals, supporting professional growth, and fostering a positive, collaborative work environment.

7. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, tailor messaging to different stakeholders, and produce high-quality reporting.

8. Collaboration experience and ability to work well in teams with others from a variety of experience levels to both efficiently execute projects and contribute to departmental strategic planning and oversight.

9. Proficiency with ArcGIS (ArcPro) and experience with interpreting and presenting geospatial research results, database management, map making, and the use of GPS units to collect data in the field.

10. Experience working with environmental monitoring loggers.

11. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data analysis software.

12. Valid driver’s license required.

Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience starting at $80,000, based on a 40-hour work week. Housing is provided in a shared, employee house at an adjusted rate -- salary is negotiable if housing is not needed. Work-related transportation is provided during working hours. Eligible to participate in the Foundation's full-time employee benefit plans and programs (subject to required waiting periods) including group health insurance, group life and accidental death insurance, disability insurance, dental insurance, 401K Plan, paid employee vacation and sick time, and paid holidays.

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Work experience placement, Seasonal work, Local area, Flexible hours, Night shift, Early shift, Monday to Friday,

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