Description

Description: The Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN) is seeking a Senior Scientist to oversee and lead initiatives focused on aquatic ecosystems including rivers, lakes, wetlands, and estuaries. DRN is a grassroots regional nonprofit working to protect and restore the Delaware River. DRN’s Senior Scientist serves as the Organization’s in-house science expert and is responsible for helping to develop pathways for environmental protection and restoration based on strong science. This role combines scientific expertise with leadership responsibilities overseeing DRN’s two other staff biologists as well as interfacing with other scientists at regulatory agencies, environmental consulting firms, and academia.

Reports to: the Delaware Riverkeeper

Key responsibilities:

Work with and provide technical support to DRN’s advocacy and litigation campaigns (approximately 50%)

Analyze, interpret, and synthesize documents and publications covering a wide variety of topics including water quality threats; habitat and ecosystem threats; public health threats; illegal discharges; combined sewer overflows; and endangered and at-risk species to help inform the position and work of DRN on advocacy issues and litigation
Responsible for securing, reviewing, and synthesizing data, as well as reviewing scientific materials from agencies and experts to help inform and support DRN’s advocacy and litigation
Assess, analyze and prepare comments on agency scientific protocols and regulatory proposals related to data collection and assessment, and water quality and ecosystem data collection and assessment
Help prepare comments on permits, land use applications, proposed policies, and other development plans in support of DRN’s advocacy and litigation
Participate in, and facilitate as required, regular meetings of agency committees that help guide regional and collaborative environmental protection and restoration efforts
Ensure up-to-date information on environmental issues is communicated to DRN staff, members, and partners
Develop and maintain expertise in assigned area of responsibility

Work with DRN’s Monitoring and Restoration programs (approximately 25%)

Lead and participate in field investigations, such as stream benthic macroinvertebrate sampling and standardized visual surveys of the physical condition of stream reaches
Develop and manage on-the-ground projects designed to advance the protection and restoration of water quality and ecological communities in streams and rivers
Respond to pollution incidents as assigned
Compile, analyze, and summarize data relating to DRN’s field investigations and on-the-ground projects
Help train volunteers in a variety of monitoring protocols to help secure data needed to support DRN’s advocacy and litigation

Operations & Administration including Grants Administration (approximately 25%)

Oversee DRN’s two staff biologists
Track, evaluate, and help report on project outcomes
Participate in proposal-writing and grant reporting where relevant to program activities
Help tell compelling stories with data
Responsible for field and lab equipment inventory, purchasing, and maintenance
Other

Participate in DRN-sponsored development events
Other duties as assigned

Salary: Base starts at $85,000 but is negotiable. Benefits:

Benefits:

Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short & Long Term Disability
401(k) retirement plan with employer match after one year of employment
Flexible Spending Accounts: Medical, Dependent Care
Standard time-off policies
Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code
Location

The position is based in DRN’s main office in Bristol, Bucks County, PA, with the potential for field work. Employees may be eligible to work remotely if their job duties can be met through basic hardware and software, they’ve proven to be trustworthy, disciplined, and self-motivated, and have been given permission by DRN. However, travel to the Bristol office will be required as needed.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Minimum master’s level degree or more than seven years of experience in environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, hydrogeology, hydrology, or related field. A master’s degree is not required but is preferred.
Experience conducting field research with a proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
Knowledge of environmental monitoring protocols including state and federally approved protocols
Knowledge of environmental policy, with a focus on water, energy, and climate
Competence in data analysis and experience in statistical programming in R or SAS
Understanding of how environmental issues intersect with racism and economic and social inequality
Strong project management and organizational skills with a proven ability to keep complex initiatives on track
Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills
Team player capable of working independently with minimal oversight
Valid driver’s license and good driving record is required. Ability to travel around the Watershed is required. Some evening and weekend work required.