Planetary Health Scientist(Flexible Location)

OFFICE LOCATION

#PDN

• Open until filled
  
  

This role is open to anywhere globally that TNC operates.

Who We Are

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor .

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

What We Can Achieve Together

The growing field of Planetary and Human Health studies the interconnection between the health of the environment and the health of people. Planetary health is a multidisciplinary field that emphasizes the interconnectedness between human health and the Earth's natural systems. It goes beyond traditional public health approaches by recognizing the critical interdependence between human well-being and the environment.

We Invite Applicants From a Variety Of Disciplines Working At The Nexus Of Environmental And Human Health, Particularly Those Doing Solutions-oriented Research Around Topics Such As

• Climate change & health, to understand opportunities for equitable mitigation and adaptation solutions that reduce health burdens associated with climate changes, e.g., extreme heat, fire, floods, and other disasters, or vector-borne disease.
• Nature, health and well-being, to understand the contributions of nature to people and communities, such as the biophysical or psychosocial health benefits of greenspace, wilderness, and environmental stewardship.
• Interactions of climate, biodiversity, and health, for example how biodiversity loss and land cover changes increase vector-borne disease, and conservation strategies that target co-benefits among climate action, conservation, and human and animal health
• Indigenous and local community approaches to environmental health and wellbeing, including relational approaches to healing and care, as well as the cultural and nutritional value of customary food resources.
• Pollution & health, to better understand how point, non-point and transboundary sources of pollution and environmental contamination affect water (storm runoffs, sewage pollution, agricultural nutrient contamination etc.), air quality (e.g. wildfire smoke exposure, industrial pollution, windborne sediment from desertification), soil contamination, and implications for wildlife and human health, and environmental justice.
  
  

The Planetary Health Scientist will join the Human Dimensions Science Team (one of 5 science lines in the GST), and report to the Global Director of Human Dimensions Science. The Scientist will develop and lead research priorities and strategies in the areas of planetary and human health, in coordination with the One Conservancy Science plan to help achieve the Conservancy's 2030 goals. Additionally, the Planetary Health Scientist will provide guidance and support in their areas of expertise, work and navigate across internal programs, build and manage a diverse team, and collaborate with philanthropy staff and leadership to persuasively convey the science-based mission of TNC. Other duties will include working with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement strategies and programs that integrate planetary and human health science with on-the-ground conservation efforts, and communicating and engaging with both internal and external audiences.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree (e.g., PhD, MD, DVM, DrPH) in an area related to human and environmental health. Additional degrees such as master of public health (MPH), masters in environment and sustainability (MS), or masters of health science (MHSc) will be relevant and valued. Strong research methodologies that include epidemiology, environmental health sciences, spatial mapping, real-world data applications, implementation science, global health, environmental justice, and public health are welcome. Some science leadership experience, for example on proposal reviews or technical committees, considering science prioritization agendas, is a plus. The Planetary Health Scientist should also have experience working collaboratively, including with those possessing diverse cultural experiences, and will be keen to contribute to TNC’s effectiveness as a science-based organization and to accelerate our progress towards our 2030 goals.

We value additional relevant research or practitioner training, such as a Master’s of Public Health (MPH), Master’s of Health Science (MHSc), Master’s in Environmental Science or Sustainability (MS), or a closely related field. Ideal candidates will have clinical or other field experience working with interventions and outcomes, bringing a practical perspective to our research efforts. Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience is highly desirable, as is experience working on inter- and/or trans-disciplinary research teams. Familiarity with contemporary issues surrounding planetary health, planetary boundaries, One Health, and other allied fields, both globally and regionally, will set you apart. We seek individuals with a depth of experience collaborating with health agencies and/or non-profit organizations in various locales, demonstrating an ability to navigate diverse environments and stakeholders. Experience with sample selection, research instrument development, and data collection is essential. Proficiency in managing and analyzing quantitative and mixed-methods research data, as well as statistical analysis, is crucial.

The applicant will play an active role in building a team and leading the Planetary Health effort at TNC, including strengthening the connection between the Global Science Team and other business units who are deepening their engagement in health research. The applicant will also be expected to develop large, funded research initiatives in a highly-collaborative environment in partnership with other NGOs and academic institutions, and foundations. The Planetary Health Scientist will develop high-leverage strategies for funding research, they lead and participate in research projects, develop collaborative relationships outside of TNC, and provide thought leadership to the field. Scientists at this level play strong leadership roles in TNC and often represent their work to colleagues at all levels of the organization, including executive leadership. The Applicant may also be required to develop and implement processes for identifying research priorities and how to focus external scientific resources on those priorities.

What You'll Bring

• Advanced degree in a health-related research field (e.g., PhD, MD, DVM, DrPH).
• Familiarity with contemporary issues surrounding planetary health, planetary boundaries, One Health, and other allied fields globally and regionally.
• Experience reviewing and synthesizing relevant scientific literature.
• Experience collecting, manipulating, analyzing and interpreting scientific data.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis.
• Supervisory experience.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals.
• Experience directing a major program of strategic importance and working with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience in relationship building with peers, partners, government agencies, academic community, etc.
• Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals, tracking budgets and reporting to donors.
• Excellent communication skills, written, spoken and graphical.
• Experience with sample selection, research instrument development, and collection of data and analysis and interpretation.
• Experience managing and analyzing quantitative and mixed-methods research and data.
• Knowledge of relevant computer technology and common software applications.
  
  

What We Bring

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 competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Additional Job Information

• Lead the strategic development and implementation of the Planetary Health initiative at TNC, in partnership with the Global Director of Human Dimensions Science.
• Represent TNC in the Planetary Health community, including professional society meetings, conferences, and Convenings of Parties
• Develop collaborative Planetary Health research proposals that address cutting edge science needs.
• Contribute to highly interdisciplinary research projects, including through data collection, analysis, and knowledge mobilization.
• Publish impactful, agenda-setting research at the interface of human health and conservation.
• Build collaborations with other TNC business units and leading external health organizations working internationally, such as WHO, WOAH, FAO, Mercy Corps, OXFAM, Gates Foundation, Médecins Sans Frontières and Red Cross/Red Crescent.
• Represent TNC in international planetary health communities of practice, such as the Planetary Health Alliance.
• Work effectively in a highly matrixed, agile, and globally distributed team.
• This position will supervise one or more science or administrative staff.
• Manage staff or multi-disciplinary team to build a novel research program in Planetary Health.
• Collaborate with a wide range of conservation partners to identify research needs, present technical concepts and support fieldwork, analysis and publication.
  
  

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $91,798-$137,697 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55274, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ . Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org .

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 people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. 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 orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

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.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.