Director of Science and Conservation

THE ORGANIZATION The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (ACLC) is a scientific and educational nonprofit organization with the mission of promoting and inspiring passion for the conservation of Common Loons and studying how various environmental factors—natural and manmade— are affecting the Loon population and aquatic habitat within the Adirondack Park. The ACLC integrates scientific research with outreach programming to address conservation concerns while educating the public about human behaviors impacting the population of this iconic species.

Job Overview

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
The ACLC’s Director of Science and Conservation will conduct scientific research,
conservation, and loon population management to support our research and conservation
endeavors. Reporting to the Executive Director, the new Director will be responsible for
overseeing, designing, and implementing our scientific research studies and analyzing and
interpreting scientific data for the scientific and public communities. This individual will
conduct loon conservation and management projects in collaboration with the NYS
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and other partners and will work closely
with our communications and education staff to translate results into educational materials
and programs that inform the public and scientific communities about loon ecology and
conservation concerns.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Science and Conservation will be responsible for:
● Reviewing, designing and implementing the ACLC’s scientific research studies
to provide insights into loon ecology, conservation needs, and threats affecting
loon populations
● Developing and managing the Science and Conservation budget. Identifying,
writing, and winning scientific grants that will cover the costs of the ACLC’s
research projects
● Conducting data management and interpretation for ACLC’s loon research
studies and conservation/management projects
● Developing and implementing conservation and management projects, including
nest-site protection, rescues, banding, and rehabilitation, in collaboration with the
NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation and others to address threats to loons
in and beyond the Adirondack Park
● Managing the annual loon census and analyzing results for scientific and
community publication
● Overseeing the ACLC’s loon and other wildlife health research and conservation
programs, including rescues
● Collaborating with ACLC’s education staff to develop and implement interpretive
educational programming that supports our conservation and management priorities

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
● Bachelor’s and master’s or PhD (preferred) degrees in natural resources,
conservation, or wildlife management science
● Minimum of 5 years’ experience in wildlife conservation, ornithology, or related field
● Demonstrated experience and success developing and responsibly managing
departmental budgets
● Experience designing and implementing scientific research studies and
conservation, management
● Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret scientific data, prepare scientific
articles for publication, and author technical reports
● Familiarity with GIS, statistical design, and analysis
● Ability to assess data quality and make improvements
● Experience developing and maintaining relevant external partnerships.

PERSONAL QUALITIES & ATTRIBUTES
● Highly collaborative team player; possesses the ability to build relationships
and work cross-functionally with both internal and external partners
● Performance driven; be able to identify areas of improvement and make
actionable recommendations that drive efficiencies and results
● Flexible and capable of managing through ambiguity
● Have excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to
translate complicated scientific findings into non-science terminology as
appropriate
● Be able to clearly and effectively articulate processes, goals, and results across
the organization
● Is a motivated self-starter with a roll-up sleeves mentality. Does what it takes to get the
job done well.

Special Benefits

Health Insurance, Generous PTO, IRA Match