The Renewable Energy Community and Conservation (RECC) Scientist is a part-time position (40% FTE) that will provide technical and scientific support to the Wisconsin Chapter’s Clean Energy Transition team for 11 months, pending funding availability. The broad types of projects the RECC Scientist will undertake may include: 1) community outreach and engagement on renewable energy siting, 2) research on dual-use renewable energy opportunities, such as agrivoltaics, and/or 3) development of partnership with renewable energy organizations in Wisconsin and the Midwest. In conversations with internal and external colleagues across multiple sectors (climate, regenerative agriculture, land management), the Wisconsin Business Unit can generate important knowledge in agrivoltaics, climate equity, and/or the public perception of renewable energy.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Develop community engagement, outreach, and educational materials on renewable energy siting.

• Build local and regional capacity to engage in the siting, permitting, and planning of renewable energy projects that maximize benefits to communities and minimize impacts to conservation priorities.

• Represent TNC-WI at regular meetings of the R-STEP RESET Collaborative.

• Actively participate in the Wisconsin Chapter’s Science & Strategy Team and Midwest Division’s Clean Energy Steering Team.

• Master's Degree in renewable energy, conservation, agriculture, environmental science, and/or a science-related field and 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience leading and working with cross-functional teams.

• Experience with public speaking and/or outreach.

• Experience writing, editing, and proofreading.

• Experience using advanced functions of Excel, Outlook, and Word.

• Experience coordinating and organizing work to complete assigned tasks/projects.

• Experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously.

• Experience managing multiple priorities, with assignments sometimes coming from a number of sources, and working independently.

Desired Qualifications:

• Doctoral Degree in renewable energy, conservation, agriculture, environmental science, and/or related field.

• Experience with climate mitigation solutions and/or the renewable energy sector.

• Experience in working with rural or marginalized communities.

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 the Auto Safety information page. 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.

The pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $33,000. 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.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

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 a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

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.