BCDC is seeking an Environmental Scientist with experience in climate science and sea level rise adaptation to support the development of BCDC’s science-based planning and policy program, the Adapting to Rising Tides Program, in the Data and Science unit. The Environmental Scientist will provide agency and region-wide expertise to ensure that BCDC’s planning and policy initiatives are based on the most recent science, coordinated with BCDC’s laws and policies, responsive to local and regional technical needs, and informed by academic and scientific cutting-edge research alongside non-traditional or community knowledge.
Under general direction of the Adapting to Rising Tides Science Manager (Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor), the Environmental Scientist performs complex and specialized environmental, natural resource, climate change, and planning analysis, research, surveys, investigations, and studies involving shoreline sea level rise vulnerability, adaptation, natural resource preservation and restoration, development, fill, and public access.
The Environmental Scientist provides work that requires competency in science and data analysis, project management, data communication, and problem solving. Specific tasks may include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
Climate Science: provide expertise in latest climate science, particularly sea level rise and groundwater rise; oversee / coordinate with external partners around the development of sea level rise flood risk models and decision-support tools; research and develop innovative programs to address emerging and evolving problems related to sea level rise.
Technical Research and Evaluation: apply scientific methods to identify, analyze and find solutions for problems in areas of vulnerability assessments, climate adaptation planning, financing and implementation; evaluate data to assess impacts of sea level rise to both human and natural systems; develop technical tools and trainings for staff and partners, and analyze complex policy, assessments, plans, and programs relating to sea level rise.
Plan and Policy Development: work on collaborative stakeholder processes to integrate multiple interests into planning studies and recommendations; prepare written summaries and make oral presentations; coordinate with staff, other agencies and organizations, and experts in the field to develop planning and policy documents; work closely with local, state, and federal agencies on best available science related to coastal and climate change issues; represent BCDC to broad audiences, and review local, state, and federal plans and programs for incorporation into BCDC’s work.
Technical and Scientific Communication and Community Engagement: develop communication, engagement, and outreach materials that effectively communicate complex scientific topics; travel to various locations in the Bay Area and/or Sacramento area to meet with and present to stakeholder groups.
General: participate in various BCDC staff programs, staff meetings, and projects; act as a lead person or project manager (as needed) directing the work of other staff or interns.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.