Friends of the River seeks to engage all California communities in protecting and restoring California’s aquatic ecosystems, to sustain life itself and provide the foundation for a water system that is just, resilient, sustainable and practical. Restoring natural river and estuary systems is critical to successfully reverse a century and a half of degradation and to adapt California’s water management to the future of climate change. Friends of the River works to accomplish these goals by influencing public policy and inspiring citizen action.
Lead Scientist
Friends of the River seeks an expert in the biology and ecology of aquatic systems to lead our technical and analytic efforts to evaluate proposed programs, policies and projects affecting California rivers and to develop and promote effective, efficient and durable approaches to restoring aquatic systems and improving water and land use management practices. The position is full-time. The Lead Scientist reports to the Program Director.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Working under the guidance of the Program Director, implements science-based strategies for achieving FOR policy and advocacy goals.
- Oversees the technical, analytical work necessary to refine and promote FOR’s positions regarding river and estuary ecosystem restoration and water management, by:
- Reviewing, analyzing and commenting on proposed regulations and projects
- Conducting focused technical research and analysis on priority issues, and
- Supervising the activities of technical staff and consultants, and reporting to the Program Director on staff activities.
- Stays well informed regarding current scientific papers and studies, and other materials, as needed to track and apply the best available scientific information.
- Represents FOR in hearings, workshops, conferences and other meetings as appropriate, including formal testimony.
- Communicates to the media and the public regarding FOR priorities and contributes to FOR communication and outreach materials.
- Participates in grant-writing and reporting where relevant to program activities.