Ocean Science and Technology Manager

The Nature Conservancy•Arlington, TX

8d•$70,000 - $104,000

About The Position

The Ocean Science and Technology Manager supports the development and implementation of science and conservation technology initiatives within The Nature Conservancy's Large-Scale Fisheries Program. They are a bridge between fisheries experts, conservation practitioners, technology developers, and external partners to advance innovative technology solutions that improve the transparency and sustainability in industrial fisheries. The Ocean Science and Technology Manager may lead the development and implementation of one or more projects and/or strategic initiatives that leverage electronic monitoring, machine learning, computer vision, data systems, and seafood traceability technologies. This is a two-year term position with opportunity for extension based on funding availability and performance. The Ocean Science and Technology Manager is a key contributor to the Program's growing Science and Technology portfolio, helping evaluate, procure, deploy, and scale emerging technologies in real-world industrial fishing environments. They possess sufficient technical fluency in artificial intelligence, computer vision, data systems, hardware, and software deployment to effectively manage technical vendors and contractors, evaluate proposed solutions, identify implementation risks, assess budgets and technology investments, and ensure that deployed systems meet conservation and operational objectives. Working closely with TNC staff, governments, industry partners, technology providers, and other stakeholders, the Ocean Science and Technology Manager helps guide complex, multidisciplinary projects from concept through implementation and scaling. They have strong project management skills, technical fluency, and the ability to translate between technical and non-technical audiences to advance conservation outcomes through the strategic application of science and technology. They may advise TNC communications, marketing and philanthropy staff on issues related to the priority project(s) and related issues.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, political science, public policy, international relations, international development or related field and 4 years related experience, or equivalent combination.
Experience leading complex projects or strategic initiatives in an unstructured environment.
Experience researching, critically analyzing, and evaluating information from divergent sources and compiling it into cohesive reports and recommendations for strategy and action.
Experience writing and editing technical and informational material.
Critical analytical thinking and excellent English writing skills are essential.
Ability to develop and drive new ideas and approaches.
Ability to work well in a highly matrixed, decentralized and collaborative organization.
Possesses strong interpersonal skills and political savvy.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet time sensitive deadlines.
NGO and/or corporate relations experience.

Nice To Haves

Ability to write and speak in a language other than English, such as Spanish, Portuguese French or Chinese, highly desirable.
Working knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision concepts, including the ability to evaluate proposed technical approaches, identify potential risks, and effectively oversee contractor-delivered solutions.
Familiarity with the lifecycle of AI-enabled technology projects, including requirements development, data collection and management, model development, testing, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated

Responsibilities

Leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of science and technology initiatives that advance fisheries transparency, monitoring, and sustainability objectives, with a focus on electronic monitoring, computer vision, machine learning, and seafood traceability systems.
Serves as a technical project manager for complex, multidisciplinary projects, coordinating work across TNC teams, technology providers, contractors, government agencies, and industry partners to ensure successful project delivery.
Provides technical oversight of contractor- and vendor-delivered solutions, reviewing proposed approaches, deliverables, budgets, and timelines to ensure projects meet operational, technical, and conservation objectives.
Supports the design, deployment, and scaling of hardware, software, and data management systems in fisheries and remote operational environments, including workflows for transmission, compression, storage, and management of large video and sensor datasets.
Evaluates emerging technologies and technical approaches and provide recommendations regarding feasibility, scalability, cost-effectiveness, implementation risks, and potential conservation impact.
Develops technical assessments, reports, presentations, and recommendations to inform programmatic strategy and project implementation, translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
Manage project budgets and technology procurements, contribute to vendor selection and contract management, and build productive relationships with internal and external partners to advance strategic conservation goals.
Provides technical advice and support to other LSF team members as needed.