Senior Environmental Scientists for NRDA

The Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) seeks Senior Environmental Scientists for its NRDA consulting team in Portland, ME. Candidates should have expertise in various environmental sciences, data analysis, and communication. Responsibilities include field data collection, data management, and report writing. The position offers flexibility to work in-office, remotely, or hybrid, requiring high performance and independence from employees.
Overview: The Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI), a non-profit organization based in Portland, ME, seeks broadly trained environmental scientists to join our natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) consulting team. BRI’s NRDA consultants assist natural resource trustees (federal, state, and tribal environmental agencies) with the assessment of the impacts of hazardous substances and oil on natural resources, including flora, fauna, and water resources in terrestrial, aquatic, and maritime habitats. The goal is to ensure that the parties responsible for hazardous substance releases and oil discharges compensate the public for causing harm to natural resources, with the compensation used to restore those resources.

BRI’s NRDA consulting team has openings for multiple scientists covering multiple disciplines. Our team requires a broad range of expertise, including environmental chemistry, hydrology, hydrogeology, ecotoxicology, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, and restoration ecology. Successful candidates must demonstrate proficiency across multiple disciplines and be highly skilled at data analysis and synthesis, as well as written and oral presentation of the data. Our work requires the ability to present complicated science to lay audiences (attorneys, judges, and the public) in a manner that is both comprehensive and understandable.

NRDA scientists at BRI may work in the Portland office, telecommute, or be hybrid. Our work environment provides each employee with a high level of independence no matter the location. In exchange we demand a high level of performance. The NRDA team has dedicated workers who understand the level of effort required to perform the job with excellence and who at times work odd or extended hours to ensure that work is completed in a timely manner.

Responsibilities may include:
• Participation in and oversight of field data collection
• Database development and management
• Data analysis, statistics, and graphical presentation
• Comprehensive literature review and data synthesis
• Proposal and report writing
• Manuscript writing for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals
• PowerPoint creation and presentation
• Occasional travel for field work or meetings
• Collaboration with a team of colleagues to achieve project objectives, with the flexibility to be either a team lead or supporting staff
• Other duties as directed or assigned.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

Successful candidates must be independently motivated, detail-oriented, methodical, highly organized, strong communicators, and collaborative team members. Preferred qualifications include:
• A Masters or Ph.D. in environmental chemistry, earth science, hydrology, hydrogeology, ecotoxicology, ecology, or related field, with multiple years of professional experience
• Proficiency in data handling and analysis, including experience with R, Python, SQL, ArcGIS, GraphPad Prism, Excel, and/or other software
• Experience developing, calibrating, and validating hydrological and/or biological contaminant transport/uptake/trophic transfer models
• Strong expertise with data visualization and mapping for scientific reports and publications
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills, including experience writing reports for lay audiences and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications
• Strong work ethic and ability to effectively prioritize and address needs as they arise
• Ability to travel (about 10% of time)
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Additional Desired Qualifications:
• Experience working for trustees on NRDA cases
• Familiarity with CERCLA, OPA, RCRA, and other environmental regulations
• Applied expertise in assessing the fate, transport, exposure, and adverse effects of contaminants released into the environment
• Demonstrated experience working with the highest levels of standard-of-care and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC)
• Adeptness at facilitating working groups and other collaborative efforts focused on coordinating individuals to set and achieve goals
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional work and/or travel outside of normal business hours
• Experience working with a team of telecommuters
• 24- or 40-hour HAZWOPER certification.

Compensation: BRI is committed to salary equity. At a minimum, we strive to meet federal Grade-Step (GS) levels that align with education and experience. BRI offers a fully paid employee health insurance premium, optional dependent coverage, dental, LTD, life insurance, 401k with match, and generous PTO and paid holidays. Costs associated with work travel are reimbursed. Ultimately, BRI’s benefits package, workplace flexibility, professional development opportunities, and ability for vertical movement within the organization create an unparalleled workplace culture. BRI is a member of the United Nations Global Compact and as such meets Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) interests in the US.

To Apply: Send a cover letter, CV, and three references via email to jobs@briwildlife.org with the subject “NRDA Scientist”; or by U.S. mail addressed to: Biodiversity Resource Institute, Attn: NRDA Scientist, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME 04103

All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.