Position Title: Eastern Science Coordinator

Location:  St. Paul, MN / Hybrid*

*While not required, MJV staff located in the Twin Cities area try to work from our St. Paul office most Tuesdays. Local staff are welcome to work from the office more often as desired. Applicants must be based in the greater Twin Cities area. 

Compensation: $45,000 - $55,000; full-time 

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and short-term disability insurance; 401K; paid time off, sick leave, and holidays

Desired Start Date: February 2024

Application Deadline: Dec 31, 2023, or until the position is filled

Travel Required: Local and regional travel expected within Minnesota and possibly neighboring states; national travel may be required for a few events per year.

Position Summary:

The Eastern Science Coordinator supports the Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) by developing MJV’s science and monitoring initiatives in a way that invests in and supports the work of the MJV partnership and broader research community. This position advances MJV’s primary science goal of cultivating a strong network of researchers, research entities, and partner science initiatives that utilize MJV tools, trust the MJV to distill and disseminate scientific communications to broader audiences, and work collaboratively to advance monarch conservation research. MJV science initiatives are conducted in alignment with the Monarch Conservation Implementation Plan. Learn more about the mission, vision, and values of the MJV on our website.

Primary Responsibilities:

Science Services (50%) 

• Coordinate field research projects and teams (e.g., pollinator and habitat surveys, remote sensing). 
• Conduct field research as needed. 
• Coordinate developments and applications of the Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program (IMMP), Monarch Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP), and remote sensing programs. 
• Provide science training and presentations to partners and the public. 
• Support basic analyses and develop technical reports and publications on MJV science initiatives. 

Science Partnerships (15%) 

• Foster relationships with individuals, research labs, and organizations that actively or have the potential to advance science objectives and priorities. 
• Develop and maintain a network of researchers dedicated to advancing monarch conservation work. 
• Facilitate partnerships to carry out the Monarch Conservation Implementation Plan science section. 
• Foster strategic science partnership growth.

Science Resource Management (15%) 

• Develop, update, or uplift existing resources to support science objectives. 
• Support partners in their own development of science resources. 
• Share scientific resources with the MJV partner network. 
• Stay up to date on the latest relevant research and resources. 
• Be responsive in answering general monarch, conservation, and science inquiries that come to the MJV.

Staff Management and Coordination (10%) 

• Train, manage, or coordinate field staff in support of MJV projects.

Science Strategy (5%) 

• Help develop and advance strategies for science initiatives for the MJV. 
• Utilize the MJV framework for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion while developing science strategy, partnerships, and projects.

Budget, Admin, and Fundraising (5%) 

• Provide insight and support the development of grants, either science-focused or with science objectives. Track and outline deliverables, outcomes, and results for grant reports. 
• Track expenses according to grant project budgets. 
• Inform budgetary needs for science initiatives.  

Required Qualifications:

Science Experience - A minimum of two years of relevant experience (or a degree in a related science field with at least 1 year of relevant experience). 

Facilitation and Coordination Experience -  A demonstrated ability to effectively engage and organize various stakeholders to accomplish common education goals. 

Analytical Skills - Demonstrated ability to use appropriate tools to conduct basic statistical analyses for science initiatives and broadly interpret relevant statistical analyses. 

Communication Skills - Demonstrated science communication skills, including oral presentation, writing, and the ability to use appropriate communication technologies with a variety of audiences.

Adaptability - Self-motivated ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders under general management guidance.

Workload Management - Demonstrated ability to set and maintain manageable priorities and forward progress for multiple responsibilities.

Strategic Thinking - Demonstrated ability to think strategically about sustainability and growth of the MJV’s initiatives.

Problem Solving - Demonstrated ability to use critical thinking to seek out, identify, and communicate solutions to challenges as they arise.

Technology - Proficiency using Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and other relevant technology systems. 

Valid Driver's License

Desired Skills*:

• Three years of relevant experience, including overseeing project deliverables. 
• Experience managing staff and remote/seasonal teams.
• Experience providing virtual or in-person community science trainings.
• Experience with monarchs, pollinators, and grassland ecosystems 
• Experience with biological habitat monitoring protocols
• GIS Experience
• Experience operating drones and/or a current Part 107 pilot certificate. 
• Background with remote sensing.   

*You do not need to have all these qualifications to apply, but please highlight your experience with any of these in your resume!

Equal Opportunity Employment: 

The Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) is an equal- opportunity employer. As such, MJV offers equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. These opportunities include all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination. All employees are expected to adhere to this policy.

What to Expect:

Your application will include a resume (1-2 pages max) and a few short-answer questions (no cover letters please!). Interviews will be conducted in two phases. Successful applications will first be invited to a brief introductory interview by Zoom with a single MJV staff member. A second longer interview with multiple staff will be invited for successful first interview candidates. References may be contacted after the second interview. While unlikely, a potential short third interview may be requested as needed in final decision making. All candidates will be notified via email if their application is no longer being considered.