Catalina Island Conservancy Job Vacancies 2026
Position Summary
The Conservation Analytics Biologist bridges field-based ecological knowledge with quantitative and computational methods to support evidence-based conservation decision-making. This role designs, manages, and analyzes biological and spatial datasets to inform species management, habitat restoration, land-use planning, and policy recommendations. Housed in the Conservation Department, the role also supports facilities, real estate, recreation, and communications teams with GIS and other applications in service of the Conservancy’s mission. The ideal candidate combines a strong foundation in conservation biology with advanced skills in statistics, GIS, and data science. The position is approximately 90% office-based and 10% field work, although this may change with project needs.
Location
The position is assigned to the Conservancy’s Long Beach office and offers a primarily remote schedule. Occasional time in the Long Beach office and ferry trips to Catalina Island, potentially including overnight stays, are required. Travel will be planned in advance with reasonable notice whenever possible. The employee must reside in California within 100 miles of the Long Beach office.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and run Desktop, ArcGIS Online, FieldMaps, Dashboards, and Experience Builder.
- Manage technology systems, tools, and data workflows supporting Conservancy programs, field operations, and wildlife management.
- Design and implement analytical workflows for field, telemetry, camera-trap, acoustic, remote-sensing, and citizen-science data.
- Develop statistical and spatial models, including occupancy, species distribution, population viability, and habitat connectivity models, to guide conservation strategy.
- Build and maintain databases, dashboards, and reproducible analysis pipelines using tools such as R and Python.
- Translate analytical findings into actionable reports, maps, and visualizations for scientists, land managers, and non-technical stakeholders.
- Collaborate with field biologists on data-collection protocols that support robust downstream analysis.
- Conduct literature reviews and apply current best practices in quantitative ecology and conservation science.
- Support grant writing and reporting with data summaries, figures, and analytical justification.
- Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and conference presentations.
- Maintain data quality standards, metadata documentation, and version control across projects.
- Mentor junior staff, interns, or volunteers in field data collection and basic analytical methods as needed.
- Use ArcGIS to evaluate potential project areas’ conservation values and alignment with the strategic plan.
- Provide GIS support and analysis to Conservancy programs, including facilities, real estate, recreation, education, and communications.
- Coordinate ecological monitoring and reporting with conservation staff and help conduct site visits to proposed project areas as needed.
- Perform other work-related duties as directed by the supervisor.
Physical Requirements
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Hike over rugged terrain and through dense shrub, including steep and unstable rocky substrate and cactus.
- Work in weather-dependent field conditions, including hot, cold, dusty, or muddy conditions.
- Be comfortable encountering wild animals, including bison and rattlesnakes.
Qualifications
Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of GIS software and prior experience with a programming language such as R.
- Proficiency with Desktop, ArcGIS Online, FieldMaps, Dashboards, and Experience Builder.
- Proficiency in Python and scripting to automate geospatial processes.
- Ability to summarize and analyze project results and develop written reports and presentations.
- Experience with Bayesian modeling, machine learning, or remote-sensing analysis.
- Familiarity with database management (SQL) and cloud-based data platforms.
- Experience with camera-trap or bioacoustics data-processing software.
- Track record of peer-reviewed publication.
- Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, or tribal partners on conservation initiatives.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to field sites as needed.
Secondary Qualifications
- Knowledge of California climate, geology, land-use history, flora, and fauna.
- Willingness and ability to learn new software, technologies, or methodologies to improve ecological restoration projects.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in GIS, computer science, environmental science, natural resources, geography, ecology, or a related natural-science field required; master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in conservation, project management, natural resource management, planning, or a related field.
- Experience presenting project results and spatial data in oral, graphic, or written formats.
Compensation and Benefits
Estimated starting salary is $80,000–$86,000 annually, based on skills and experience. Benefits include a 403(b) plan with a 3% employer contribution and a 5% match, fully vested after 2 years; healthcare coverage; flexible spending accounts; paid time off; life and disability insurance; an employee assistance program; and professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
Send a resume and cover letter to jobs@catalinaconservancy.org, listing the job title in the subject line. Qualified applicants may be asked for a project portfolio and/or writing sample before an interview.