The Nature Conservancy is hiring a Geospatial Scientist

The Nature Conservancy is hiring a Geospatial Scientist to lead spatial analyses that inform critical conservation and renewable energy siting strategies in India. In this role, you will develop and maintain geospatial databases, build predictive models, and create decision-support tools to guide data-driven action. You will also expand our Geo-Lab program, integrating new technologies and spatial planning across projects.

What You'll Do

• Lead and manage spatial analyses for projects focused on conservation planning, renewable energy siting, land use change detection, biodiversity hotspots, and ecological corridors.
• Build and maintain a spatial data and tools library for ongoing and future conservation projects.
• Develop and implement a shared vision for integrating geospatial technologies across all project stages—planning, implementation, and monitoring & evaluation.
• Expand the 'Geo-Lab', defining problem statements and determining appropriate uses of geospatial technologies.
• Develop predictive models, integrate spatial data with field surveys, conduct landscape analyses, and identify priority sites using modeling tools and spatial action planning.
• Develop and maintain geospatial databases using satellite imagery, open-access datasets, and partner-contributed data.
• Design and implement models and decision-support tools (e.g., Marxan, InVEST, Zonation) to inform conservation and renewable energy siting strategies.
• Generate high-quality maps, dashboards, and reports to communicate spatial findings to internal teams, government stakeholders, and external partners.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of ecologists, policy experts, climate scientists, and project managers to integrate geospatial insights into program strategies.
• Build partnerships with relevant geospatial and data science agencies and universities in India.
• Advance appropriate commercial technology partnerships to support geospatial work.
• Supervise and mentor junior geospatial analysts and interns, as required.
• Engage with academic and technical partners, including data providers, research institutions, and government agencies, to ensure scientific robustness and policy relevance.
• Contribute to fundraising proposals and publications as needed.

What We're Looking For

• Master’s or PhD in Geography, Geoinformatics, Environmental Science, Landscape Ecology, Remote Sensing, or a related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of professional experience applying geospatial tools in environmental or renewable energy contexts.
• Advanced expertise in Geographic Information Systems (e.g., Esri ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, MapInfo) and Remote Sensing Software (e.g., Leica Geosystems ERDAS Imagine, ENVI, Feature Analyst, Google Earth Engine).
• Experience with spatial modelling, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), and suitability mapping in conservation and/or energy infrastructure siting.
• Experience in designing and maintaining enterprise-scale spatial and relational databases to meet organizational needs.
• Proven track record of translating spatial data into actionable policy or project insights.
• Working knowledge of relevant scripting and programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Microsoft VBA, C++, Java, JavaScript).
• Working knowledge in creating and maintaining internet-based spatial data viewers, interactive online analysis tools and spatial data distribution tools.
• Strong skills in data visualization, cartographic design, and spatial storytelling.
• Experience creating standardized cartographic map design and spatial data visualization products for static and dynamic (Internet-based) map applications.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines, work independently, and manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Nice to Have

• Master’s degree and 10-12 years of experience or equivalent combination.
• Good knowledge of the data sources and availability with NRSC, FSI, WII, and other central/regional/state/local departments.
• Advanced experience in analysis with Google Earth Engine and other similar tools.
• Working knowledge of scripting languages (especially Python, SQL, and R) for conducting automated, complex, and high-level geospatial analysis.

Technical Stack

• Geographic Information Systems: Esri ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, MapInfo
• Remote Sensing Software: Leica Geosystems ERDAS Imagine, ENVI, Feature Analyst, Google Earth Engine
• Spatial modeling and decision-support tools: Marxan, InVEST, Zonation
• Scripting and programming languages: Python, R, Microsoft VBA, C++, Java, JavaScript, SQL

Team & Environment

You will report to the Lead renewable and work closely with the RE team as well as internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work.
• Benefits may include health care, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• Employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits.
• Flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Work Mode

This role is based in New Delhi.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture.