Job Details

Conservation Finance Associate Specialist, Environmental Markets Lab (emLab), University of California Santa Barbara

Apply for this job

Position Number: 6263935
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Position Type: Agriculture - Environmental Science, Ecology & Forestry

Conservation Finance Associate Specialist, Environmental Markets Lab (emLab), University of California Santa Barbara

University of California Santa Barbara

Position overview
Position title: Conservation Finance Associate Specialist Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position at 100% time is $74,900 to $87,300. Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: The start date is negotiable. Ideally the position starts by September 2, 2025. Position duration: This is a 1-year initial appointment. Application Window

Open date: May 29, 2025

Next review date: Monday, Jun 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Oct 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Environmental Markets Lab (emLab) is seeking a highly motivated associate specialist to conduct research and analyses to support a project developing financial strategies to de-risk marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). The research components include, but are not limited to, categorizing ecosystem restoration mCDR approaches, associated risks, and carbon benefits; developing financial toolkits to manage risks; identifying co-benefit generation from risk management strategies; and outlining business vignettes that illustrate risks, tools, actors, and value for different intervention types. The associate specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks including preparing, processing, combining, and visualizing data; conducting literature reviews; employing theoretical and empirical approaches to model risk, diversification, and portfolios; contributing to the drafting of academic manuscripts, reports, and presentations; and developing efficient and reproducible workflows to implement best practices for data acquisition and analysis.

emLab is an interdisciplinary team of scientists based at UC Santa Barbara that conducts cutting-edge, data-driven research on the power, limitations, and design of market-based approaches to tackle the world's most pressing environmental problems. In collaboration with implementing partners, emLab aims to better align environmental objectives and economic incentives in support of sustainable livelihoods and a resilient planet.

This appointment includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental and vision insurance and a UC retirement plan. Salary is commensurate with the applicant's qualifications and experience.

Department: https://msi.ucsb.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor's degree in economics, environmental science and management, data science, statistics, computer science, or a related field at the time of application.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

At least 5 years of professional experience providing analytical research support to projects related to environmental science and management, data science, economics, or a related field;

OR

A Master's degree in economics, environmental science and management, data science, statistics, computer science, or a related field at the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

Excellent quantitative skills including experience collecting, managing, processing, and analyzing large datasets;

Proficiency with coding languages such as R and/or Python and experience working with GitHub;

Knowledge in financial instruments for conservation such as carbon credits or bonds;

Experience developing or applying economic models and methods for conservation;

Experience conducting analyses on conservation finance and risk management;

Ability to synthesize and communicate scientific methods and results to a variety of partners and stakeholders;

Excellent creative problem solving, solutions-oriented mindset and troubleshooting skills;

Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

Ability to take initiative, self manage, and work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team;

Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational and time management skills;

An ability to work and problem solve independently.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter

Reference requirements

3 required (contact information only)

The search committee will contact references of the top candidate(s) after the interviews. After references are checked, a top candidate will be chosen.
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02981

Help contact: lswanson@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Job location
Santa Barbara, CA UCSB

To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02981