Location: Remote with regular travel (~25%)
Reports to: Executive Director
Salary Range: $190,000-$210,000
Position Summary: The Lead Scientist at Earth Fire Alliance(EFA) serves as the organization's senior scientific leader, providing strategic vision, guidance, and oversight of EFA's scientific and research initiatives. This critical leadership role includes the establishment and execution of a robust Research to Operations (R2O) program, driving the transition of cutting-edge research into operational applications that enhance global wildfire detection, monitoring, response, and resilience efforts. The Lead Scientist will represent EFA in technical engagements, forging and maintaining strategic partnerships across academia, NGOs, governmental bodies, and international research organizations.
Earth Fire Alliance (EFA) is committed to ensuring data from and for the entire planet is readily accessible to limit the negative impacts of wildfires and improve understanding of their effects on ecosystems and communities. Fire is a natural component of global ecology, however changing conditions have resulted in destructive megafires that burn hotter, spread faster, and cause lasting damage. Addressing this crisis demands radical collaboration and accessible real-time wildfire data on a global scale. EFA strives to enable transformative wildfire response through technology-driven solutions and global partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership and Strategy
- Provide overarching scientific direction and strategic planning to guide EFA's science, research, and development priorities.
- Serve as the principal scientific authority and spokesperson for EFA, ensuring credibility and thought leadership within the scientific community.
- Represent EFA at national and international technical conferences, symposia, and workshops.
- Maintain awareness of emerging scientific trends, technologies, and methodologies related to wildfire detection, forestry management, mitigation, and resilience practices including the use of beneficial fire, remote sensing, wildfire modeling, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and sensor system integration.
Research to Operations (R2O) Program Leadership
- Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of EFA's Research to Operations (R2O) initiatives.
- Facilitate the identification, assessment, and integration of scientific innovations into practical, scalable operational tools.
- Oversee the scientific and technical validation of EFA efforts to ensure scientific integrity and operational readiness.
- Collaborate closely with operational teams to ensure smooth transition and integration of research products into operational use.
Partnership and Collaboration Development
- Establish and cultivate productive research and scientific partnerships across the community including academia, research institutions, NGOs, government research agencies, and the private sector.
- Engage actively with global research networks to foster collaboration and leverage external expertise and resources.
- Support EFA's grant proposals by providing scientific insights and guidance, ensuring alignment with strategic scientific objectives.
- Represent EFA in collaborative work with the interconnected wildfire research grantees supported by EFA’s funders.
Budget and Resource Management
- Manage and oversee budget allocations related to scientific and research initiatives, including dedicated R2O funding.
- Ensure efficient and effective utilization of financial resources, tracking expenditures and ensuring alignment with EFA mission strategic goals.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in wildfire science, forestry, natural resources, environmental science, ecology, or a closely related technical field.
- 10+ years of professional experience with progressively increasing levels of responsibility in academia, NGOs, government, and/or relevant industry positions.
- Demonstrated expertise and thought leadership in wildfire detection and monitoring, forestry management, remote sensing technologies, wildfire modeling, AI/machine learning applications, and sensor systems integration.
- Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary research teams and manage complex scientific programs and budgets to include recruiting and goal setting.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with demonstrated experience engaging effectively with diverse scientific, technical, and stakeholder audiences across multiple levels of experience from senior leaders to the next generation of thought leaders.
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally (~25%) to represent EFA and build strategic collaborations.
Working Conditions
- Full-time remote position (~40 hours/week),requiring flexibility to accommodate global collaboration and engagement.
- Occasional evening and weekend engagements to accommodate partner time zones and travel commitments.
Benefits
EFA provides a comprehensive and flexible benefits package.
To Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a professional writing sample to join@earthfirealliance.orgby August 7, 2025. Include "Lead Scientist" in the subject line.
Earth Fire Alliance is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.
