Nature-Based Research and Monitoring [Contract Position]

Company

Rubicon Carbon is a next-generation carbon solutions provider. Led by a world-class management team, Rubicon is an innovative platform that channels capital to unlock at-scale decarbonization projects and delivers trusted, enterprise-grade solutions for carbon credit purchases. Rubicon strives to deliver greater scale, confidence, and innovation across all facets of the carbon market and meet the growing demand for end-to-end, high-integrity emissions reduction solutions. 

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate scientist with strong critical thinking skills to add technical expertise and operational capacity to our Science team on a 9-month contract basis to cover two parental leaves. This role will report to the VP of Nature-Based Research and Monitoring, and will collaborate regularly across the entire organization, working particularly closely with our Product, Supply and Strategy teams. 

This individual will be responsible for due diligence related to potential investments in nature-based carbon projects across the globe, including scientific research, quantitative analytics, and communication about project activities, assumptions, and impact. They will design, implement and improve key systems for monitoring and reporting of project development and operations. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, as well as communicating results to stakeholders possessing a range of technical fluency. International travel (up to 25%) is expected for this position.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-investment diligence on nature-based projects and methodologies to inform opportunities being considered for investment or for sale to customers, including forests, agriculture, and blue carbon systems
• Perform field due diligence including site visits and meetings with project developers and partners. International travel (up to 25%) is expected for this position.
• Cross-functionally contribute to a system of ongoing monitoring to ensure that in-development and operational carbon projects are delivering desired impact in terms of carbon emissions reduction and carbon storage, as well as social benefits and operations
• Perform and communicate results of analyses to assess carbon project accounting and assumptions
• Perform market research and literature reviews in keeping with company priorities and requirements 

Required skills and experience

• Experience with reforestation or ecosystem restoration projects in some capacity is a firm requirement for this position. 
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, including but not limited to forestry, ecology, economics, agricultural science
• At least 2 years of work experience in, or adjacent to, the voluntary carbon market, and familiarity with voluntary carbon market evolution and stakeholders
• Deep understanding of the mechanics of nature-based carbon crediting (methodologies, accounting, reporting)
• Demonstrated knowledge of scientific and ecological processes influenced by carbon project activities 
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistical techniques and methods
• Experience designing and implementing ideas as a sole contributor or member of small team
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally
• Clear and direct written and verbal communication skills

The national market pay range for this role is $80-90 per hour. Our approach to compensation consists of starting with market data +/- relevant experience.

Note that this is a contract hire through December 31, 2025, with the opportunity to convert to FTE should the role open.