Specialist, Exploration Technology Lab

Responsibilities

• Include:
• Conservation and Storytelling Technology Research Support (30%)
• Understand related conservation and storytelling technology research relevant field(s), stay networked and informed on emerging trends, and scan for gaps and opportunities in the Exploration Technology Lab’s portfolio.
• With guidance from the Product Director, conduct research, program planning, and make recommendations on technology decisions. This includes performing landscape analyses for commonly used equipment in a technical area, identifying emerging tools or methods relevant to a program's focus, or compiling comparative information to inform the selection of a piece of technology.
• Synthesize findings into clear, actionable summaries for program staff.
• Data Management & Reporting (30%)
• Ingest and organize program management data as well as field-collected data using data management tools while adhering to data best practices.
• Perform data collection, maintenance, updating and reporting; working with team members to create NGS forms, reports, campaigns, and dashboards to visualize program impact; summarize data and metrics for use in divisional reporting and analysis.
• Administer evaluation touchpoints and surveys tailored to each program's structure and needed response rate.
• Program Administration and Logistics Coordination (25%)
• In coordination with the operations team, support the mechanics of hardware and material acquisition, shipping, and management. This includes departmental purchasing and expense reporting, outbound and inbound equipment shipping tracking and associated paperwork.
• Support program organization, including scheduling, drafting and distributing agendas, taking and distributing notes, tracking action items, managing project records, and supporting facilitation as needed.
• Support programmatic administration of collaborators, independent contractors, and partners, including contracts and paperwork.
• Outreach & Communications (15%)
• In coordination with the Product Director, support the Exploration Technology Lab’s Explorer technology opportunity outreach strategy from initial recruitment through active program involvement, including collecting, drafting, editing, and distributing key content and programmatic surveys.
• Build distribution lists from internal databases and coordinate with partners and stakeholders to promote opportunities.
• Monitor communication channels and address routine questions.

Requirements

• Educational Background Bachelor’s degree required in one or more science or conservation related fields is strongly preferred (such as in environmental science or conservation biology, metrics and evaluation/data science with a social or environmental science application, environmental studies, or natural resource management or engineering-adjacent degrees). Minimum Years and Type of Experience 3+ years of relevant experience in science or conservation, program coordination, metrics and evaluation, operations, or administrative support is preferred. Necessary Knowledge and Skills
• Experience conducting research and synthesizing findings into clear written summaries.
• Strong organizational skills; proven ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines, with changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to work with individuals and groups at all levels.
• Ability to work independently on process-driven work while knowing when to escalate.
• Ability to compile information from disparate sources (literature review, interviews and conversations, first-hand accounts, etc.) and produce condensed, topline messaging and/or recommendations.
• Must be able to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
• Positive attitude with proactive approach.
• Background or experience working in conservation, science, or exploration-focused programs.
• Experience working in database/data-tracking systems (e.g., Airtable, Formstack, Salesforce or similar), including basic reporting or query-building.
• Experience with survey administration or program evaluation support.
• Familiarity with grants, contracts, or legal documentation workflows.
• Experience coordinating across international stakeholders or time zones.
• Supervision
• No direct reports
• Salary Information
• The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.
• The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.
• In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; engaging and comprehensive wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment; flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.); paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy; employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.
• Job Designation
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
• W e encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in science or conservation, program coordination, metrics and evaluation, operations, or administrative support is preferred. Necessary Knowledge and Skills

Full Job Posting