Careers at
NATURAL STATE
A career at NATURAL STATE means working hard to catalyse large-scale restoration globally by revolutionising impact monitoring, developing new financial mechanisms and supporting local leaders. Our team of diverse people, ideas and skills help us achieve our impact goals and values.
Who We Are
Our goal at the NATURAL STATE research centre is to develop technology and financial systems that will catalyse large-scale restoration globally as well as help train future leaders for this sector. In the short term we are revolutionising impact monitoring for carbon, biodiversity and human-wellbeing, so that the success or failure of restoration efforts can be clearly defined. We are using this technology to help test a broad range of innovative financing mechanisms that aim to support large-scale restoration, sequester carbon, and provide benefits to local communities.
About Our Team
NATURAL STATE's mission is brought to life every day by our talented team of individuals with unique perspectives and a deep passion for the natural world.
A career with us means working hard together to achieve our goals. From species diversity studies at the NATURAL STATE research centre, located at the base of Mt. Kenya, to analysing data to help trigger investment in the nature economy.
NATURAL STATES staff are lifelong learners, continually developing new approaches and new skills. We fail fast and learn fast with a “lean impact” approach. NATURAL STATE provides skill development opportunities through all career stages, and we do this in an inclusive and respectful environment. We pride ourselves at NATURAL STATE for our passion, dedication, and diverse backgrounds.
OPEN OPPORTUNITIES
Position: Training Programme Manager & Lead Instructor
Location: Laikipia, Kenya (with possible regional travel across Africa)
Reporting to: Head, African Centre for Nature Restoration & Resilience (ACNRR)
Duration: Full-time – 1 year contract with possible extension
About Natural State
NATURAL STATE’s aim is to catalyse nature restoration across Africa and the globe to tackle the biodiversity and climate crises and support resilient communities. Together with partners, NATURAL STATE is establishing the African Centre for Nature Restoration & Resilience (ACNRR)—a pioneering hub based in Laikipia, Kenya, focused on building a more equitable, effective, and scalable restoration sector across Africa. Through training, innovation and enterprise support, and knowledge exchange, we will work to unlock the potential of people and organisations to restore nature, strengthen communities from within, and address the global climate and biodiversity crises.
The Training Programme Manager & Lead Instructor plays a critical role in ensuring the success of the Centre’s learning programmes. These programmes provide accessible and inclusive onsite and online vocational learning for nature restoration professionals and custodians. It has a focus on practical and applied training, designed for employability and real-world performance.
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced, strategic, creative, and learner-focused instructional leader to shape how training is delivered at the African Centre for Nature Restoration & Resilience (ACNRR). As Lead Instructor, you will lead a small team of instructors to oversee in-person, online, and blended training delivery, ensuring each course is grounded in real-world application. You will also align delivery with ACNRR’s unique learning environment, making full use of our facilities and surrounding landscapes—and mentor a team of instructors and work closely with partners and technical experts to deliver locally-grounded curricula that drive real-world change. This is a unique opportunity to deliver transformational vocational education that empowers restoration leaders across Africa.
Key Responsibilities
1. Delivery Design & Instructional Leadership
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Translate core best practice and training content into engaging, inclusive, learner and context-specific delivery formats that reflect adult learning principles and real-world application.
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Design and continuously improve experiential, interactive, and practice-oriented learning formats to support applied learning, using ACNRR’s facilities, and surrounding landscape., and in close collaboration with ACNRR team members.
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Serve as lead instructor for in-person, online, and blended training cohorts, modelling inclusive, participatory, and applied teaching methods.
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Ensure all training delivery is interactive, applied, and grounded in real contexts.
2. Locally relevant Curriculum Design
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Work in partnership with the Indigenous and Community Solutions Hub Lead to identify key capacity needs among community nature custodian organisations and coordinate, co-create, and co-deliver training, mentoring, and peer exchange opportunities.
3. Instructor Team Development
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Recruit and oversee a diverse, gender inclusive, knowledgeable, and learner-centred team of instructors for the ACNRR.
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Onboard, and mentor a diverse group of instructors from across the region.
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Build a culture of excellence, peer learning, and continuous improvement within the instructors' team.
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Coordinate instructor delivery across in-person and online offerings, ensuring consistency with ACNRR values and standards.
4. Training Implementation & Operations
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Create annual training calendars and lead the day-to-day implementation of training delivery, including scheduling, resource planning, logistics, and learner support.
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Align training delivery with the ACNRR annual calendar, physical infrastructure, and regional travel plans.
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Serve as the key liaison between the content development team and the training delivery team to ensure smooth rollout and feedback loops.
5. Partnerships & Influence
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Build partnerships with local organisations, custodians, and practitioners to co-deliver field-based components.
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Lead and coordinate training contributions from guest instructors, expert panels, and community knowledge holders.
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Work with the Director and Head to develop a network of accredited satellite learning providers across the continent.
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Support the Head as required to represent the ACNRR in regional forums, advocating for IPLC-led restoration and funding and education equity.
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Collaborate with funding partners, civil society, research institutions, and governments to amplify community voices and strengthen support systems for community-based restoration leadership.
6. Programme Management
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Manage the day-to-day operations of the training programme, including planning, budgets, schedules, and logistics.
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Develop and implement systems for learner feedback, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
7. Monitoring, Evaluation, & Reporting
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Form part of the Centre’s MEL unit to develop an evaluation framework to track learning outcomes and real-world impact.
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Collect and analyse feedback on delivery quality and learner progress to support evidence-based improvement in learner experience and instructional and content effectiveness.
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Produce and contribute to high-quality reports, briefs, and communications that showcase the activities and impact of the ACNRR.
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Contribute to funding partner reports, case studies, and communications.
8. Fundraising & Donor Engagement
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Support the ACNRR leadership team to develop a sustainable funding strategy for the Hub’s long-term growth.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and funding partners, ensuring alignment with the Hub’s strategy and values.
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Contribute to the development of compelling funding proposals, concept notes, and presentations for institutional donors, foundations, and other funders.
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Contribute to the delivery of timely, accurate, and transparent grant reporting, including narrative and financial updates.
Essential Requirements
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At least 10 years’ experience in designing and delivering learning programmes, preferably youth and/or adult audiences in communities and vocational rather than academic contexts.
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Spoken and written fluency in English, Kiswahili. Knowledge of other Kenyan languages is an added advantage.
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Deep understanding of competency-based education and vocational qualifications and how they apply to training delivery.
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Strong programme management, coordination, and team leadership experience.
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Background in conservation, natural resource management, regenerative agriculture, organisational or enterprise development, or related field.
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Demonstrated commitment to learner-centred, gender and socially inclusive, and experiential education, with experience supporting diverse learners—including those with limited formal education.
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Proven ability to build trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders across sectors and geographies.
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Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt in a dynamic environment.
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Proficiency with MS Office tools (e.g. Word, Excel) and general digital literacy for learning and collaboration platforms.
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Willingness to be based in Laikipia North onsite at the ACNRR and travel regionally.
Desirable Requirements
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Understanding of the policy and funding landscape for vocational training programmes.
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Experience training local or Indigenous organisations and practitioners.
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Knowledge of online learning platforms and blended learning models.
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Experience designing or delivering train-the-trainer programmes.
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Fluency in French a bonus.
What We Offer
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The opportunity to shape a bold, community-centred programme at the heart of Africa’s restoration movement.
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A supportive, inclusive team working to create systemic change.
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Competitive salary and benefits package.
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Scope for local, national, and regional influence and impact.
Compensation
A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition, Natural State offers a total of 33 days holiday per year (including annual leave and public holidays) and additional office closure days in December, a pension scheme, and medical cover.
How to Apply
Please (1) complete the online application form and (2) send a cover letter as well as your CV to recruitment-ke@naturalstate.org. Applicants submitting CVs alone will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. The deadline for applications is 5pm EAT on 22nd August 2025.
Position: Vice President
Location: Nanyuki, Kenya (with periodic travels)
Type: Full-time, onsite
Reports To: President
Direct Reports: Director of Fundraising, Communications & Partnerships, Financial Manager, HR Manager
About Natural State
Natural State is a pioneering environmental non-profit organisation working to catalyse large-scale nature restoration and conservation by revolutionising impact monitoring, creating innovative financial mechanisms, and building capacity at the local level. With operations in Kenya, the United States, and South Africa, we bring together science, technology, and community partnerships to restore ecosystems and secure a more resilient and biodiverse future.
Role Summary:
The Vice President (VP) is a key member of Natural State’s Leadership Team, responsible for driving excellence and alignment across operations, compliance, impact, and culture. The VP will oversee multiple departments - legal, HR and finance - and ensure smooth execution of the organisation’s strategy and obligations across jurisdictions. The role includes a strong advisory component, supporting the President on strategic matters related to legal compliance, revenue generation, and organisational culture. The VP will also serve as a key representative of Natural State, forging high-impact partnerships and amplifying the organisation’s voice across sectors.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Advisory to the President
Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, providing high-level counsel on legal and statutory obligations, internal culture, and enterprise strategy.
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Provide regular advice to support executive decision-making on organisational growth, risk, compliance, and resource mobilisation.
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Work closely with the President and the Systems and Strategy Implementation Specialist to ensure alignment across governance, strategic planning, and execution.
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Manage communications with the board and prepare the documentation and agendas for bi-annual board meetings.
2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
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Ensure Natural State operates within an effective legal and regulatory framework across all jurisdictions, including overseeing the structuring, registration, and maintenance of its legal entities.
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Secure and maintain all necessary government permissions, registrations, and renewals to comply with national laws and operate effectively.
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Oversee legal compliance across the organisation’s functions, including HR, finance, procurement, ensuring adherence to relevant regulations and internal policies.
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Ensure appropriate systems are in place for data protection, insurance coverage, and legal safeguards that protect the organisation and its people.
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Oversee governance, statutory filings, legal risk mitigation, and coordination with legal counsel across jurisdictions.
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Monitor regulatory changes and advise leadership on implications and action steps.
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3. Organisational Culture and Human Resources
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Oversee the HR and Culture functions to build and sustain a high-performance, inclusive, and values-based organisational environment.
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Oversee systems for recruitment, talent development and retention, legacy planning, performance management, and staff wellbeing.
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Ensure compliance with employment laws and ethical standards across all countries of operation.
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Strengthen culture through continuous engagement and alignment with Natural State’s mission and core values.
4. Programmatic Delivery
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Oversee the Operations, HR and Fundraising, Communications & Partnerships departments to ensure that initiatives are implemented effectively, on time, and aligned with strategic goals.
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Support cross-departmental collaboration and accountability to drive high-quality results.
5. Policies and Donor Compliance
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Ensure organisational policies and procedures meet international donor standards and statutory requirements.
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Lead regular audits, internal reviews, and policy updates to maintain operational integrity and transparency.
6. Financial Oversight
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Coordinate the development of long-term financial strategies to maintain organisational sustainability, including reserves, risk buffers, and funding diversification.
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Oversee financial management systems and coordinate the budgeting, reporting, and forecasting processes.
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Set up and ensure financial policies, controls, and compliance frameworks meet both local legal requirements and international donor expectations.
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Provide oversight and strategic direction for financial risk management, compliance, and internal controls. Ensure the Finance Manager is supported to maintain strong systems, meet external audit requirements, and uphold donor and regulatory obligations.
7. Revenue Generation and Enterprise Development
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With the Systems and Strategy Implementation Specialist, support the Departmental Directors in the establishment and operationalisation of mission-aligned, revenue-generating entities.
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Ensure these ventures are financially sound, legally compliant, and strategically integrated.
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Advise on the design and scaling of sustainable income streams to support organisational independence and growth.
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Identify and pursue new opportunities for funding, partnerships, and visibility at national and international levels.
8. Organisational Systems and Impact
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Partner with the Systems and Strategy Implementation Specialist to develop and refine systems for operational alignment and performance measurement.
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Promote the integration of impact monitoring tools and data systems that inform adaptive management and decision-making and facilitate programmatic performance and impact assessment.
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Foster a culture of learning, accountability, and transparency across the organisation.
9. External Relations and Strategic Partnerships
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Act as a leading voice and ambassador for Natural State, effectively communicating its mission, values, and achievements.
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Build strategic relationships with government agencies, funders, private sector leaders, and academic partners.
Qualifications and Experience
Required
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15+ years of experience in the social or environmental sectors, with at least 10 years at senior leadership level and demonstrable experience in operational management and both philanthropic fundraising and revenue generation through social enterprise business models.
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Proven experience in cross-functional leadership, revenue strategy, and organisational development and compliance.
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Demonstrated ability to work with executive leadership, funders, and high-level partners.
Desired
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Good understanding of the nature conservation and restoration sector as well as nature-based markets and their evolution at the African and global level.
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Strong knowledge of Kenyan legal and compliance frameworks, with working knowledge of US and South African regulatory environments.
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Strong understanding of the cultural and social aspects of working in the Kenyan context and an ability to foster an inclusive and productive environment.
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Familiarity with collaborative and project management software (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, etc)
Core Competencies and Values
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Excellent communicator and relationship builder across cultures and sectors.
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Deep commitment to environmental conservation, equity, and local empowerment.
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High integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complexity.
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Entrepreneurial, adaptive, and impact-oriented.
Additional information
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The recruitment process will consist of several interview stages.
Compensation
A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition, Natural State offers a total of 33 days holiday per year (including annual leave and public holidays) and additional office closure days in December, a pension scheme, and medical cover.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter (pdf format only) describing your aptitude and interest in the position at this link. Applications will be accepted until August 20th at midnight EAT. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning about how you can contribute to our mission.
Natural State is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.
Position: Executive Assistant (EA)
Location: Nanyuki
Reporting to: Presdent & Vice President of NATURAL STATE
Duration: Full-time
About Natural State
NATURAL STATE is a not-for-profit organisation head-quartered in the savannas of Kenya with the aim of catalysing nature restoration globally. We design and test new nature financing mechanisms and the supporting impact monitoring systems, and train local leaders to access this finance and deliver large- scale restoration projects. Our location on the doorstep of vast ecosystems means that our team can be in the field every day, testing solutions in the places, and with the people, facing the challenges.
We have a supporting 501(c) (3) non-profit organisation in the US. For more information, visit www.naturalstate.org.
Role Summary
The Executive Assistant (EA) will provide high-level administrative, operational, and strategic support to the President and Chair of the Board for NATURAL STATE as well as the Vice President. The ideal candidate will be exceptionally organized, discreet, proactive, and passionate about environmental conservation. The role requires someone who can navigate international schedules, manage sensitive information, and act as a critical support hub in a dynamic, global non-profit environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Executive Support
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Manage the President’s calendar, appointments, meetings, and travel across multiple time zones.
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Prepare briefing materials, reports, and agendas for meetings, conferences, and donor engagements.
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Act as a liaison between the President and internal/external stakeholders, including board members, funders, and partners.
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Support meeting coordination including scheduling, notetaking, follow-ups, and action tracking.
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Draft and edit high-level correspondence, presentations, and organisational reports.
2. Organizational Coordination
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Support the coordination of senior leadership team meetings and strategic planning sessions.
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Assist in project tracking and organizational dashboards relevant to the Executive Office
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Coordinate with Impact Monitoring, Nature Finance, Fundraising & Communications, Africa Centre for Nature Restoration and Resilience (ACNRR) and Operations/Program teams on Executive-level priorities.
3. Travel and Event Logistics
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Arrange complex international travel, visas, accommodations, and itineraries.
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Provide remote logistical support during field missions or special guest/donor visits.
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Support in planning and coordinating special events, donor trips, and key organizational milestones.
4. Confidentiality & Governance
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Maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
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Support Board of Directors logistics, communications, and minute-taking when required.
Essential Requirements
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Minimum of 5 years in a similar role, preferably in the non-profit, conservation, or international development sector.
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Bachelor's degree in business administration, Environmental Studies, International Relations, or a related field/social sciences.
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Experience in drafting agreements documents as well as contracts, especially in Kenyan and US contexts.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (additional languages a plus).
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Asana, Trello).
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Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and multitask under pressure.
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Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information
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Experience building trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders across sectors and geographies.
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Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt in a dynamic environment.
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Experience working across cultures and time zones; adaptable and culturally sensitive.
Desirable Requirements
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Passion for nature, rewilding, and sustainable development.
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Ability to manage complexity and remain calm under pressure.
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Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
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Enthusiastic team player with a proactive, can-do attitude.
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Pleasant personality
What We Offer
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An opportunity to be part of a globally recognized environmental organization.
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A dynamic, purpose-driven work environment centered on impact and innovation.
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Opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, professional growth, and continuous learning.
Compensation
A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition, Natural State offers a total of 33 days holiday per year (including annual leave and public holidays) and additional office closure days in December, a pension scheme, and medical cover.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter (pdf format only) describing your aptitude and interest in the position. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning about how you can contribute to our mission.
Natural State is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.
Position: Head of Laboratory
Location: Natural State Research Centre (map)
Salary: Negotiable
Terms: Full-time onsite (40 hrs per week)
Benefits: A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition, Natural State offers a total of 33 days holiday per year (including annual leave and public holidays) and additional office closure days in December, a pension scheme, and medical cover.
Position Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Head of Laboratory to lead and manage Natural State’s multidisciplinary environmental analysis laboratory. Our laboratory focuses on spectroscopy for carbon and vegetation analysis, invertebrate identification and collection, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, and soil biodiversity studies. A core responsibility of the Head of Laboratory will be to oversee the transition of the lab from research-focused operations to a commercial service provider, delivering high-quality, cost-effective, and timely analytical services to internal teams and external partners.
The lab plays a critical role in advancing Natural State’s mission to generate high-resolution ecosystem insights in support of global restoration.
This role requires daily on-site presence with strong leadership and close collaboration with the other teams in the Impact Monitoring department as well as external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be both technically proficient and a capable team builder, ready to grow lab capabilities, mentor and develop the lab team, ensure operational excellence, and deliver measurable value through scientific and commercial impact.
Responsibilities:
Laboratory Operations & Quality Management
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Manage daily operations of the lab, ensuring optimal workflow, safety, and compliance with quality standards (e.g., ISO/GLP where applicable).
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Co-develop and implement a strategy for the lab
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Oversee and implement analytical methodologies in spectroscopy, eDNA, invertebrate, and soil biodiversity analysis.
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Ensure rigorous quality control and assurance procedures across all lab activities.
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Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), lab protocols, and health & safety documentation.
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Oversee data management standards and digital pipelines to ensure traceability, reproducibility, and integration with broader analytical frameworks
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Lead the development of a comprehensive QA/QC framework covering sample handling, analysis, equipment calibration, and reporting.
Commercialisation & Service Provision
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Co-develop and implement the lab’s commercialisation strategy, establishing fee-for-service models for internal departments and external partners.
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Define service pricing structures, forecast revenue, and manage lab P&L in alignment with organizational goals.
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Build and manage relationships with external clients and partners, ensuring delivery of timely, accurate, and cost-effective analytical results.
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Monitor and report on lab performance metrics (e.g., turnaround times, cost per sample, client satisfaction).
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Explore and develop partnerships with other service providers to compliment the NS lab’s capabilities, leveraging advances in AI and machine learning to optimise analysis and outputs.
Capacity Building & Team Leadership
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Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team of lab technicians, analysts, students, and interns.
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Identify skills gaps and provide professional development opportunities to build a high-performing lab team.
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Develop and deliver regular training sessions on lab conduct and health and safety standards, ensuring a culture of scientific integrity within the lab.
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Lead recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluation processes for lab personnel.
Research & Development Support
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Collaborate with internal research teams and the Impact Monitoring department to design and support field sampling campaigns and analytical studies.
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Contribute to the development and validation of new analytical techniques and tools.
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Actively contribute to the development of the strategic framework for scaling lab operations.
Resource & Infrastructure Management
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Manage lab inventory, procurement, and maintenance of analytical instruments (e.g., spectrometers, sequencing equipment, microscopes).
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Oversee the calibration, troubleshooting, and upgrading of lab equipment.
Requirements:
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MSc or PhD in Environmental Science, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Soil Science, or a related discipline.
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At least 5 years of experience in laboratory management or senior lab role, preferably in an environmental or ecological context.
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Proven experience in at least one of the following: spectroscopy, molecular biology/genetics or soil biodiversity.
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Demonstrated ability to manage laboratory budgets, resources, and teams.
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Experience delivering scientific services on a commercial basis or within contract research environments.
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Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and standards for lab accreditation.
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Strong project management skills and client communication experience.
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Experience mentoring junior staff and students
Desirable:
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Experience working with conservation organizations, ecological monitoring programs, or environmental impact assessment.
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Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to scale up operations sustainably.
Key Competencies
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Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
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High attention to detail with a commitment to scientific integrity and reproducibility.
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Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and analytical thinking skills.
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Clear and professional written and verbal communication.
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Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style, with a willingness to engage openly across departments.
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Adaptability and drive to build new systems and processes from the ground up.
Additional information
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The recruitment process will consist of several interview stages, including an in-person visit to Natural State’s Research Centre.
Compensation
A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition, Natural State offers a total of 33 days holiday per year (including annual leave and public holidays) and additional office closure days in December, a pension scheme, and medical cover.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter (pdf format only) describing your aptitude and interest in the position. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning about how you can contribute to our mission.
Natural State is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.
Position: CLOUD ENGINEER (Data Ops and Analytical Workflows)
Line manager: Natural State - Head of Conservation Technology
Location:Cape Town or Remote (depending on the applicant)
Employment Type: One year Contract, Renewable
Terms: Consultancy contract, full-time (40 hrs per week)
Salary: Negotiable
Travel: Occasional travel to Kenya (1-3 times a year)
Benefits: Consultants do not qualify for a benefit package
About Natural State
Natural State is a not-for-profit headquartered in the northern rangelands of Kenya. Our goal is to develop technology and financial systems that will catalyse large-scale restoration globally and train future leaders for this sector. In the short term, we are revolutionising impact monitoring for carbon, biodiversity and human-wellbeing, so that the success or failure of restoration efforts can be clearly defined. We are using this technology to help test a broad range of innovative financing mechanisms that aim to support large-scale restoration, sequester carbon, and provide benefits to local communities.
Position overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled Cloud Engineer to join our dynamic Conservation Technology team and lead the operationalisation of scientific and analytical processes that drive our impact.
Responsibilities:
Principal areas of interest include:
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Design, deploy, and maintain robust and scalable data and ML pipelines using Azure cloud services and Databricks.
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Operationalise analytical/statistical models developed by Natural State’s Biometrics team, ensuring reproducibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
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Use dbt (Data Build Tool) to build and maintain modular, production-ready SQL-based transformation workflows.
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Develop automated workflows and CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions to enable continuous delivery of analytical models and metrics.
Collaborate closely with:
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Natural State’s Conservation Technology team to integrate analytical products into core technical systems.
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Natural State’s Biometrics team to translate analytical needs into scalable, cloud-native workflows.
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Lead the data engineering and orchestration aspects of analytical delivery: defining input data requirements, transformation logic, and output pipelines.
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Leverage Azure Machine Learning for model training, evaluation, and deployment where relevant.
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Apply Great Expectations to automate QA/QC checks and monitor data integrity and model performance.
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Support data governance and metadata management using Databricks Unity Catalog.
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Act as a bridge between scientific domain experts and engineering teams, ensuring that analytical intent is faithfully executed in technical implementation.
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Continuously evaluate and optimize system performance, cost, and maintainability.
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Contribute to web-based analytical tools by supplying APIs or output data that serve operational dashboards and reporting systems.
Requirements:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Cloud Computing, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience operationalising machine learning or statistical workflows in production environments.
• Proficiency in Azure, Databricks, and dbt is essential.
• Familiarity with Great Expectations, GitHub Actions, and Apache Spark.
• Experience with Azure Machine Learning and related ML lifecycle management.
• Solid understanding of data modelling, orchestration, and cloud-native architecture principles.
• Ability to independently translate scientific or statistical requirements into robust engineering solutions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work across technical and non-technical teams.
• Experience working with tools like Terraform, Helm, and Kubernetes is advantageous but not required.
Why Join Us:
• Play a critical role in transforming scientific insights into operational conservation impact.
• Work with a mission-driven team leveraging the best of modern data and ML tooling.
• Collaborate with world-class scientists and engineers to solve global environmental challenges.
• Opportunity for professional growth and experimentation with modern data stack technologies.
• Flexible working arrangements and a culture of innovation.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter (pdf format only) describing your aptitude and interest in the position at this link.We look forward to reviewing your application and learning about how you can contribute to our mission.
Natural State is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.