Position Title: eDNA Project Manager
Employment Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Renewable — 24-month fixed-term expiring December 2027
Location: Remote (Located in New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands).
Salary Range: $60 – $90K USD, $100k – $120k NZD, $95 – $135K AUD annually, depending on location and experience
This is a full-time role based on a 32-hour work week, with remote flexibility and international travel. Compensation may vary based on legal minimums and cost-of-living differences across locations where Island Conservation operates.
Applications close: December 22, 2025 (rolling review – early applications encouraged)
Position overview
Island Conservation seeks a strategic and collaborative eDNA Project Manager to lead our IslandScope initiative, a two-year partnership with the Minderoo Foundation to co-develop community-led marine environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring programs across island ecosystems.
The eDNA Project Manager will be responsible for delivering the project’s strategic goals and helping shape a replicable model for community-driven ecosystem intelligence. This role will coordinate across internal teams and island partners to guide implementation, support shared learning, and ensure the project delivers scientifically robust, ethical, and locally meaningful outcomes.
This role reports to the Senior Director of Impact and Innovation, who provides strategic guidance and supports partner relationships. The Project Manager will lead day-to-day delivery and coordinate across teams, with the autonomy to make decisions and raise issues when needed.
This is a full-time exempt position with a competitive salary and a full benefits package, including a four-day work week. Island Conservation offers a flexible work schedule with a remote, online work environment.
Requirements - essential
Minimum three years’ experience managing conservation or science-based field projects, ideally in marine or island ecosystems.
Proven track record of delivering multi-year projects on time and within budget.
Strong understanding of eDNA or molecular ecology methods, including sampling protocols and data management.
Demonstrated success in community engagement, participatory science, or stakeholder coordination.
An ethic of service and/or conservation to benefit the natural world and people.
Must have a valid passport and a valid driver’s license from any country.
Must have authorization to work in country of residence.
Requirements - desirable
Experience with stable isotope analysis or marine nutrient monitoring.
Familiarity with data sovereignty, open science, and ethical research practices.
Experience working with Indigenous or local communities in conservation contexts.
Comfort with remote work and digital collaboration tools.
Experience working in remote field settings and conservation environments.
Click here to learn more and to apply: https://www.islandconservation.org/open_positions/edna-project-manager/