Biomimicry Integrationist

The Biomimicry Institute is a fully remote organization. However, preferred candidates are from the states of Montana, Pennsylvania or California.  

Applicants from states with salary band posting requirements: Salary is determined based on internal equity; internal salary ranges; market data/ranges; applicant’s skills; prior relevant experience; degrees or certifications, etc. This position is a .80 FTE at 32 hours per week. The salary for this position ranges from $55,000 - $60,000.

**We encourage people of all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Even if you don’t think you are a perfect fit, apply anyway - you might have qualifications we haven’t even thought of yet.**

Job Purpose

Biomimicry Integrationist brings deep biological and biomimicry knowledge to the organization as a whole. Working across all programs and communications, this position ensures that biomimicry is represented consistently in curriculum development, innovation, education and communication materials, and the AskNature platform. This position reports to the AskNature Chief Editor as the majority of external-facing, organizational content flows through that platform.

Essential Functions

Content:

●       Serve as a biomimicry subject matter expert, internally and externally, and work with staff to ensure projects accurately represent biomimicry. You will do this by:

o   Identifying from internal and external sources best in class biomimicry methodologies and frameworks.

o   Working across programs to determine the best way to integrate said biomimicry methodologies into programs.

o   Reporting on successes to share best practices.

●       Provide input, review and edit, and create materials with an eye towards biological/biomimicry accuracy and relevance. 

o   Materials may include, but are not limited to, educational resources (YDC curriculum, Toolbox), digital content and distributed materials at events or conferences.

o   Within the AskNature program, work with the Chief Editor to define biomimicry standards and guidelines for individual biomimicry reviewers to follow.

o   Participate in Ray of Hope Prize candidate reviews.

o   Serve as a member of all TBI advisory councils.

●       Create effective tools and standards for internal use, informed by pedagogy research and partnerships with external organizations.

●       Contribute to measurement and impact research into the effectiveness of biomimicry in reaching education, innovation, and science communication learning objectives.

Operations:

●       Work with the ED and HR to develop and document ways to more intentionally infuse biomimicry into our organizational practices and culture.

●       Advise on strategic direction by tracking and synthesizing biomimicry and related trends globally, staying abreast of opportunities, and reporting back to staff.

●       Provide biomimicry training to employees. At a minimum annually, but ideally each quarter, provide training to staff, to ensure employees are current with biomimicry trends and research.

●       Support development opportunities within all program areas where in-depth knowledge and practical training and workshop experience adds value.

●       Create, develop, and deliver effective presentations to multiple audiences over a variety of mediums.

o   Attend and speak on behalf of TBI at conferences, workshops, public events, industry gatherings, or similar events.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

●      3-5 years of proven work experience applying biomimicry (i.e. research study work in biomimicry or bioinspired pedagogy work)

●      Scientist with academic degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science or an adjacent life-science field

●      Prior experience as science writer, editor, or educator.

●      Experience with employee education or programmatic adaptation.

●      Prior experience with delivering biomimicry training.

●      An equivalent combination of education, training and experience from the preceding list.

●      Proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion:

o  Ability to actively cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with coworkers, management, board members and clients.

o  Employs anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work.

o  Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

o  Incorporates an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens into TBI programs.

o  Teaches using equitable and inclusive pedagogy.

Skills/Abilities

●      Ability to communicate biomimicry concepts effectively across our audiences (teachers, students, designers, researchers, startups, foundations, etc.).

●      Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of the Biomimicry Institute.

●      Clear, direct, and succinct writer.

●      Comfortable learning and using the digital tools the Biomimicry Institute uses—with little to no assistance, and willing to try out new technologies and work tools.

●      Self-sufficient—takes the initiative and completes work without undue supervision

●      Interest in systems change technologies and innovations and a passion for incorporating biomimicry solutions as a positive change-agent.

●      Excellent public speaker who is passionate about solving big challenges.

●      Ability to motivate, build relationships and trust, and inspire others to act.

●      A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making. Keeps track of responsibilities and meets deadlines and goals.

●      Adaptable—manages a constantly changing remote work environment; learns to collaborate with geographically dispersed new team members, etc.

●      Can secure and maintain partnerships. Easily cultivates effective relationships across cultures.

●      Strong communication and relationship building skills. Ensures every team member is given a chance to speak. Demonstrates the ability to understand others’ thoughts and feelings (social sensitivity). Respectfully engages in disagreements. Keeps team members informed/updated. Is a good active listener who understands what’s being asked of them and the priorities of various tasks.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

●      Activities that occur constantly are communicating effectively with others to exchange information; assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work; repeating motions efficiently that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers; prolonged periods of working at a computer; remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

●      Activities that occur occasionally are moving about to accomplish tasks; adjusting or moving objects less than 50 pounds in all directions.

Work Environment (Remote)

The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

●      Duties are performed in a home workspace. Employees are expected to maintain their home workspace in a safe manner, free from safety hazards.

●      No travel is required at this time.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment, or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The Biomimicry Institute may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.