Lead Data Scientist/Engineer

About Grassroots Carbon:

Grassroots Carbon is the leading grasslands restoration and soil carbon storage company based in San Antonio, TX focused on empowering U.S. ranchers to implement regenerative land management practices on grasslands across the U.S. In addition to enhancing soil health and promoting biodiversity, these regenerative practices have tremendous potential to combat climate change by drawing down and removing large quantities of atmospheric carbon dioxide into the soil. Grassroots Carbon is proud to have partnered with over 125 producers across 1.2 million acres in 20 states, to implement practices that restore grasslands, improve bird habitats, build soil health and drive nature-based soil organic carbon drawdown through the healthy soils. By partnering with Grassroots Carbon, ranchers have access to additional revenue opportunities via our carbon credit program.

Today, more than 41 percent of U.S. grasslands are used for grazing, accounting for over 350 million acres, but less than 5 percent of that land is managed regeneratively. These lands hold the potential to remove at least 500 million metric tons of carbon dioxide a year. We are on a mission to convert millions of acres of degraded grasslands into healthy, thriving ecosystems that sequester massive amounts of carbon and have notable partnerships with leading organizations, including Audubon Conservation Ranching, Texas Agricultural Land Trust, Understand Ag and Colorado State University's Soil Carbon Solutions Center to advance this mission. Built on a foundation of scientific rigor, quality, and transparency, Grassroots Carbon has secured long-term contracts with leading companies, including Microsoft, Nestle, HEB, Olipop, Shell, Marathon Oil, Shopify, and Urban Villages to reduce their carbon impact and reach their sustainability goals.

About the Lead Data Science role:

As the Lead Data Scientist/Data Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing, building, and managing the data infrastructure that powers the predictive quantification and measurement, reporting and verification for soil carbon removal credits. You will collaborate closely with agronomists, land managers, and software developers to develop data-driven insights that inform data science strategy and roadmap. A key aspect of this role involves building out data-driven Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) solutions that ensure the accuracy and transparency of our carbon removal projects. Additionally, you will lead the work to build out improved tools to quantify and predict soil carbon storage potential based on highly variable data sets.

Responsibilities:

• Data Strategy & Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive data strategy that aligns with Grassroots Carbon's mission and objectives. Provide guidance and leadership to the working group of data science and engineering professionals.
• Data Infrastructure: Design, implement, and manage scalable data architectures, pipelines, and databases that support large-scale quantification of soil carbon removals as well as Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV).
• Data Collection & Integration: Oversee the collection, integration, and validation of data from various sources, including soil sensors, satellite imagery, and third-party databases. Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and integrity.
• MRV Solutions: Lead the development of data-driven Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) solutions to monitor, verify, and report on land management practices that drive soil carbon removals. Ensure compliance with industry standards and enhance the credibility of our carbon projects.
• Advanced Analytics & Modeling: Lead the development and deployment of advanced analytics, machine learning models, and predictive algorithms to enhance carbon measurement and monitoring capabilities.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including environmental scientists, software engineers, and product managers, to integrate data solutions into our carbon management platform.
• Reporting & Visualization: Create and maintain dashboards, reports, and visualizations that provide actionable insights to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in data science, data engineering, and environmental sustainability. Identify opportunities to enhance our data capabilities and drive innovation.

Requirements:

• Drive, passion, and relentless optimism with 8+ years of experience in data science, data engineering, or a related field, with a strong track record of leadership, results delivery, and innovation.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science, Data Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or a related field. PhD is a plus.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Java.
• Experience with data warehousing, ETL processes, and database management (e.g., SQL, NoSQL).
• Expertise in cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) and big data technologies.
• Strong background in statistical analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling.
• Familiarity with GIS, remote sensing, and environmental data is highly desirable.
• Experience in developing MRV systems for carbon projects is a significant plus.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to translate complex data concepts into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
• Passion for being at the forefront of the regenerative movement.
• Some basic understanding of soil carbon storage and regenerative land management practices is required, but this can be rapidly obtained on the job if there is a passion and interest in aligning with a fast-growing and purpose-driven organization.
• Previous startup experience is preferred but not required. Understanding that this is a fast-paced and high-growth company is required.
• Willingness to work from our offices in downtown San Antonio.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to earn equity and performance bonuses.
• Health Insurance plan with $0 deductible and $0 co-pay.
• Dental and vision insurance plans.
• Flexible spending account option.
• Open Paid Time Off Policy plus 9 paid holidays per year as listed in our Company Handbook.
• Participation in our 401(k) savings plan.
• Company-paid Life and AD&D coverage.
• Educational materials and expenses to support continuing education opportunities.

*Grassroots Carbon is proud to be a portfolio company of Soilworks Natural Capital*