Lead, Data Science and Platform

Vancouver, BC
91.270-127.780 $ par an
Permanent
Temps-plein

Il y a 1 mois

Why this role existsTaking Root is looking for a technical leader who can bridge hands-on analytical work with strategic leadership of our data capabilities.This role exists to ensure our data enables successful reforestation—helping us and our partners make better decisions about where to plant, how forests are growing, whether our interventions are working, and how effectively we're operating at scale. As a large-scale reforestation program working with smallholder farmers, data is at the core of how we deliver successful outcomes.This is not a pure management role or a pure IC role. It requires someone who can move fluidly between writing code and shaping quarterly data strategy.What you'll actually doLead technical execution and strategic directionYou will own the data science roadmap and ensure it aligns with organizational priorities.In practice, this includes:

Setting technical direction for analytics—from site eligibility and forest monitoring to operational metrics and carbon quantification
Translating business needs from across the organization into technical requirements and workplans
Making architectural decisions about data models, pipelines, tooling, and infrastructure

Build and operate core platform capabilitiesYou will design, build, and maintain the analytical systems that power Taking Root's operations.This means:

Developing data-driven tools to track operational effectiveness, forest growth, and carbon sequestration
Building data models and pipelines that integrate field data, satellite imagery, and operational systems into the Taking Root Platform
Creating dashboards and reporting tools for internal and external partners
Developing validation workflows that surface data quality issues early and systematically
Writing production-quality code using Python and SQL

Coordinate across functions and provide technical leverageYou will act as the connective tissue between Taking Root’s Science, Engineering, Operations, and Commercial teams.This includes:

Working closely with the science team to productionize carbon models and methodologies
Partnering with engineering to ensure robust infrastructure and deployment
Translating technical constraints and possibilities for non-technical stakeholders
Mentoring analysts and building team capability over time

Drive clarity on priorities and executionYou will help the team stay focused and unblocked.This means:

Defining what needs to be built now vs. later, and why
Breaking down ambiguous problems into clear workstreams
Communicating progress, risks, and decisions clearly to leadership and peers

What this role is not

Not a people manager with a team reporting to you (though mentorship is part of the role)
Not a pure research scientist—this role is about building systems that work in production
Not purely strategic—you will write code, debug pipelines, and solve technical problems yourself

What success looks likeBy the end of your first year:

We're operating significantly more efficiently—data systematically identifies operational bottlenecks, enables resource reallocation, and directly supports our ability to scale
Partners are actively using performance data to adjust planting strategies, site management, and resource allocation in response to what's working
Leadership routinely makes strategic decisions based on analyses you've delivered—like where to expand geographically, which interventions to double down on, or where to course-correct
We've moved from "can we trust this number?" to "what does this tell us we should do differently?"—teams across the organization use data as a primary input for decision-making
The data science function operates with greater autonomy—team members are owning analyses end-to-end and proactively surfacing insights without constant direction

Who this is forThis role is a good fit for someone who has:Experience:

5–8+ years in data science, geospatial analysis, or analytics engineering roles. Even better if you have been a Data Lead or held a similar leadership role before.
Proven ability to lead technical projects from ambiguous requirements to production systems
Experience with geospatial tools (QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine), Python, SQL, and modern data stacks
Track record of working across functions and translating between technical and non-technical stakeholders
Minimum conversational proficiency in Spanish. Even better if you have working proficiency or fluency.
Experience with carbon accounting, climate tech, forestry, or environmental science is a plus, but not required

Technical depth and strategic thinking:

Strong ability to zoom in (writing code, debugging analyses) and zoom out (setting direction, prioritizing work)
Comfortable with geospatial data formats, satellite imagery, and field measurement integration
Experience building ML models or analytical systems that operate in production
Strong judgment about when to build vs. buy, when to optimize vs. ship, and when to escalate vs. resolve

Hands-on, collaborative, and low-ego:

Has worked in a small to medium-sized expanding organization
Enjoys working in fast-paced environments where everyone contributes to execution
Comfortable with ambiguity and able to bring clarity to messy, real-world problems
Strong communicator and facilitator who can drive alignment across diverse teams
Motivated by mission-driven work focused on climate impact and reforestation
Mentorship-oriented and eager to build team capability over time

You will also be required to participate in occasional travel into Taking Root’s Vancouver-based office for strategic working sessions.How to ApplySubmit a resume and cover letter through our application portal. While we value every application, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Taking Root is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We hire and promote based on merit, competence, and performance, and prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind as outlined by applicable laws.Use of AI in HiringTaking Root may use automated or AI-assisted tools at limited stages of the recruitment process. These tools are used to assist (not replace) human decision-making. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by people. We are committed to using technology responsibly and in line with applicable employment and privacy laws.

Taking Root

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