Sustainable Ranching Initiative Specialist

World Wildlife Fund•Bozeman, MT

2d•Remote

About The Position

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world's leading conservation organizations, seeks a Specialist for the Sustainable Ranching Initiative (SRI), based in the Great Plains. SRI works with ranchers, Tribal communities, partner organizations, and public agencies to conserve one of the world's most threatened grassland ecosystems by advancing sustainable grazing systems, improving ranch viability, and restoring wildlife habitat across working landscapes. The program combines technical assistance, conservation incentives, ecological monitoring, and collaborative partnerships to support durable conservation outcomes on privately managed working lands. The Specialist will serve as the operational lead for the Ranch Infrastructure Fund (RIF), coordinating the successful delivery of conservation infrastructure projects across the Great Plains. The position oversees project workflows from application through closeout, develops and maintains program systems and standard operating procedures, coordinates with SRI field staff, ranchers, consultants, engineers, contractors, and partner organizations, and serves as the primary liaison between SRI and WWF Program Operations. The Specialist ensures conservation projects are delivered consistently, efficiently, and in compliance with WWF policies and funding requirements while continuously improving program processes and supporting implementation across the broader SRI.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in natural resources, agriculture, environmental science, project management, business administration, engineering technology, or related field.
At least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
Experience with GIS, databases, or project management software required.
Experience coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience developing and managing project budgets, contracts, agreements, reimbursements, or grant-funded projects in a ranching or private lands context required.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently while coordinating across multidisciplinary teams.
Willingness to travel throughout the Great Plains (approximately 20–30%, seasonally variable).

Nice To Haves

Experience with USDA Farm Bill conservation programs, specific understanding or experience with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs and processes is highly preferred.
Experience working with ranchers or agricultural producers.
Familiarity with grazing management or conservation infrastructure projects.
Experience with specific NRCS programs: particularly EQIP and RCPP.
Experience coordinating consultants or technical service providers.
Experience supporting grant reporting and proposal development.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary coordinator for WWF's RIF, overseeing conservation infrastructure projects from application through implementation, reimbursement, amendments, and project closeout.
Coordinate project implementation across SRI staff to ensure consistent application of program standards, timelines, funding requirements, and conservation objectives.
Review project proposals, budgets, maps, supporting documentation, and implementation plans.
Coordinate implementation activities with NRCS, consultants, technical service providers, engineering firms, and other partners.
Serve as a primary liaison between the SRI and WWF Program Operations staff, coordinating contracting, procurement, reimbursement, compliance reviews, agreement execution, and other internal administrative processes.
Coordinate with WWF Finance, Legal, Program Operations, and other WWF teams to resolve implementation challenges.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, templates, guidance documents, and internal resources.
Develop, maintain, and continuously improve databases, project tracking systems, dashboards, and workflows.
Support other business processes as needed, including ranch enrollments, restoration projects, and educational events.
Support administration of projects funded through multiple public and private funding sources, including Regional Conservation Partnership Program through NRCS.
Compile program metrics to support grant reporting, fundraising, and program evaluation.
Support proposal development with budget and implementation information.
Conduct occasional field visits to verify project implementation.
Perform other duties as assigned.