Wildlife Connectivity Specialist

NWF•Dillon, MT

2d•$62,000 - $68,000•Remote

About The Position

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state and territorial affiliates and more than seven million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change. To support our mission, we are seeking a Wildlife Connectivity Specialist to join our Wildlife Connectivity Team. The Specialist will lead NWF’s Fencing for Wildlife Initiative in Montana and will provide support to NWF’s Wildlife Connectivity Manager to advance all aspects of the Wildlife Connectivity Program, including program implementation and monitoring, cultivating and maintaining partnerships, communications, and fundraising, while collaborating across NWF programs to achieve greater benefits for wildlife in the West. The Specialist reports to NWF’s Wildlife Connectivity Manager and will be expected to represent NWF in the Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership in Dillon, MT working in daily collaboration with private landowners, state and federal agencies, and NGO partners. The Specialist will also help expand the Fencing for Wildlife Initiative to new geographies by developing partnerships and executing projects in landscapes beyond the program’s current extent of work. This is a full-time position based in Dillon, MT.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least 5 years of professional experience in wildlife biology, ecology, conservation science, habitat restoration, natural resources, or environmental sciences, with a strong understanding of terrestrial wildlife migration and connectivity.
Demonstrated experience leading on-the-ground habitat restoration projects or wildlife research.
At least one year of supervisory experience.
Collaborative mindset and experience working with interdisciplinary teams, including NGOs, government agencies, and private landowners.
Must be exceptionally detail-oriented and self-motivated, with demonstrated experience managing multiple projects/deadlines simultaneously.
Creative problem solver with a solutions mindset capable of maintaining a commitment to big-picture goals while implementing habitat restoration projects within site-specific constraints.
Familiarity with wildlife-friendly fencing applications, including fence designs and considerations.
Must be able to lead work crews in an inclusive and engaging manner with a focus on safety, education, and project goals.
Demonstrated ability to work remotely with minimal daily supervision.
Demonstrated experience grant writing and tracking metrics & accomplishments.
Current driver’s license
Be committed to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion when planning and hosting volunteer events.
Proficiency with Esri GIS software (e.g. ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, ArcGIS Online)
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Google Drive, Dropbox.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in wildlife biology or related field.
Research experience manipulating GPS collar data and habitat and/or movement modeling.
Experience deploying camera traps in a research study design.
Familiarity with livestock grazing management/rangeland ecology.
Proficiency with Airtable or similar project management software.

Responsibilities

Lead NWF’s Fencing for Wildlife Initiative in Montana by planning, coordinating, and monitoring wildlife-friendlier fencing projects on public and private lands across multiple counties.
Represent NWF as the wildlife connectivity lead on the Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership to advance landscape-scale habitat restoration and wildlife conservation goals.
Work with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and other government agencies to implement conservation practices to benefit wildlife migration and connectivity.
Compile and analyze wildlife movement data to identify priority areas for fence mitigation projects.
Lead and manage seasonal wildlife technician(s) to implement fencing projects and monitoring.
Lead volunteer groups to complete fence removals/modification projects, often in remote areas.
Lead regional communications for NWF’s Fencing for Wildlife Initiative, including public presentations, landowner outreach, media inquiries, and impact reports.
Track program budgets, metrics and accomplishments.
Lead contracting and landowner cost share agreements in close coordination with NWF Operations staff.
Assist Wildlife Connectivity Manager with grant writing and reporting.
Provide technical assistance to NWF affiliates in the West to help them achieve their habitat restoration and stewardship goals.

Benefits

Paid time off: Vacation that starts off at three weeks accrual, unlimited wellbeing (this time can be used for physical, spiritual, emotional, cultural, religious or financial wellbeing for yourself, a partner, or family member – including pets), 10 holidays, and 3 floating holidays
We close down for a paid winter break between December 25 to January 1 to recognize end of-year stress, and time for reflection, rejuvenation, and spending time with family.
Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave
Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options – all outpatient mental health is covered at in-network rates
Therapist available at no cost
Pet insurance and discount perk program
Annual wellbeing allowance
Retirement plan with immediate match and vesting
Annual year end retirement contribution
Tuition Reimbursement
Adoption and Surrogacy assistance
Pet adoption stipend
Student Loan management