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Role Description

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
• Collaborating across NWF programs to achieve greater benefits for wildlife in the West

This is a full-time position based in Dillon, MT.

Principal Duties (major areas of responsibility):

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Requirements

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

Benefits

• The salary range for this Specialist position is $62,000 - $68,000 annually, depending on experience.
• Paid time off: Vacation that starts off at three weeks accrual, unlimited wellbeing, 10 holidays, and 3 floating holidays.
• We close down for a paid winter break between December 25 to January 1.
• Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave.
• Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• 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.

Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. NWF is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with regard to any classes or characteristics protected by law.

For more information on our recruiting process, please review our Careers page: NWF Careers .

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.

Equal Opportunity Employer.