High Divide Headwaters Range Ecologist

What We Can Achieve Together:

The High Divide Range Ecologist serves as TNCs primary contact for our collaborative work with ranchers landowners and the conservation community to test new technologies tools and knowledge aimed at improving the profitability and flexibility of the ranches while improving sagebrush steppe and grassland ecosystem biodiversity and resilience through purposeful planned livestock grazing. The Range Ecologist will provide technical leadership and support to achieve collaborative conservation planning implementing monitoring and assessment of livestock grazing plans on ranches across private and/or public lands within the High Divide Headwaters geography of Southwest Montana. The major focus of this body of conservation work will be to seek and test science-based methods (tools technologies knowledge) to help keep working ranches profitable and sustainable while improving soil and habitat health and then to foster cross-site learning by sharing economic and environmental outcomes widely within the High Divide Headwaters and beyond. The Range Ecologist will develop and foster relationships to work collaboratively and effectively within conservation planning teams that include ranchers agency specialists academia conservation groups and/or community members. The Range Ecologist will also provide support to colleagues addressing the four key threats affecting the sagebrush ecosystem: conifer encroachment invasive species management mesic or riparian degradation and fragmentation caused by human modifications.

Responsibilities and Scope:

• Develops and leads monitoring work groups consisting of staff interns partners and volunteers in western Montana.

• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects negotiating and contracting with vendors assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.

• Networks with diverse groups including ranchers landowners academia neighbors conservation partners Tribes government officials donors board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/outcomes.

• Serves as project lead to oversee collaborative development of livestock grazing projects and plans and coordinating plan/project implementation completing follow-up monitoring sharing of data and reporting when required.

• Works under minimal and/or distant supervision; will make some independent decisions based on analysis experience and context.

• Will work in variable weather conditions at remote locations on difficult and hazardous terrain in occupied grizzly bear habitat and under physically demanding circumstances.

Were Looking for You:

Want to help save the planet Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy more than a million acres in Montana have been preserved for people and nature. From the mountains to the grasslands the Montana Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make Montana unique. Come join TNC. Apply today!

What Youll Bring:

• BA/BS in Rangeland Ecology/Management or similar field and 5 years experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with plant identification and soil classification.

• Experience in managing and training staff or volunteers.

• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners

• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).

• Experience using applications such as Word Excel web browsers.

• Experience using spatial software apps including ArcGIS Field Maps & Pro Survey123.

• Experience with communication via written spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

Additional Position Information:

This is a term position with secured funding through September 2029.

This position requires a valid drivers license and compliance with TNCs Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles rental cars or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered high risk drivers. To learn more about the Auto Safety Program visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement which may include a review of the prospective employees motor vehicle record.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancys mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization we create innovative on-the-ground solutions to our worlds toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Were rooted in our mission and guided by our values which include respect for all people communities and cultures. Whether its career development flexible schedules or a rewarding mission theres many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are addition to the requirements in our job postings we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicants unique experience. Please apply wed love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC youll join for the mission and stay for the people.

What We Bring:

Since 1951 TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members over 400 scientists and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits flexible spending accounts a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match parental leave accrued paid time off life insurance disability coverage employee assistance program other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

Were proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures races colors religions sexes national or regional origins ages disability status sexual orientation gender identity military protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancys background screening process.

Do you have military experience Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability please send a note to with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.