Rangeland Ecologist in Montana

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact for people and nature around the world in 69 countries, all 50 United States, major US cities and in your neighborhood. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Rangeland Ecologist develops, manages and advances conservation through a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances program for Greater Sage-grouse and four species of grassland birds in Montana.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Rangeland Ecologist provides range ecology and wildlife biology expertise and technical assistance to landowners, government agencies, and other conservation partners for mixed-grass and sage steppe habitat conservation in north central Montana. He/she will function as the leader of a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) program managed by The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife, for Greater Sage-grouse and four species of grassland birds. CCAA planning and delivery components include making landowner contacts, performing resource inventories, developing rangeland resource and ranch management plans, completing written agreements, and compliance monitoring. He/she will work with landowners and agency partners to implement needed management practices and document actions. CCAA program management will include maintaining partnerships, keeping detailed records, coordinating with TNC conservation staff, and submitting completed plans to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The Rangeland Ecologist position is part of the Conservancy’s Northern Great Plains Program in Montana and works most often with other Conservancy stewardship staff based at the Matador Ranch near Malta and conservation staff in Montana. This position is supervised by the Montana Grasslands Conservation Director and does not supervise any staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
• Works as part of a team within the Conservancy and with partners to implement the CCAA program.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience as part of a team and demonstrated ability to achieve tangible outcomes.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Must have valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3-5 years’ experience in rangeland ecology and ranch management, with experience in the northern Great Plains highly preferred.
• Relationship building skills to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., landowners, government officials, NGO partners, and internal staff.
• Ability to work independently with ranch owners in a rural setting and willingness to work outside of normal business hours.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles of grasslands or shrub steppe, with knowledge of Greater Sage-grouse and grassland bird ecology highly preferred.
• Ability to collect and report scientific data through detailed notes and use of GPS and store and organize data using common software.
• Strong knowledge and experience in use of GIS.
• Ability to operate vehicles (e.g.; ATV, 4 x 4 truck, or SUV) in rough terrain in a safe and efficient manner
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's 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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 45047, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 29, 2017.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.*LI-

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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 Conservancy’s background screening process.*

Job Title: Rangeland Ecologist

Location: Montana

Job ID: 45047

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time