High Divide Rangeland Ecologist

Dillon, Montana, USA

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The High Divide Rangeland Ecologist serves as TNC’s 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 Rangeland 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 Rangeland 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 Rangeland 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. This is a 5-year term position with a starting salary of $64,000 annually.

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!

• 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.

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ 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 employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay for a candidate selected for this position is $64,000.00 for annual base salary. This only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 55266, submit your materials online by June 30, 2024 at 11:59pm EST using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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 people 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.

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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.