Dillon, MT

Position Title: Coordinator

Organization: National Wildlife Federation

Location: Dillon, MT

Organization Overview: Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation (NFW) 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 NFW is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. The organization advances 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.

Position Overview: To support their mission, the NFW is seeking a Wildlife Project Coordinator to join our Wildlife Program. The Wildlife Project Coordinator reports to NWF’s Wildlife Program Manager and will be expected to represent NWF in the Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership in Dillon, MT working in daily collaboration with state and federal agency partners. This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension contingent on funding availability.

The Wildlife Project Coordinator will plan, lead, and evaluate fence mitigation and other habitat projects to benefit wildlife movement and connectivity in the High Divide region of southwest Montana and northeastern Idaho. The Coordinator will work with MT FWP, BLM, and USFWS biologists to identify priority needs for big game and other species in determining the location and scope of potential projects. Maintaining existing landowner contacts will be key, as well as building relationships with new landowners to accomplish project goals. The Coordinator will serve as a liaison between private landowners, NGOs, and government agencies to accomplishing cross-jurisdictional projects. Project planning implementation will require sound judgment, strong organizational and logistical skills, as well as a breadth of experience in wildlife biology, GIS, communications, budgeting, and education.

Duties: 

• Compile and analyze wildlife movement data to determine priority areas for fence mitigation projects in partnership with regional state and federal biologists.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and familiarity with fence ecology and wildlife biology concepts relevant to movement and migration as well as the multi-species benefits of landscape permeability. Be able to articulate these concepts to multiple audiences.
• Utilize ArcGIS mapping tools (ArcGIS Pro, ARGOL, Survey123, etc.) and Microsoft Word & Excel to develop project proposals, including detailed maps, project descriptions, and budgets.
• Communicate with landowners via existing NWF contacts and build new relationships.
• Negotiate clear and transparent project scopes with landowners that prioritize wildlife-friendly fence designs and cost-share.
• Build a monitoring framework for assessing impacts of fence mitigation projects using remote cameras, field surveys, etc.
• Solicit and evaluate construction estimates from fence contractors for applicable projects and demonstrate fiscal responsibility and negotiation skills.
• Submit internal contract requests following NWF procedures and processes.
• Track expenditures, including match requirements for applicable grants.
• Lead communication and outreach activities to secure volunteers for projects via social media, direct email & phone communications, and hosting informational sessions.
• Lead volunteer work parties on fence modification and removal projects with the use of hand tools in all weather conditions while maintaining safety protocols (lift a minimum of 50 lbs.).
• Assist Wildlife Program Manager with grant reporting and metrics tracking.
• Coordinate with supervisor and partners to assist with other habitat projects and incorporate multi-species conservation considerations into fencing projects when possible, including wildlife-vehicle mitigation projects.
• This position requires travel, including overnight trips, and some evenings and weekends. Successful candidates must use their own vehicle for fieldwork (compensated at Federal travel rate per mile), work safely and independently in remote locations and demonstrate self-discipline and accountability for managing their field and home office workload efficiently.

Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of the scientific frameworks specific to wildlife migration and anthropogenic barrier effects, such as fences and roads.
• Be familiar 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 knowledge and experience leading wildlife or habitat-related field work and/or construction projects using hand tools (e.g. trail building, etc.).
• Current driver’s license
• Be committed to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion when planning and hosting volunteer events.
• Experience using GIS platforms (e.g. ArcGIS or QGIS)
• Experience using MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• A bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, or closely related field and 2 years work experience.

Application Deadline: November 1

Anticipated Start Date: January 2, 2024

Salary: $50,000-55,000

How to Apply: Please visit the online application for more information as well as how to apply.