Crown of the Continent Conservation Specialist-Bozeman, MT

The Wilderness Society (TWS), a national non-profit organization whose mission is to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places, is seeking an experienced full-time Crown of the Continent Conservation Specialist to join its Conservation team in Bozeman or Missoula, MT.

The Crown of the Continent Conservation Specialist will lead TWS’ engagement in collaborative conservation efforts on National Forest System lands in the Southwestern and Northwestern Crown of the Continent and other areas, as needed. The Specialist will work with existing collaborative entities to develop and implement comprehensive landscape conservation strategies that include wilderness and other protective designations, ecological restoration, sustainable recreation planning and other elements throughout the Crown of the Continent.

Success will require highly strategic collaborative work with rural communities, elected officials, conservation organizations, hunters, anglers, private land owners, timber companies, other businesses and Tribes. To that end, the Specialist must play a pivotal role in supporting not just conservation efforts, but our strong relationships with existing and new partners. The Crown of the Continent Conservation Specialist is responsible for supporting and coordinating the day to day operations of The Wilderness Society’s Crown Forest Team, which includes a forest ecologist and climate associate, as well as communications and policy experts. The Specialist will work closely with the Montana State Director to help develop, refine and implement collaborative landscape-level conservation strategies that are grounded in sound science and pragmatic policy in the Crown of the Continent.

This position will be located in our Bozeman, MT regional office or in Missoula, MT.**

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Supports the Crown Forest Team in the development and implementation of a science-based program that results in wilderness protection, climate adaptation, restoration, and sustainable recreation activities that enhance the ecological health of the land, community well-being and conservation politics, particularly focusing in the Southwestern and Northwestern Crown of the Continent.
• Coordinates with TWS forest policy, Government Relations, and other regional staff bringing expertise and experience from the Crown to inform and help develop public policy recommendations promoting better forest management nationwide, where appropriate.
• Leads The Wilderness Society’s involvement in project development, implementation, monitoring and adaptive management in the Southwestern and Northwestern Crown.
• Works closely with other TWS staff and partners to develop a unified approach to land protection and restoration work in the Southwestern and Northwestern Crown of the Continent and nationally.
• Serves as primary TWS point of contact with forest supervisors and district rangers in the Southwestern and Northwestern Crown.
• Ensures that all TWS Crown conservation initiatives and approaches are based on a foundation of sound science.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with rural communities, conservation partners, Forest Service personnel, state wildlife agencies, tribes, and other organizations.
• Works alongside TWS communications staff to organize media opportunities/events that message positive benefits of forest conservation and wildlands protection.
• Prepares written and visual materials, such as policy papers, fact sheets, news releases, and action alerts that demonstrate the importance of wildland protection and forest conservation to the health, economic vitality, and quality of life for the people living in nearby communities.
• Assists with grant proposal writing and other fundraising efforts as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience, Competencies and Education

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years relevant work experience or Master’s degree in natural resource management or policy with one or more years of professional experience in a related field.
• Professional experience working on public land issues, including federal land management planning processes.
• Extensive experience in developing and leading comprehensive conservation campaigns.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex processes involving a wide range of interests including local citizens and stakeholders, conservation organizations, Tribes, federal, state, and/or local agencies.
• Highly successful track record communicating with and organizing diverse interests in an effective manner.
• Must have a broad view of conservation issues and have demonstrated the ability to think and act strategically to achieve conservation goals.
• Must be able to lead projects and work effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of National Forest management policies.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills and the ability to write and speak concisely and persuasively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Desired Characteristics

• Enthusiastic, highly motivated, self-starter with an ability to effectively manage multiple demands and deadlines.
• Must be a leader – capable of operating effectively with a multitude of audiences and committed to supporting others in accomplishing our conservation goals.
• Excellent strategic instincts and long-term vision.
• Integrity, trustworthiness, tact, and discretion.
• Commitment to the protection of America’s wildlands.

The Wilderness Society offers a very competitive salary and benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; sick and vacation leave; and a pension plan. TWS is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees and constituents regardless of culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, veteran status or sexual orientation.

For consideration, please submit cover letter and resume (as one attachment) to:https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=8658781