The Sustainable Grazing Lands Conservation Associate advances Colorado’s Sustainable Grazing Lands Program by providing technical and project coordination, relationship management and support. The Conservation Associate also provides administrative and project support that advances the goals of the broader Sustainable Food and Water Team. This is a two-year term position based in Boulder, Colorado with frequent travel during the field season (April – October).
The Sustainable Grazing Lands Conservation Associate provides the Sustainable Grazing Lands Program with support for direct engagements, research and analysis of policy and economic incentives, and coordination and development of partner and landowners networks. S/he may also support data collection and management; conduct analyses to prioritize areas or projects for engagement; conduct surveys and research; write reports; and support the proposal and administration of grants in support of the Sustainable Grazing Lands Program in Colorado. The Conservation Associate may act as a contact to government agencies, private land owners, other conservation organizations, and the academic community in order to advance objectives and share lessons learned. The Conservation Associate will also provide administrative and/or project support to advance the effectiveness and outcomes of the larger Sustainable Food and Water Team.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- Develops and implements conservation plans, strategies and actions in support of Sustainable Food and Water conservation goals.
- Deliver tools, data, field services and training to staff, ranchers, and agency partners.
- Implements monitoring and research in diverse settings.
- 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.
- Experience collecting, analyzing and interpreting scientific data and in preparing reports of findings.
- Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
- Experience managing staff or volunteers.
- Relationship building skills to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Experience using common software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
- Must have valid driver's license and good driving record.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- A combination of education and experience equivalent to a Master’s degree in natural resource management, science or similar field.
- Familiarity with grazing and range management practices.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Ability and willingness to apply the best available scientific research to decision-making and to guide activities.
- Experience communicating with ranchers and others in rural communities.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Ability to understand and use social science research and application in conservation settings.
- Field experience in ecological monitoring and plant identification working in remote locations.
- Knowledge of Colorado plants, animals, biodiversity, biogeography and ecology.
- Interest and ability to engage a diverse group of individuals and organizations across Colorado.
- Excellent project management skills (i.e. ability to describe a large, complex process and execute that process on-time and within budget).
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently to take initiative to solve problems and advance opportunities.
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.
- This is a two-year term position.
- Housing is provided for work-related travel only.
- A vehicle is provided for all work-related transportation needs.