High Country News | Classifieds | Employment & Education | Field Project Specialist (2 positions available)

High Divide Headwaters Range Ecologist

High Divide Headwaters Range...

What We Can Achieve Together:
The High Divide Range 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 Range 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 Range 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 Range 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.

Responsibilities and Scope:
- Develops and leads monitoring work groups consisting of staff, interns, partners, and volunteers in western Montana.
- Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and fundraising targets.
- Networks with diverse groups, including ranchers, landowners, academia, neighbors, conservation partners, Tribes, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/outcomes.
- Serves as project lead to oversee collaborative development of livestock grazing projects and plans and coordinating plan/project implementation, completing follow-up monitoring, sharing of data, and reporting when required.
- Works under minimal and/or distant supervision; will make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, in occupied grizzly bear habitat, and under physically demanding circumstances.

What You'll Bring:
- 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.

Additional Position Information:
This is a term position with secured funding through September 2029.

Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $62,000 - $68,000 for annual base salary depending on experience. This range 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.

Posted Online 3 weeks ago

Featured

River Program Manager

Job Title: River Program Manager

Applications are due by November 15, 2025.

Compensation: $56,000-$60,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience

Classification: Exempt

Location: Monticello, Utah (with regular travel to Bluff & San Juan River)

Reports To: Executive Director

Position Type: Year-round, full-time

About Bears Ears Partnership

Bears Ears Partnership (BEP) works to protect and build respect for the cultural and natural landscapes of the greater Bears Ears region. BEP has been an essential local voice for protecting the culturally rich, publicly managed lands of southeast Utah since 2010. BEP accomplishes its mission through five primary focus areas:

Indigenous Connections: Supporting Indigenous collaborative management through technical expertise, local knowledge, visitation to cultural sites, and advocacy

Conservation: Carrying out tangible on-the-ground projects to protect resources and improve the visitor experience in a way that blends archaeology with cultural heritage

Stewardship: Monitoring land uses and visitor impacts to identify and mitigate threats to cultural sites, wilderness values, and natural resources
Education: Changing visitor behavior by inspiring appreciation and teaching "Visit with Respect" principles, both at the Bears Ears Education Center and out on the landscape

Research: Enhancing knowledge of cultural and natural resources through documentation, partnerships, fiscal sponsorship, and volunteer support of research projects

Bears Ears Partnership is committed to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in all of our work. We strive to support Indigenous leadership in our work and achieve our mission through collaboration and partnerships.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and we encourage interested candidates who have a strong desire to apply for this position, even if a few of the qualifications or duties may be a challenge for the candidate. Our ideal candidate will be someone who is willing to expand their skills and to develop into an expert on Visit with Respect principles as we grow this program and our organization.

Position Overview

The River Program Manager will lead the coordination and implementation of BEP's river Education and Conservation programs on the San Juan River. Working with our Education and Conservation teams, this position will lead the overall river program including management of seasonal guides and cross-program river goals. The ideal candidate is an experienced river professional with a strong background in program coordination, seasonal staff management, delivering student & adult education as well as experience or interest in resource management.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Management

Develop and implement BEP's River Program strategy.
Plan, coordinate, and lead river-based fieldwork, education, and monitoring efforts.
Manage budgets, work plans, and reporting for river-related grants and contracts.
Supervise seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers engaged in river stewardship and education.
Oversee the safety and maintenance of river related equipment and materials at the Monticello campus.
Partnerships & Collaboration

Collaborate with Education and Conservation program leads at BEP on a weekly basis.
Work with Tribal partners, land management agencies, outfitters, researchers, and local communities to promote river conservation and responsible recreation.
Represent BEP on river-related coalitions and at partner events.Support Tribal and community-led river projects and initiatives.
Conservation & Stewardship

Lead BEP's river conservation program implementation.
Conduct fieldwork to monitor river health, recreation impacts, and habitat conditions.
Coordinate with the conservation team on river cleanups, invasive species removal, and restoration projects.
Ensure safe, low-impact field operations and compliance with all permitting and safety requirements.
Education & Outreach

Lead BEP's river education program implementation.
Help develop and deliver interpretive and stewardship programming on the river for adult & student BEP program participants.
Work with the Education team in creating river-specific educational materials and contribute to BEP's communication and outreach efforts.
Promote best practices for river recreation, including Visit With Respect guidelines and Leave No Trace ethics.
Development and Team Support

Assist the Development team with donor and fee for service trips on the river.
Assist in planning staff and board trips on the river as needed.
Provide pictures and story ideas for BEP's external communications.
Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, education, environmental science, recreation management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in river management, conservation, or outdoor education program coordination.
Demonstrated leadership and field experience on multi-day river expeditions (San Juan River experience preferred).
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.
Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification and valid driver's license.
Preferred:

Developing curriculum and delivering outdoor education programming.
Experience working with Tribal governments or Indigenous communities.
Familiarity with riparian ecology, water quality monitoring, or restoration practices.
Swiftwater Rescue certification.
Program budgeting and reporting experience.
Compensation & Benefits

$56,000-$60,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience
Health insurance, paid time off, and retirement benefits.
Field gear stipend and training opportunities.
Opportunity for temporary employee housing during work days at/near our Monticello Campus.
How to Apply

Please submit the following materials to hiring@bearsearspartnership.org:

1. Cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience.

2. Resume or CV.

3. Contact information for three professional references.

Applications are due by November 15, 2025.

Bears Ears Partnership follows all state and federal law, as well as organizational policy, designated to safeguard against discrimination on the basis of age, gender, gender identity, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy status, and genetic information.

Posted Online 6 days ago

Featured

Getches-Wilkinson Center Water Law Fellow

Getches-Wilkinson Center Water...

Program Overview

The Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment (GWC) at the University of Colorado Law School invites applications for the next GWC Water Law Fellow - an early-career attorney eager to make a difference in the field of water law and policy.

The Water Law Fellowship offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work on today's most pressing water law reform challenges. Fellows are mentored by leading faculty and practitioners and partner with decision-makers from the nonprofit, government, and private sectors.

Water Law Fellows will be expected to draft at least one paper for publications in the first year and to assist with organizing conferences, workshops, public education events, and other GWC events. Fellows may also publish white papers on current topics, attend conferences on water-related topics, draft blog posts and other communications on emerging issues, and work on other projects that develop in-depth expertise in water law.

Key benefits include:

Personalized research agenda and drafting original scholarship for publication supported by GWC staff and Colorado Law Faculty, focused on real-world water law challenges in the American West, including Colorado River management, interstate water governance, groundwater management, and Tribal water rights.
Mentorship from faculty, GWC staff, and practicing attorneys - opportunities to work alongside GWC's Executive and Assistant Directors, the Director of GWC's Western Water Policy Program, and access to GWC's network of leaders on the Advisory Council.
Opportunities to collaborate with leaders in NGOs, government agencies, Tribes, and private practice.
The freedom to explore creative, multidisciplinary solutions to water challenges in the West.
Travel support to represent GWC at professional gatherings, conferences and networking events.
Organization and participation in workshops, public events and conferences at Colorado Law.

Terms, Salary, and Benefits:

Start date: Flexible between January 1 and September 1, 2026.
Duration: One year, with the option to extend for a second year.
Salary: $75,000/year, plus travel and training support.
Location: Boulder, CO
Benefits: Excellent medical, dental, and transit benefits (ECO Pass) through the University of Colorado Boulder

What we require:

J.D.
At least one year of relevant professional experience or a demonstrated commitment to water issues during law school (judicial clerks encouraged to apply).
Excellent research and writing skills.

What we would like you to have:

Strong academic record.
Background in water or natural resources law.
Experience in environmental research.
Commitment to equity and service to underrepresented communities.
Collaborative, team-oriented approach.

Application Instructions:

Submit the following as a single PDF to Annie Carlozzi (annie.carlozzi@colorado.edu) by Monday, November 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Cover letter explaining your interest in water law and the Fellowship.
Resume (max 2 pages)
Law school transcript (unofficial accepted)
Writing sample (max 10 pages)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

The Water Law Fellowship is open to individuals regardless of race, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or gender. We encourage individuals from groups historically underrepresented in environmental conservation to apply.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Annie Carlozzi, GWC Assistant Director, at annie.carlozzi@colorado.edu

Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment

The Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment advances the truly sustainable management and conservation of natural resources, with a focus on the American West, by:

Influencing natural resources law and policy, including issues of water, land, climate change, and the rights of Tribes and Indigenous Peoples; and

Educating, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of committed lawyers and advocates devoted to justice and equity.

Posted Online 1 week ago