Sustainable Ranching Initiative Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and has grown to become one of the world's leading conservation organizations. With a mission to help people and nature thrive, WWF operates in over 100 countries globally. The organization partners with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. WWF is grounded in science and driven by collaboration, focusing on conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. The organization boasts nearly 1 million members in the United States and more than 5 million worldwide, reflecting its extensive reach and commitment to global conservation efforts.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Ranching Initiative (SRI) Specialist position at WWF is a critical role aimed at conserving one of the world's most threatened grassland ecosystems. The SRI works closely with ranchers, Tribal communities, partner organizations, and public agencies to promote sustainable grazing systems, enhance ranch viability, and restore wildlife habitats across working landscapes. The Specialist will act as the operational lead for the Ranch Infrastructure Fund (RIF), ensuring the successful delivery of conservation infrastructure projects throughout the Great Plains. This position involves overseeing project workflows from application to closeout, developing and maintaining program systems and standard operating procedures, and coordinating with various stakeholders including SRI field staff, ranchers, consultants, engineers, contractors, and partner organizations. The Specialist will also serve as the primary liaison between SRI and WWF Program Operations, ensuring that conservation projects are delivered efficiently and in compliance with WWF policies and funding requirements while continuously improving program processes and supporting implementation across the broader SRI.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the SRI Specialist include serving as the primary coordinator for WWF's Ranch Infrastructure Fund, overseeing conservation infrastructure projects from application through implementation, reimbursement, amendments, and project closeout. The Specialist will coordinate project implementation across SRI staff to ensure consistent application of program standards, timelines, funding requirements, and conservation objectives. This includes reviewing project proposals, budgets, maps, supporting documentation, and implementation plans. The Specialist will also coordinate implementation activities with NRCS, consultants, technical service providers, engineering firms, and other partners. Additionally, the Specialist will serve as a primary liaison between the SRI and WWF Program Operations staff, coordinating contracting, procurement, reimbursement, compliance reviews, agreement execution, and other internal administrative processes. The role involves developing and maintaining standard operating procedures, templates, guidance documents, and internal resources, as well as continuously improving databases, project tracking systems, dashboards, and workflows. The Specialist will support other business processes, including ranch enrollments, restoration projects, and educational events, and will compile program metrics to support grant reporting, fundraising, and program evaluation. Occasional field visits to verify project implementation are also part of the role, along with performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the SRI Specialist position, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in natural resources, agriculture, environmental science, project management, business administration, engineering technology, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required, along with experience in GIS, databases, or project management software. Candidates should have experience coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and a strong understanding of USDA Farm Bill conservation programs, particularly the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs and processes. Additionally, experience in developing and managing project budgets, contracts, agreements, reimbursements, or grant-funded projects in a ranching or private lands context is essential. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are also required. The ability to work independently while coordinating across multidisciplinary teams and a willingness to travel throughout the Great Plains (approximately 20–30%, seasonally variable) are necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as natural resources, agriculture, environmental science, project management, business administration, engineering technology, or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of sustainable ranching and conservation initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should include project management, particularly in coordinating complex projects that involve multiple stakeholders. Familiarity with USDA Farm Bill conservation programs and specific NRCS programs is highly preferred, as is experience in developing and managing project budgets and grant-funded projects in a ranching or private lands context.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, but priority will be given to candidates located in the Northern Great Plains region. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Relocation is not provided for this position. WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.