Sustainable Ranching Initiative Specialist

Please note: Although this is a remote position, priority will be given to candidates in the Northern Great Plains region.

Major Function

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world's leading conservation organizations, seeks a Specialist for the Sustainable Ranching Initiative (SRI), based in the Great Plains. SRI works with ranchers, Tribal communities, partner organizations, and public agencies to conserve one of the world's most threatened grassland ecosystems by advancing sustainable grazing systems, improving ranch viability, and restoring wildlife habitat across working landscapes. The program combines technical assistance, conservation incentives, ecological monitoring, and collaborative partnerships to support durable conservation outcomes on privately managed working lands.

The Specialist will serve as the operational lead for the Ranch Infrastructure Fund (RIF), coordinating the successful delivery of conservation infrastructure projects across the Great Plains. The position oversees project workflows from application through closeout, develops and maintains program systems and standard operating procedures, coordinates with SRI field staff, ranchers, consultants, engineers, contractors, and partner organizations, and serves as the primary liaison between SRI and WWF Program Operations. The Specialist ensures conservation projects are delivered consistently, efficiently, and in compliance with WWF policies and funding requirements while continuously improving program processes and supporting implementation across the broader SRI.

Key Responsibilities

Program Delivery & Conservation Implementation

• Serve as the primary coordinator for WWF's RIF, overseeing conservation infrastructure projects from application through implementation, reimbursement, amendments, and project closeout.
• Coordinate project implementation across SRI staff to ensure consistent application of program standards, timelines, funding requirements, and conservation objectives.
• Review project proposals, budgets, maps, supporting documentation, and implementation plans.
• Coordinate implementation activities with NRCS, consultants, technical service providers, engineering firms, and other partners.

Program Operations & Internal Coordination

• 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.
• Coordinate with WWF Finance, Legal, Program Operations, and other WWF teams to resolve implementation challenges.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, templates, guidance documents, and internal resources.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve databases, project tracking systems, dashboards, and workflows.
• Support other business processes as needed, including ranch enrollments, restoration projects, and educational events.
• Support administration of projects funded through multiple public and private funding sources, including Regional Conservation Partnership Program through NRCS.
• Compile program metrics to support grant reporting, fundraising, and program evaluation.
• Support proposal development with budget and implementation information.
• Conduct occasional field visits to verify project implementation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies

• Project management – effectively manages multiple concurrent conservation projects while balancing timelines, budgets, and multiple priorities
• Cross-team collaboration – builds productive relationships across WWF teams and externally with ranchers, consultants, contractors, and partners
• Detail-oriented – maintains high accuracy across repetitive tasks when working on contracts, budgets, project documents, and compliance obligations
• Independent problem solving – develops and implements practical solutions, often independently, improves efficiency and consistency
• Relationship management – provides responsive, professional support both internally and externally, fosters healthy interactions
• Operational excellence – develops, maintains, and improves systems, processes, workflows, and other standard operating procedures

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources, agriculture, environmental science, project management, business administration, engineering technology, or related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience with GIS, databases, or project management software required.
• Experience coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with USDA Farm Bill conservation programs, specific understanding or experience with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs and processes is highly preferred.
• Experience developing and managing project budgets, contracts, agreements, reimbursements, or grant-funded projects in a ranching or private lands context required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating across multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel throughout the Great Plains (approximately 20–30%, seasonally variable).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with ranchers or agricultural producers.
• Familiarity with grazing management or conservation infrastructure projects.
• Experience with specific NRCS programs: particularly EQIP and RCPP.
• Experience coordinating consultants or technical service providers.
• Experience supporting grant reporting and proposal development.

WWF Values

• Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values:
• COURAGE – We demonstrate courage through our actions, we work for change where it’s needed, and we inspire people and institutions to tackle the greatest threats to nature and the future of the planet, which is our home.
• INTEGRITY – We live the principles we call on others to meet. We act with integrity, accountability and transparency, and we rely on facts and science to guide us and to ensure that we learn and evolve.
• RESPECT – We honor the voices and knowledge of people and communities that we serve, and we work to secure their rights to a sustainable future.
• COLLABORATION – We deliver impact at the scale of the challenges we face through the power of collective action and innovation.

Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Relocation is not provided for this position.

World Wildlife Fund (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.

Founded in 1961, WWF works to help people and nature thrive. As a global conservation organization, WWF operates in more than 100 countries, partnering with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. Grounded in science and driven by collaboration, WWF works to help nature by conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. Nearly 1 million people in the United States and more than 5 million globally are WWF members.

Originally posted on Himalayas