[Hiring] Sustainable Ranching Initiative Specialist @World Wildlife Fund, Inc.

Role Description

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 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.

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).

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• Compensation: USD 71,000 - USD 88,700 yearly.
• Paid Relocation: None.

Company Description

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.
• Nearly 1 million people in the United States and more than 5 million globally are WWF members.