Science Integration Specialist

Science Integration Specialist – Northern Great Plains Joint Venture Southeastern & Central Montana Location: Billings, MT; location negotiable within central/eastern MT. The Great Plains Region of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) is seeking a motivated, collaborative individual to work with the Northern Great Plains Joint Venture (NGPJV) in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in southeastern and central Montana. The NGPJV is a public-private collaborative supported by DU that works to conserve sustainable lands for birds, other wildlife, and people. We support working lands agriculture and voluntary, non-regulatory solutions to conservation challenges. The NGPJV Science Integration Specialist will work with conservation partners to integrate science, data, and tools across scientific disciplines into on-the-ground conservation delivery to support effective bird habitat conservation and thriving rural communities across Montana. This position will work closely with landowner-led collaboratives, natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, researchers, and other partners to increase access and effective use of science and tools to support grassland conservation. It is vital that applicants have a passion for engaging people with diverse perspectives, technical backgrounds and expertise in the science of grassland and bird conservation. This position will also collaborate with NGPJV and Montana NRCS staff to host events, field tours, and workshops. Regular and consistent communication with Montana NRCS staff will be required. This is a full-time professional position supported by two years of initial funding, with the potential for continued employment beyond the initial term as additional funding becomes available. Some overnight travel will be required. Duties and Responsibilities: The NGPJV Science Integration Specialist will focus primarily on tasks related to translating science for field practitioners in southeastern and central Montana, particularly to provide assistance for NRCS in development and support of Locally Led Conservation Strategies. Specific duties include: Increase access by NRCS staff, biologists, and producer-led groups to conservation science tools, data, and research to inform conservation decisions that will reduce conversion and increase restoration and resilience of grasslands, and benefit grassland birds. Assist local NRCS offices with the development of Locally Led Conservation Strategies, which may include periodic field visits. Identify and reduce barriers to engagement in conservation programs, especially those that benefit intact grasslands and grassland birds. Assist partners in evaluating and communicating conservation outcomes to help inform NRCS and partner programs and practices. Work with the NGPJV Science Team and Communications staff to help communicate science products, conservation tools, and NGPJV and partner accomplishments through…