Join the Team as an Avian Program Lead!

Applications Open Until Filled

Job Title: Avian Program Lead

Start Date: 15 February 2027

About RCF:

Founded on the principle that conservation is everyone’s responsibility, The Ricketts Conservation Foundation works with private and public partners to study, protect, and enhance the populations of at-risk species within the Yellowstone Ecosystem, while working to understand how our lands can be sustainably managed.

Job Summary:

The Avian Program Lead will oversee and assist with multiple Ricketts Conservation Foundation (RCF) projects in and around the Yellowstone Ecosystem (YE), administer permits and annual reports to federal and state agencies, work with the Director and other RCF employees to implement conservation projects, analyze data, publish results in appropriate peer-reviewed and popular outlets, represent RCF at professional and public events, and initiate new projects in consultation with the director.

Responsibilities:

• Lead RCF’s Yellowstone Ecosystem Common Loon and Trumpeter Swan projects.
• Oversee other avian projects in coordination with associate biologist and work with graduate students to complete their research.
• Work with the director and project heads to recruit, interview, hire, and train seasonal staff.
• Assist as needed with project fieldwork (e.g. bird banding, bird surveys).
• Coordinate with appropriate resource agencies (obtain permits and write annual reports).
• Disseminate research results via final reports, peer-reviewed print scientific journals, online scientific journals, books, book chapters or other outlets.
• Present on findings to scientific and conservation organizations.
• Initiate new conservation projects in consultation with the director.
• Provide constructive and timely performance evaluations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to conduct scientific research and publish results.
• Demonstrated ability to perform field work (e.g. avian surveys, bird banding).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Able to assist project leaders achieve their goals.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Proficient with ARC-GIS, Excel, and database management.
• Data visualization and graphic design skills desirable
• Backcountry skills and experience
• Commitment to wildlife conservation.

Desired Skills/Abilities

• Familiarity with the Yellowstone Ecosystem and its flora and fauna.
• Ability with chainsaws, ATVs, snowmobiles, manual transmission trucks, and motorized watercraft.
• Comfortable living in a rural environment (~35 miles from Jackson Hole, WY, 40 miles from Pinedale, WY).

Education and Experience:

A master’s degree in a field related to conservation, wildlife biology, or similar field required. Experience managing field research projects, supervising field technicians, conducting original research, and publishing such research is required.

Physical Requirements:

Position includes working with employees in the field, primarily within the YE. Ability to hike and camp in rugged back country terrain, lift and carry a 50 lb. pack, and use power tools (e.g., chain saw) required.

Pay, Benefits and Work Responsibilities

Pay: $70,000/year

Housing allowance: $15,000/year.

Remote Work: Allowable December 1 – February 15.

Professional Dues: RCF pays all professional dues for organizations related to conservation mission (e.g. AOS, TWS), as approved by Director.

Conferences: RCF pays registration fees and travel costs to three (3) conferences/year, as approved by Director.

Full benefits include medical insurance, paid vacation, and 401(k).

Work Duties

Project administration: 20%, Permit and Report writing: 10%. Field Work: 25%, Strategic Planning: 10%, Public Outreach: 10%, Develop Standard Operation Procedures and maintain long-term archives 10%, initiate and manage new projects 10%, Coordinate with social media team 5%. Responsibilities will change over time in coordination with the RCF Director.

Application Process

Please email a PDF to [email protected] containing the following information: (1) cover letter stating your interest and qualifications (2) an up-to-date CV (3) contact information for three professional references.