Science Integration Specialist in Billings, Montana at Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

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 appropriate platforms.
• Provide support and expertise to the Montana Grassland Partnership through involvement on conservation teams and the Steering Committee.
• Help connect projects to regional initiatives, like the Central Grasslands Roadmap and JV8, and collaborative efforts, like the Montana Grassland Partnership, to advance strategic grassland conservation across the Northern Great Plains of Montana.
• Host local workshops in cooperation with NRCS and other partners to discuss conservation tools, outcomes, and barriers and solutions to engaging in conservation practices.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be someone who enjoys working at the intersection of science, people, and conservation implementation. They will be curious, collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable translating between diverse audiences.

Specific qualifications include:

• B.S. or M.S. degree in social or ecological science fields or commensurate experience
• Experience working with agricultural producers or producer groups (preferred)
• Knowledge of grassland ecology, grassland bird conservation, rangeland management, or other conservation issues relevant to the Northern Great Plains (preferred)
• Experience applying human dimensions science and metrics (preferred)
• Excellent written, oral, organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience using ArcGIS/ArcPro data sets, tools, and applications to support natural resource planning, analysis, or decision making.
• Experience with transferring science information to a wide variety of audiences.
• A good attitude and be self-motivated, organized, and able to collaborate with partners.
• Applicants should be knowledgeable of or willing to learn relevant natural resource conservation in the NGPJV landscape and be supportive of our mission.
• Ability to anticipate the needs of others to ensure a seamless and positive workplace experience.
• Willingness and ability to travel periodically to work with partners, attend meetings, and participate in workshops and other events.

Benefits/Pay: Starting salary range of $60,000 - $63,000 and will be based on experience and education. DU offers an exceptional benefit package, including comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, and ten paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.

To Apply: Please complete all application materials and attach your resume, cover letter, and daytime contact information (email & phone numbers) for three professional references, by October 23, 2026. The position will be open until filled.