Grassland Conservation & Science Manager

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Nebraska is seeking a Grassland Conservation & Science Manager to lead conservation efforts across the Great Plains. The role requires a PhD in a relevant field and entails working with various partners to develop strategies, analyze outcomes, and publish findings. The ideal candidate should possess strong communication skills and be willing to travel.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Employee and dependent scholarship programs

Generous retirement plans

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field plus 2 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated success in leading peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Willingness to travel periodically across the Great Plains.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of a conservation strategy.
• Analyze and communicate conservation outcomes.
• Provide operational leadership for the project.

Skills

Leadership in conservation

Analytical skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

PhD in natural resources, ecology, environmental science, or related field

Job description

Grassland Conservation & Science Manager

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking a Grassland Conservation & Science Manager to lead a multi-state conservation effort focused on America’s National Parks. This initiative, funded by the National Park Service, aims to advance grassland conservation across the Great Plains.

As a Grassland Conservation & Science Manager, you will:

• Lead development of a multi-state conservation strategy focused on America’s National Parks.
• Develop and implement standardized scientific approaches across project sites
• Analyze, interpret and communicate conservation outcomes
• Identify and evaluate legacy landscapes for public-facing conservation efforts
• Provide operational leadership, including strategic planning, financial oversight and public relations for the project
• Publish results in journals and translate science for public audiences
• Coordinate and collaborate with National Park Service site managers, partner organizations, and local conservation networks

This position requires travel to National Park sites. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in natural resources, ecology, environmental science, or a related field, plus 2 years of related experience.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• PhD in natural resources, ecology, environmental science, or related field plus 2 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated success in leading peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel periodically across the Great Plains.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in budget management and grant reporting.
• Experience coordinating large, multi-partner conservation or research projects.
• Familiarity with spatial analysis and remote sensing, especially in rangeland or grassland systems.
• Strong organizational skills and a mission-driven approach to conservation work.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including employee and dependent scholarship programs, generous retirement plans, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is an EO/AA employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/ for more information.