Conservation Outreach Specialist

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

To support our mission, we are seeking a Conservation Outreach Specialist to join our Science Team in Texas. The Science Team is conducting a science-based study to understand why Hispanic landowners hesitate to participate in NRCS conservation initiatives. The study will help us develop strategies to reach landowners and build a long-term mentorship program to ensure that more Hispanic-owned land in Texas is restored, enhanced, and dedicated to wildlife conservation.

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is seeking a passionate, community-minded Field Conservation Promoter (FCP) to lead efforts to create and grow a Hispanic Landowners Network in East Texas. This initiative will strengthen engagement among Hispanic landowners in federal wildlife and land conservation programs, including Working Lands for Wildlife, to increase the management of private lands that support native wildlife.

As the Field Conservation Promoter, you will build trusted relationships with landowners, provide technical guidance on habitat restoration, and ensure that their voices are heard and represented in conservation planning and partnerships.

Consider joining our team if you are a bilingual conservation professional who thrives at the intersection of community relationships and restoration ecology, or in a related field. You believe that successful land management and conservation begin with empowering landowners, leading to healthier lands and stronger communities. You are proactive and self-motivated, demonstrating strong intrinsic motivation.

Principal Duties (major areas of responsibility):

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Lead an outreach campaign to connect with 150 Hispanic landowners in East Texas.
• Through group and in-person meetings, build and sustain relationships that promote stewardship and conservation participation.
• Support the creation and long-term sustainability of the Hispanic Landowners Network.
• Collaborate with Texas-NRCS staff and partner organizations to incorporate community perspectives into conservation programs.

Conservation Guidance & Technical Support

• Provide field-based technical assistance and training to Hispanic landowners.
• Help participants develop customized land management and wildlife conservation plans aligned with NRCS frameworks.
• Advise on best practices for native habitat restoration, land, and wildlife management.

Research, Data, and Reporting

• During your first year in this position, assist with collecting and analyzing data for a regional needs assessment.
• Maintain accurate records of activities, meetings, and outcomes, including sign-in sheets and meeting minutes.
• Collaborate closely with the Project Leader to ensure data quality, transparency, and accountability.

Partnerships & Coordination

• Work side-by-side with project partners and Texas-NRCS staff throughout Texas NRCS Administrative Zone 4 (East Texas) to deliver results.
• Work closely with the Project Leader to ensure that the collected data is sufficient to conduct the study on perspectives toward the NRCS conservation framework.

Qualifications:

• Training or experience (minimum 3 years) in wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, or conservation and land management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening and community engagement.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Comfortable working independently in field-based settings across East Texas.
• Organizational skills for effectively tracking and reporting outreach and fieldwork activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Management, or Restoration Ecology, with some knowledge of soil conservation practices. Related fields or equivalent experience will be considered.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
• 3–5 years of experience in private-lands conservation, landowner outreach, and/or habitat restoration.
• Familiarity with NRCS conservation programs, including Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW), and the Farm Bill voluntary conservation programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s required equity competencies at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.

Travel Requirements: 

This position requires frequent travel (driving) to visit landowners, provide on-site field conservation guidance, and conduct interviews. Travel will also be required to attend and lead the landowners’ group meetings. Mileage will be reimbursed at IRS rates. Funds are available to cover lodging, meals, and incidentals.

Location and Work Mode: 

This position will be based in Texas—ideally, the candidate resides in Nacogdoches or Lamar County to be close to the study site. The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. In this position, the employee may work remotely, to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process. For more information on Work Modes, please review the benefits section of our careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers 

Physical Requirements of the Job:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position requires mobility, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). The position also requires mobility to travel—driving constantly to visit landowners in Nacogdoches and Lamar counties.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $62,000 - $65,000, commensurate with experience.

This position is subject to the availability of a federal grant and is initially for up to two and a half years.

We are proud of our designation by Mogul as a Top 100 Workplace with the Best Benefits, and by Forbes as one of America’s best small employers!  We value work-life balance and a family-friendly atmosphere with flexible scheduling.  We want you to be able to integrate work and personal life with attention to your self-care, so that your work schedule is not depleting.  We offer benefits so you feel restored and fueled through the day and week.

We offer these supports to help manage your mental, emotional, and physical health: 

• Paid time off: Vacation that starts off at three weeks accrual based on a full-time schedule, unlimited wellbeing (this time can be used for physical, spiritual, emotional, cultural, religious or financial wellbeing for yourself, a partner, or family member – including pets), and 11 holidays
• We close down for a paid winter break between December 25 to January 1 to recognize end of-year stress, and time for reflection, rejuvenation, and spending time with family.
• Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave
• Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options – all outpatient mental health is covered at in-network rates
• Therapist available at no cost
• Pet insurance and discount perk program
• Annual wellbeing allowance

In addition to your salary, we offer the following supports to your personal finances:

• Retirement plan with immediate match and vesting
• Annual year end retirement contribution
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Adoption and Surrogacy assistance
• Pet adoption stipend
• Student Loan management

Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s benefits package at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.

Application:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. NWF is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with regard to any classes or characteristics protected by law.

For more information on our recruiting process, please review our Careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers 

We recognize that people come with a wealth of knowledge and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid work, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translates to our openings. Whether you’re new to the field, returning to work after a gap in your employment, or are taking the next step in your career path, if you believe you could excel in this role we encourage you to apply! Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. To be eligible for this role you must be a U.S. citizen or have valid work authorization to work in the U.S.

Please let us know if you require accommodations during the application or interview process by reaching us at hrhelp@nwf.org  or 703-438-6244.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.