Northern Rockies Conservation Fellow

JOB TITLE: Northern Rockies Conservation Fellow

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Fellowship

DEPARTMENT: Conservation

WAGE CATEGORY: Exempt

TERM: Two years

REPORTS TO: Northern Rockies Regional Director

LOCATION: Bozeman office or home office in Wyoming

About American Rivers

American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers℠.

American Rivers centers the ongoing work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all that we do. The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities, and we seek to build and embody this diversity in our organization and throughout the conservation field. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that everyone brings to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.

Job Summary

The Northern Rockies Conservation Fellow is charged with assisting the Northern Rockies team in developing and implementing conservation projects and campaigns in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. During year one of the fellowship, the Fellow will focus on assisting the Northern Rockies (NR) Dam Removal Specialist in conducting a comprehensive inventory of dams in the region, especially in Wyoming. The Fellow will also attend regular Northern Rockies team meetings, conservation staff meetings, river protection team meetings, all-staff meetings, and other meetings as appropriate. In addition, the Fellow may be asked to attend watershed group meetings, other coalition meetings, and help plan and staff outreach events to build awareness of American Rivers in northwest Wyoming and adjacent eastern Idaho.

Principal Responsibilities

• Assist the NR Dam Removal Specialist in conducting a comprehensive inventory of dams, particularly in Wyoming.
• Assist the NR Dam Removal Specialist in identifying and documenting dams that are good candidates for removal due to their age, condition, cost, and usefulness.
• Assist the NR Dam Removal Specialist in identifying and cultivating financial support for dam removal projects and our dam removal program.
• Collaborate with state and federal agencies; tribes; non-profit partners; community groups; and private interests to develop and grow a dam removal movement, including through the implementation of related policies and practices; fostering new project managers in partner organizations; and developing incentives for dam owners to remove dams.
• Represent American Rivers to external regional collaboratives that are focused on removing dams in the Northern Rockies region, as requested by the NR Dam Removal Specialist.
• Actively participate in American Rivers’ Dam Removal Community of Practice, engaging in team meetings, collaborating with colleagues on project ideas and approaches, working with team leaders to develop, refine, and implement effective restoration strategies, and participating in team retreats and other related activities.
• Be an active member of the Northern Rockies team by attending weekly team meetings, helping to plan and execute workshops, and participating in staff retreats. Strive to improve the team by identifying shortcomings and helping design and implement improvements.
• Plan and staff local outreach events that build awareness about American Rivers and the value of healthy, connected rivers to the Northern Rockies.
• Attend regular meetings of the Snake River Headwaters Watershed Group to stay apprised of conservation challenges and opportunities in northwest Wyoming.
• Assist the Northern Rockies team in creating and implementing strategies aimed at protecting high-value rivers in western Wyoming and adjacent eastern Idaho, as requested by the Northern Rockies Regional Director.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural or physical science, environmental studies, planning, or other related discipline
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Excellent research skills
• Ability to work independently from a remote office
• Willingness to travel within the region up to one week per month
• Demonstrated passion for protecting and restoring rivers
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
  
  

Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferrable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.

LOCATION

Bozeman, Montana/Remote in Wyoming

Compensation

American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $64,200 – 70,100 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. We provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our full-time, regular employees, including:

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: After one year of service, American Rivers begins contributing a 3% employer contribution. There is no vesting schedule for employer contributions as employees are 100% vested upon participation.
• Time Off: Four weeks of paid leave, eleven paid holidays, three floating holidays, and sick leave.
  
  

At American Rivers, we are committed to supporting our employee’s well-being, professional growth, and financial security, ensuring they can thrive both at work and in life.

COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY

• At American Rivers, our core values drive everything we do – we Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.
• Our culture prioritizes work-life thriving through Focus Fridays (no internal meetings), professional development opportunities, a home office stipend and our comprehensive leave policies, including sabbatical leave (every seven years) and paid parental leave (six weeks w/ one year of service).
• We also ensure leadership stays connected to staff needs through an internal advisory group, fostering open communication and continuous improvement.
• At American Rivers, our people are our strength, and we are dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone can grow and contribute to our mission.
  
  

American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at 202-243-7040 or recruitment@americanrivers.org. Please note that one week’s advance notice is preferred.

Applicant must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States. American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.