
MDF Program Manager – Grazing & Working Lands
MDF Program Manager – Grazing & Working Lands
About The Position
Job Summary
The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is seeking a qualified and motivated Program Manager to lead MDF’s grant‑supported work under the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative (GRACI).
This position is responsible for managing day-to-day implementation across multiple states, including supervising and coordinating staff, working with partners, and ensuring successful delivery of grazing management and wildlife habitat improvement projects on private lands. The Program Manager will report directly to the Director of Private Land Conservation and will work under that direction to ensure successful program delivery, including regular coordination on priorities, progress, and implementation.
Primary Responsibilities
• Manage implementation of MDF’s GRACI program within the Great Plains Initiative
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and supervising program field staff responsible for landowner enrollment and project delivery
• Lead and coordinate program field staff across multiple states
• Work directly with private landowners and ranchers to evaluate grazing systems and develop practical grazing management improvements
• Promote and design adoption of regenerative and adaptive grazing practices that improve grassland health, production, soil health, water function, and wildlife habitat
• Conduct outreach to identify, engage, and enroll landowners in the program
• Work closely with NRCS field staff and partners to incorporate Farm Bill programs (EQIP, CSP, etc.) where feasible
• Manage grant administration, including budgeting, record keeping, tracking accomplishments, and reporting to NFWF
• Ensure compliance with all grant requirements, deliverables, and timelines
• Support development of partnerships, including engagement with corporate partners and potential funding sources
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking program metrics and outcomes
Education and Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in rangeland management, natural resources, wildlife biology, ecology, agricultural sciences, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in conservation, rangeland management, grazing management, ranch management, or a related agricultural field
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing grazing management plans
• Experience working with private landowners
• Experience supervising staff or leading teams
For more details and announcements: https://muledeer.org/careers/
Position
Job Type—
LocationRemote within the Great Plains region, with regional travel required. Preference for candidates located within the Southern Great Plains due to progra
Salary$75,000 – $85,000 DOE, plus benefits (Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, and 401K)
Apply By05/09/2026
Contact
ContactCollin Smith
Emailcsmith@muledeer.org
Phone(000) 000-0000
Application Instructions
Application Deadline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and three references in a single PDF document to conservation@muledeer.org with the subject line: “Application for MDF GRACI Program Manager.”
The cover letter should clearly describe how the applicant’s experience, education, and skill set align with the responsibilities of this position and will contribute to successful program delivery. Please also include your availability to start, current location, and willingness to relocate if necessary, including preferred geographic areas within the Great Plains region.
For questions regarding the position, please contact Collin Smith, Director of Private Land Conservation, at csmith@muledeer.org.
Successful candidates will be required to pass a background check and drug test as a condition of employment with MDF. MDF is an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and three references in a single PDF document to conservation@muledeer.org with the subject line: “Application for MDF GRACI Program Manager.”
The cover letter should clearly describe how the applicant’s experience, education, and skill set align with the responsibilities of this position and will contribute to successful program delivery. Please also include your availability to start, current location, and willingness to relocate if necessary, including preferred geographic areas within the Great Plains region.
For questions regarding the position, please contact Collin Smith, Director of Private Land Conservation, at csmith@muledeer.org.
Successful candidates will be required to pass a background check and drug test as a condition of employment with MDF. MDF is an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace
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