About PERC

The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) is the national leader in market solutions for conservation, with over 40 years of research and a network of respected scholars and practitioners. Through research, law and policy, and innovative field conservation programs, PERC explores how aligning incentives for environmental stewardship produces sustainable outcomes for land, water, and wildlife. Founded in 1980, PERC is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and proudly based in Bozeman, Montana.

This is a transformational time at PERC. Our nimble team is growing in all departments to support our ambitious goal of inspiring the next era of conservation in America based on incentives and innovation. Read more.

Position Description

PERC is hiring a Conservation Associate to join our growing team in Bozeman, Montana. Primary tasks will include assisting in receiving, filtering, prioritizing, and summarizing project inquiries, conducting due diligence on selected projects, monitoring certain completed and ongoing projects, and aiding with new project development. The Conservation Associate will report to the Director of Conservation and work closely with other team members and departments.

We are seeking a dedicated and self-driven professional who is highly organized, process-oriented, and deeply committed to achieving tangible, on-the-ground conservation outcomes. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills with a willingness to initiate conversations and build relationships. They will excel at managing multiple projects—some with extended timelines—while maintaining clear and effective communication across teams and stakeholders. Preference will be given to applicants with a background or demonstrated experience in the natural sciences, particularly ecology or biology.

Key Responsibilities

Monitor Conservation Innovation Lab projects (40%)

• Assist the Conservation Director with regular monitoring of active projects
• Track project progress over long-term timelines, including key milestones
• Support the creation of annual project updates
• Support project transitions and rollovers at the conclusion of project lifecycles
• Review ecological conditions of projects and draft public-facing reports

Assist with incoming Conservation Innovation Lab projects (30%)

• Field inquiries from landowners, conservation groups, and agencies, and analyze data to work with the Conservation Director to determine projects that support PERC’s Conservation Innovation Lab’s charter
• Analyze projects for ecological significance and create scientifically grounded plans for each project
• Create and maintain project maps for internal and external distribution

Support the growth of the Conservation Innovation Lab (10%)

• Assist the Conservation Director in staying informed about emerging conservation innovations and issues
• Help identify and cultivate new partnerships to advance the Lab’s mission
• Attend conferences, review relevant literature, and engage in other professional development activities in order to add to the organization’s knowledge base and inform innovative conservation strategies

*Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Self-motivated
• Strong writing and communication skills and attention to detail
• Background in, or experience with, natural sciences such as ecology or biology
• Process-oriented mindset, or experience with project management
• Enthusiasm for and knowledge of market approaches to conservation
• Able to thrive in a flexible and dynamic work environment
• Proven active listening skills and ability to take direction
• A valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Outgoing and willing to have a conversation with any landowner, project partner, funder, or other interested party
• Basic understanding of ArcGIS or other mapping software. Experience is a plus
• Strong time management skills and the ability to take an organized approach to work
• Experience with project management software like Asana

Travel Requirements

• Some regular travel by car and airplane is required

Working Conditions

• Business office environment with moderate noise
• Local and regional travel by car and plane is necessary
• Will sit or stand at a desk
• Will occasionally work outdoors, potentially for several days at a time
• Work on a computer, use a telephone, and other general office equipment
• Field work may occasionally involve operating machinery such as ATVs, fence spoolers, etc.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds

Location

This is a full-time exempt position located in beautiful Bozeman, Montana.

Perks of Working at PERC

• Great health (platinum, gold, and silver plans), vision, and dental benefit choices for employees and family
• Flex/FSA or HSA offered
• 5% 401(k) PERC contribution
• PERC contributed life insurance
• Voluntary additional life insurance
• Voluntary accident insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid vacation and sick days
• 12 paid holidays
• Discounted gym membership
• Ability to work with an impactful conservation organization, dedicated to positive environmental outcomes

To Apply

Send us your resume, cover letter, and two research or writing samples to employment@perc.org.

Not sure if you meet all the job qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend not to apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification when, in fact, they often do. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment and strongly encourage you to apply.