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 Senior Researcher specializing in land management and land-use policy issues. Topics of interest include public lands, forests, national parks, rangelands, outdoor recreation, private land conservation, or related topics. Primary tasks include conducting research studies and writing projects such as policy reports, data analyses, legal analyses, popular writing, and/or applied market design.

The ideal candidate will be hard-working, self-motivated, and passionate about market approaches to land conservation and policy. An ability to take initiative and execute on in-depth, detail-oriented projects is essential. Emphasis will be placed on candidates who have demonstrated strong research and writing skills, a knack for connecting research insights to real-world issues, and a passion for finding creative solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on issues related to land-use management and policy, including topics such as public lands, forests, national parks, outdoor recreation, private land conservation, or related issues (50%)
• Author a variety of outputs tailored to PERC’s target audiences, including policymakers, conservation practitioners, and the general public (40%)
• Engage in research communication through public presentations, shorter-form writing, and media and other stakeholder engagement (10%)
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field such as economics, law, public policy, conservation science, natural resources, environmental science, or a related discipline
• Strong writing and communication skills and attention to detail
• Enthusiasm for and knowledge of market approaches to conservation and environmental policy
• Interest in research and an ability to deliver compelling messages to non-academic audiences
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience working on land conservation, land management, land-use policy, or related issues
• Demonstrated experience in land conservation policy, applied research, or market-based conservation strategies

Travel Requirements

• Some regular travel by car and airplane is required

Working Conditions

• Business office environment with moderate noise
• Will sit or stand at a desk
• Work on a computer, use a telephone, and other general office equipment
• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds

Location

This is a full-time exempt position located in Bozeman, Montana, though remote work arrangements may be considered for exceptional candidates.

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. Looking for other research roles? PERC is also hiring a Senior Researcher (Wildlife Expert), Senior Researcher (Water Expert), Senior Researcher (Conservation and Policy).

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.