Program Manager
- Grazing & Working Lands (Remote within Great Plains) Mule Deer Foundation Clearfield, Utah Job Type Permanent
Salary $75,000
- $85,000 per year
Benefits MDF Benefits Package which includes Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401K
Min. Experience 5+ years MDF Program Manager
- Grazing & Working Lands Reports to: MDF Director of Private Land Conservation
Classification:
Salaried / Exempt
Start Date:
May 1, 2026, or sooner
Term:
3 years (with potential for extension based on funding)
Salary:
$75,000
- $85,000 DOE, plus benefits (Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, and 401K) Position Location Remote within the Great Plains region as approved by MDF, with regional travel required.
Preference for candidates located within the Southern Great Plains due to program delivery priorities. 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). GRACI is an NFWF program that invests in voluntary conservation efforts to strengthen the long‑term resilience and health of working grasslands. Within MDF's Private Land Conservation Program, this effort will be delivered through MDF's Great Plains and Grasslands Initiatives, advancing voluntary, incentive-based conservation to enhance mule deer and other wildlife habitat on private and working lands across the Plains states. 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 Essential Duties Provide day-to-day supervision, leadership and direction to program field staff
Maintain regular communication with the Director of Private Land Conservation regarding program progress and needs
Support program staff in project planning, prioritization, and addressing implementation challenges
Represent MDF in meetings, workshops, and outreach events
Ensure consistent and high-quality delivery of grazing management and wildlife habitat improvement practices
Support adaptive management and continuous improvement of program delivery 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 Preferred Experience Experience working in the Great Plains region
Experience with regenerative or adaptive grazing systems strongly preferred
Experience working directly with private landowners and ranchers on conservation or grazing management projects
Experience managing grant-funded programs, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance
Experience supporting multi-partner conservation efforts
Experience engaging corporate or private funding partners
Familiarity with NRCS programs and ability to work effectively with NRCS field offices Skills and Abilities Strong organizational and program management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities across a large geographic area
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Demonstrated ability to supervise, support, and hold staff accountable
Practical understanding of grazing systems and ranch operations
Strong attention to detail in tracking, reporting, and compliance
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills in program implementation
Ability to lead and support a distributed team Work Environment Remote, home-office based position with regional overnight travel required
Must be comfortable working across a large geographic area and with a distributed team
Some weekend work may be required
How To Apply 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. Application Deadline Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 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
