Application Guide

How to Apply for Native Lands Partnership Conservation Specialist

at The Wilderness Society

🏢 About The Wilderness Society

The Wilderness Society stands out for its deep commitment to centering Indigenous leadership in conservation. As a national organization, it uniquely prioritizes partnerships with Tribal Nations, blending advocacy, science, and community collaboration to protect public lands. Working here means contributing to a mission that respects tribal sovereignty while advancing climate and conservation goals.

About This Role

This role is pivotal in bridging The Wilderness Society’s conservation work with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. You’ll support strategic programs, build relationships with tribal leaders and organizations, and create educational materials that highlight policy impacts on Indigenous lands. It’s an opportunity to directly influence how conservation efforts honor tribal rights and knowledge.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve meeting with tribal liaisons to discuss a proposed land exchange, drafting a fact sheet on how a federal policy impacts Indigenous hunting rights, and preparing for an upcoming coalition webinar on tribal co-management. You’ll also spend time reviewing public comments from tribal nations and coordinating with TWS’s policy team to align messaging.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Wilderness Society Is Looking For

  • Has at least 3 years of experience in issue advocacy or policy change, ideally with a focus on public lands or environmental justice.
  • Demonstrates proven ability to build trust-based relationships with Tribal Nations or Indigenous communities, including understanding of tribal sovereignty and consultation protocols.
  • Possesses strong written and visual communication skills, with experience creating fact sheets, blogs, or action alerts for diverse audiences.
  • Exhibits strategic thinking and organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, including coalition participation and event planning, with willingness to travel up to 20%.

📝 Tips for Applying to The Wilderness Society

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience working with or for Tribal Nations, including any collaborations on land management or policy advocacy.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly name Indigenous-led organizations or tribes you’ve partnered with and the outcomes achieved.

3

Showcase your ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible materials by linking to a sample fact sheet or blog you’ve written.

4

Emphasize your familiarity with The Wilderness Society’s current campaigns, especially those involving Indigenous partnerships (e.g., Bears Ears or the Arctic).

5

Mention any knowledge of federal Indian law or consultation processes (e.g., NAGPRA, tribal co-management) even if not required.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your commitment to centering Indigenous voices and respecting tribal sovereignty in conservation work.', 'Concrete examples of building and sustaining relationships with tribal communities or Indigenous-led organizations.', 'Your understanding of the intersection between public lands policy and tribal rights, referencing specific issues like co-management or sacred site protection.', 'How your advocacy or communication skills have driven policy changes that benefit Indigenous communities.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review The Wilderness Society’s Indigenous-led partnerships page and recent blog posts on tribal co-management.
  • → Study the organization’s position on the Indian Trust Assets and how they integrate tribal input into policy positions.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key tribal conservation leaders or organizations they collaborate with, such as the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society.
  • → Understand the current legislative landscape for tribal land protection, like the Great American Outdoors Act or co-management agreements.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How have you built trust with tribal leaders or communities in previous roles? Provide a specific example.
2 Describe a time you communicated complex policy impacts to a non-expert audience. What materials did you create?
3 What is your understanding of tribal sovereignty and how does it affect conservation partnerships?
4 How would you approach a situation where tribal priorities conflict with traditional conservation goals?
5 What do you know about The Wilderness Society’s work with the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition or similar initiatives?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic language about 'helping' tribes—instead, emphasize partnership and support for self-determination.
  • Don’t overlook the travel requirement; express genuine willingness to visit tribal communities and remote locations.
  • Avoid making assumptions about tribal perspectives; instead, ask thoughtful questions during the interview about their approach.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Wilderness Society!

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