Mule Deer Habitat Project Coordinator – Colorado

Mule Deer Habitat Project Coordinator – Colorado

Title:                   Habitat Project Coordinator

Location:            Denver, CO or nearby

Classification:    Full-time, Salary/Exempt

Salary:                $65,000 – $68,000 based on qualifications and experience, plus benefits (healthcare, Paid Time Off, 401k).

Application Deadline: Open until filled – Preference will be given to applications received by May 1, 2026.

Anticipated Start Date: May/June 2026

Position Description: The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is seeking applicants for a statewide Habitat Project Coordinator (Coordinator) to lead planning and implementation of habitat projects on the USFS lands in Colorado. This position is a full-time, field-based, position that will help deliver the mission of MDF. This position will be a 2-year term position with possibility of extension based on funding.

The Coordinator will work closely with MDF staff and partners, specifically the US Forest Service, personnel to plan, implement, and monitor projects associated with the MDF Partnership Agreements. MDF’s Director of Conservation Operations – Rocky Mountains, will supervise and direct work duties. Project work will include, but not be limited to: project planning, project layout, timber marking, habitat unit boundary delineation, quality control inspections, monitoring, and other duties. The overall project objectives aim at protecting our communities from wildfire, restoring and enhancing mule deer habitat, and improving watershed health through active forest management, rangeland restoration/enhancement, grassland restoration/enhancement, fire restoration, and improving soil conditions for mule deer and other wildlife.

Specific Considerations

• This position is remote based, home office position and requires travel throughout Colorado.
• Preference will be given to candidates centrally located (I25/I70 corridors). Relocation expenses by MDF will not be provided.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle with insurance is required, reimbursement for personal vehicle use is provided at federal rates (currently $0.725 per mile).
• Applicant must be able to traverse rough terrain, function well in inclement weather, be familiar with backcountry travel & safety, and able to operate federal on/off-road

Location:

This position will work throughout the state of Colorado. Duty location will be centrally located in Colorado with the ability to travel throughout the state for project work.

 Responsibilities:

• Plan and manage habitat projects undertaken by MDF with conservation
• Build and maintain close and mutually beneficial collaborative relationships among federal and state land and wildlife management agencies, NGO partners, private landowners and other MDF partners.
• Develop scope of work for habitat projects (e.g., hand or mechanical thinning, mastication, biomass removal, prescribed fire, planting/seeding, riparian restoration, infrastructure improvement, etc.) across various land ownerships and land uses.
• Coordinate with MDF and partners’ staff to develop, modify, manage, and track required documentation such as budgets, contracting mechanisms, required reporting, etc. for habitat projects that benefit mule deer or black-tailed deer.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly invoicing and reporting efforts, including identifying and executing necessary amendments, for contracts and grant-funded habitat work.
• Strengthen MDF ability to support on-the-ground restoration and enhancement projects that benefit and conserve ecosystems and expand outdoor experiences.
• Maintain a breadth of knowledge about current and emerging issues, policy development, and innovations in the federal and state habitat partnership programs to enhance MDF program effectiveness.
• Build community support and conduct outreach activities that promote ecosystem function, conservation ethos, science-based game management, public access and hunting as both a management tool and a culturally significant pursuit.
• Secure additional funding through Mule Deer Foundation or other partner
• Keep MDF supervisor and executive staff informed on work/projects and coordinate with other MDF staff.
• Supervise MDF or consultant project quality control inspectors as
• Other duties as

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Wildlife Management/Science, Forestry, Ecology, Wildfire Science, or closely related fields.

Experience requirement: 2+ years of experience in related fields.

• Knowledge of wildlife management, forestry techniques, wildfire/fuels, and/or project
• Familiar with USFS, NEPA, stewardship agreements and other policy associated with project management, and working with contractors.
• Experience or working knowledge of habitat issues within Colorado.
• GIS, remote sensing, Avenza and OnX maps, Office software, social media platform familiarity preferred.
• Detail oriented, self-motivated and the ability to multitask with minimal
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative
• Ability to work with a wide range of people with differing and sometimes conflicting
• Integrity and proficiency with budgeting, invoicing, and partnership
• Ability to represent MDF in a clear and professional manner through written and oral
• Ability and comfort working independently and in remote
• Ability and willingness to work within the team mission, work in outdoor conditions, telework when necessary, and maintain a flexible work schedule if needed.
• Some weekend work and travel may be