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 to join our growing research department. The ideal candidate will be an adaptable, analytical thinker who is comfortable engaging with diverse conservation challenges within PERC’s key areas of focus. This position is ideal for someone who is interested in working on a range of topics and who can quickly adapt to emerging conservation issues. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong ability to connect research insights to practical applications, helping shape innovative solutions to complex problems. They should also be a proactive collaborator, willing to engage with both internal and external partners to maximize research impact. A passion for creative problem-solving and a commitment to advancing market-based conservation approaches are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on a diverse set of conservation and environmental policy topics, often in collaboration with internal and external partners (40%)
• Lead or assist in authoring a variety of outputs tailored to PERC’s target audiences, including policymakers, conservation practitioners, and the general public (40%)
• Engage with various audiences through presentations, panels, and public outreach (20%)
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in economics, law, public policy, environmental science, or related field
• Strong writing and communication skills and attention to detail
• Ability to conduct rigorous, interdisciplinary research
• Interest in research and an ability to deliver compelling messages to non-academic audiences
• Experience working on issues related to conservation, land-use policy, water policy, wildlife, issue, and/or other environmental and natural resource topics
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience working on environmental policy, conservation, or related issues

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. Interested in other research roles? We are also hiring a Senior Researcher (Public and Private Lands Expert), Senior Researcher (Wildlife Expert), and Senior Researcher (Water Expert).

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.