Apply for WCLDP

We are recruiting for a broad array of applicants that share a commitment to addressing large-scale change for the future of western conservation.

Courses bring together individuals that are self-motivated; demonstrate initiative and a commitment to learning; and interested in or actively taking responsibility for collaborative western conservation. Individuals that apply will need to demonstrate that they are interested in affecting change in conservation and will need to have the support of their agency, organization, or partnership.

Eligibility: Individuals that are active in western conservation representing: state and federal government agencies, Tribal Nations or Tribal organizations, private lands, non-profit 501c3 organizations, industry, and academic affiliates. Candidates will be involved in conservation work in one or more of the following US states, Canadian provinces, or their territories: Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Northwest Territories, Oklahoma, Oregon, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Yukon.

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONS

Photo credit: Danita Delimont

“Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine.”

– Chris Hadfield

Your application must include the following:

1) Statement of Interest with signature

2) Personal Interest Essay

3) Support Letter from your Director, CEO, or Supervisor*

* Note, if you are a private landowner, please seek a letter of support from a partnership-based group in which you are a part to provide additional perspective on your leadership qualities.

We welcome applicants who bring experience in natural resource conservation and a genuine desire to deepen their impact on conservation outcomes. Strong candidates are those who are ready to grow their capacity to lead organizational or systems-level change, have experience working in collaborative or coalition-based settings, and have the support of their organization or community of practice to fully engage in the program.

Our Approach

This program uses a range of experiential methods and tools designed to expand participants’ thinking and practice beyond their current edge. We draw on research demonstrating that those with the greatest variation and flexibility in their behavioral repertoire are best equipped to respond to complex, adaptive challenges (Fern & Johnstone, 2023). Central to our approach is the creation of courageous learning spaces — environments where participants are invited to do the hard, meaningful work of adaptive leadership.

The Mindset We’re Looking For

We are looking for applicants who bring what we call a provocative mindset — a readiness to be challenged, a curiosity about complexity, and a commitment to their own growth. Ideal candidates are those who:

Are hungry to reconnect with a deeper sense of purpose and to build meaningful relationships with peers across the field
Are actively seeking deeper leadership learning and ready to be stretched
Are willing to explore a broad range of perspectives, including those that challenge their own
Are bumping up against the limits of their current practices and recognize that their existing repertoire may be insufficient given the pressures and expectations they face
Are reflective and open to divergent diagnoses of the challenges before them
Are willing to examine their own blind spots — including the ways they may be contributing to the very problems they are working to solve
Are prepared to experiment with novel approaches and amplify the impact of their work
Can tolerate a meaningful degree of productive stress as personal and systemic patterns are surfaced and examined

A Note on Readiness

This program engages participants in deep, sometimes challenging personal and professional reflection. We strongly encourage anyone currently navigating significant work or life stressors — including grief, burnout, or acute anxiety — to connect with the Program Manager before applying. We are happy to share more about the nature of the experience and help you determine whether this is the right program, or the right time.

Western Conservation Leadership Development Program

Application Details

APPLY HERE

“Since completing the WLCDP Program, many of the concepts and foundations have remained ever-present in my day-to-day professional and personal life. Specifically, the concept of meeting people where they are has been a strong awakening, and is helping me better approach our Indigenous partners as we delve into new partnerships and landscapes. Real conversations can’t occur unless you are willing to come with an open mind and the ability to meet someone on their land, in their backyard. Stepping back and trying to understand how different people approach land values and land ethics is critical to developing trustworthy relationships and getting meaningful conservation on the land.”

Josh White
Partners Biologist
Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program
Conservation Partnerships Branch
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Idaho Fish and Wildlife Office

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Stay Tuned for New Courses

WCLDP will be offering additional courses in the future that may be more applicable to conservationists in different stages of their careers and life-work with unique course designs.