NABS2 Program Team Member: Volunteer Position for Professionals
North American Bison Summit 2 | Available August 2026 – April 2027

Introduction

The Wildlife Restoration Foundation (WRF), a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is seeking motivated and resourceful professionals to join the Program Team for the second North American Bison Summit: A New Chapter for Grasslands Conservation & the Rural Way of Life (NABS2 - www.nabsummit.org) . NABS2 will convene a cross-sector community dedicated to restoring healthy bison herds and grasslands for conservation, Tribes/First Nations, and the protection of family ranches—uplifting the value of North American grazers and all grasslands species. It will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the U.S. North American Bison Legacy Act and build upon the success of past American Bison Society conferences and the inaugural NABS, which in April 2025 drew together over 300 colleagues (one-third Tribal/First Nations and one-quarter ranching) in Colorado.

As a volunteer professional in this position on the NABS2 Program Team, you will apply and gain valuable experience and expand your network in the field of wildlife conservation and/or agriculture. This is a remote, flexible role ideal for someone who committed to recovery of the bison (our U.S. National Mammal), native grasslands, wildlife, Tribal buffalo restoration, and the family ranching way of life. After a 3-month evaluation period, there is an opportunity to receive a modest stipend based on performance and demonstrated success in the role.

About the Role

We're looking for 2-3 motivated, people-oriented volunteer colleagues from fields of conservation, science, academia, research, and/or ranching to join the NABS2 Program Team in August or September 2026. This is an exceptional opportunity for serious professionals who want to gain new experience and play a hands-on role in bringing together one of the most exciting conservation gatherings around. If you're the kind of person who thrives on connection, enjoys engaging other professionals from a variety of fields, and knows how to get things done, please apply.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll be working closely with our NABS2 Program Team to draw good content into NABS2 Workgroups [live link here] and at the same time recruit NABS2 registrants to participate as dialogists in these Workgroups.

Day-to-day this involves researching themed content and associated presenters, writing emails/making calls to confirm interest, collecting and compiling M&M (Model & Methodology) forms from assigned presenters, and helping each presenter generate a presentation summary for the NABS2 e-Workbook. You'll handle a small portfolio of presenters and have the opportunity to shepherd them through the whole submission process from first outreach to final delivery at the Summit itself (depending on how long you choose to stay on the Program Team - minimum 3 months required).

What We're Looking For

This position is oriented to individuals who can bring a genuine love for bison as wildlife, preserving grasslands and ranching, and Tribes aiming to bring the buffalo back into their cultures and ways of life. Ideally, you’ll have a natural ability to connect with people, communicate well, and build a relationship for WRF with new Summit participants. To thrive on the Program Team, you will need to be proficient in Excel, managing emails, and keeping things organized, often working independently. WRF offers a real chance to grow into a bigger role with WRF if you are highly productive and show leadership potential. Experience with nonprofit organizations and event management is also a plus. Bonus points if you've worked with Mailchimp or similar platforms before.

Timeline

This role kicks off immediately in August 2026 and can run through April 2027, with strong potential to extend beyond that. While this is a volunteer position, there is an opportunity within the organization to earn a stipend and/or attend the Summit – especially if you decide to put on your own fundraising event for WRF or tap into other revenue streams to help grow WRF’s potential as an organization.

Why Join?

This is more than just a volunteer gig, it's a chance to be part of something meaningful, grow your knowledge, build real skills in event and nonprofit management, and connect with a dedicated community of conservationists, scientists, and bison champions from across the United States, Mexico and Canada.