Basic Summary
This professional-level position is responsible for managing a Defenders of Wildlife’s federal lands policy portfolio focused on 1) leading and coordinating Defenders’ response to Department of the Interior policies affecting wildlife on public lands and 2) supporting Defenders’ National Wildlife Refuge System Defense Campaign.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Department of the Interior Wildlife Policy
Track the development and implementation of Interior Department policies affecting wildlife on public lands, concentrating on the effects of those policies on the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National System of Public Lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Lead and coordinate Defenders’ advocacy efforts to counter policy threats and capitalize on conservation opportunities presented in new policy initiatives.
Lead Defenders’ working groups focused on Interior Department and BLM wildlife policy issues and serve as Defenders’ expert point of contact internally, and with external interests, the news media, coalitions and policymakers.
Develop Defenders’ positions on key Interior Department lands and wildlife policy issues, and their effect on the Refuge System and BLM lands. Produce white papers, reports, blogs and other information and communications products for advocacy purposes.
National Wildlife Refuge System Defense
Work with staff to track and respond to administrative and legislative issues and threats to the National Wildlife Refuge System, concentrating on effects to federally protected species, Defenders’ key species and other at-risk fish and wildlife and habitat types within priority landscapes.
Draft comments in response to proposed regulatory and project-level actions affecting the Refuge System and individual units, involving Defenders’ members and supporters with action alerts, advocating for policy solutions and/or supporting litigation to challenge incompatible uses.
Help develop Defenders’ positions on key threats to the Refuge System and individual refuges. Produce white papers, reports, blogs and other information and communications products for advocacy purposes, and to convey Defenders’ policy positions to both internal and external audiences.
Qualifications
Education: Advanced degree in environmental/public policy, conservation biology, natural resources management, natural resources law, or related discipline.
Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience is required in at least one of the following areas: federal lands management policy or planning; developing and implementing programs to conserve biodiversity and/or; implementing public land management policy programs for non-profit organizations. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above. In addition, the candidate should be able to demonstrate:
Experience working with federal land management agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management, and knowledge of laws, regulations and policies that govern federal land management is essential for this position.
Existing relationships with federal agency and administration staff highly desirable.
Interdisciplinary skills and practical experience in translating the best available science into policy and programmatic initiatives to conserve species and ecosystems.
Other:
Leadership skills and demonstrated ability to help guide the implementation of programs and/or initiatives affecting wildlife, natural resources, or habitat conservation.
Excellent research, writing and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work effectively with other staff members in an interdisciplinary team context.
Self-starter and entrepreneurial, demonstrated ability to take initiative.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer and communicate with others while doing so.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
General office and field working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
VALUES AND DIVERSITY:
Defenders of Wildlife is a national, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. Our employees work in an environment that is inclusive and honors each of our unique perspectives and backgrounds. We believe that the conservation of biological diversity is best advanced by the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and cultures. We strive toward a collective goal of including all people in the conservation of our Nation’s wildlife and wild places.
Visit Our Values and Diversity page to learn more about who we are and how we operate.
How To Apply
Interested applicants should complete an application for employment. Please reference Senior Federal Lands Policy Analyst in your subject line and submit a completed application, letter of interest, and resume to us via e-mail at: HR@defenders.org