Federal Lands Policy Analyst – Washington DC

Organization: Defenders of Wildlife

Job Title: Federal Lands Policy Analyst

Location: Washington DC

Hours and Compensation: full time; commensurate with experience

Application Deadline: until filled

Position Dates: n/a

Posted On: Jan. 3, 2013

Organization Overview

Defenders of Wildlife is a national, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.

At Defenders of Wildlife, we focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. We work to protect and restore America’s native wildlife, safeguard habitat, resolve conflicts, work across international borders and educate and mobilize the public. We stand out in our commitment to saving imperiled wildlife and championing the Endangered Species Act, the landmark law that protects them.

Description

This professional-level position is responsible for conducting high-level and complex policy research, analysis and development to further Defenders’ strategic habitat and species conservation goals on public lands, with a focus on national forest and Bureau of Land Management lands. The incumbent is a key member of Defenders’ federal lands policy team advancing science-based conservation policies to protect and restore the ecological integrity and the conservation of at-risk species on national forest, Bureau of Land Management, and other federal lands. The position works closely with Defenders’ policy, field conservation, legal, government relations, and communications teams.

Responsibilities

• In coordination with Defenders’ team of policy, legislative and legal specialists, research and develop policy proposals for shaping federal lands laws, policies, and regulations to achieve strategic objectives. Develop written materials explaining the proposals to policymakers, the public, the media, and other conservation organizations.
• Analyze proposed legislation and administrative initiatives and federal register proposals affecting federal lands, develop recommended positions for Defenders on such proposals, and prepare summaries, factsheets, testimony and other materials explaining the proposals and Defenders’ views of them.
• Working with Defenders’ Government Relations staff, educate Members of Congress and congressional staff on federal lands conservation and policy issues and assist in identifying champions, coordinating messaging and outreach to Members and their staffs, and, in general, securing support for the goals of this campaign.
• Contribute to the effective execution of federal lands initiatives identified in Defenders’ strategic, program, and annual work plans.
• Maintain and grow positive working relationships with key federal agency officials, congressional staff, and nongovernmental partners.
• Research, write, and/or edit and critique the development of reports, Websites, blogs and publications
• Represent Defenders in public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, coalitions, and in general communications with public officials, legislators, the media, Defenders’ membership, the donor community, and the general public
• Inform and mobilize citizen activists, including Defenders’ members and supporters and Wildlife eNews subscribers, in areas of particular importance
• Work with Development staff to raise operating funds for Defenders’ Federal Lands Program
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in environmental/public policy, conservation biology, natural resources management, natural resources law, or related discipline.
• Experience: 5+ years of progressively responsible experience is required in at least one of the following areas: developing and implementing programs to conserve biodiversity, land management planning, working with land management agencies, or organizing campaigns or policy programs for non-profit organizations. Experience with federal land management agencies including National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and knowledge of the laws and regulations for federal land management, is essential for this position. Existing relationships with federal agency and administration staff highly desirable. The position requires interdisciplinary skills and practical experience in translating cutting-edge science into 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 related resources
• Excellent research, writing and verbal communications 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

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter with salary history to [email protected]