Endangered Species Science and Policy Analyst- Washington DC

Organization: Defenders of Wildlife

Position Title: Endangered Species Science and Policy Analyst

Location: 1130 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20036, US

Hours and Compensation: Full time

Application Deadline: Not listed

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.

We seek talented individuals dedicated to the conservation of our nation’s wildlife and natural resources, and we offer our staff competitive salary and exceptional benefits.

Description

The endangered species science and policy analyst will work in the Washington, D.C. headquarters, helping the Endangered Species Policy Program implement its policy and field-based conservation initiatives.  The program focuses on making implementation of the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) more effective and efficient at preventing extinctions and accelerating the recovery of listed species.  This work covers nearly every aspect of the ESA, including recovery planning, listings, permitting, candidate species conservation, and state-federal partnerships and relationships.  We seek an energetic, self-starter driven by opportunities to help apply science and policy to the design and implementation of creative but practical solutions to conserve endangered species within North America.  Experience overseeing, contributing to, or implementing key components of endangered species programs in a state or federal wildlife agency, federal departments, other offices within the Executive Branch, or Congress is especially useful.

Responsibilities

• Help bring policy and science together to create and implement a multi-year work plan to accelerate the recovery of over 200 ESA-listed species that have been identified as part of Defenders’ strategic planning goal for the Endangered Species Act.  This work will include: collaborating with federal and state wildlife agencies, federal departments, other Executive Branch offices including the Office of Management and Budget and the Council on Environmental Quality, key Congressional staff members, and other environmental organizations to pursue conservation initiatives and agreements for targeted species; helping to secure federal and state funding to implement recovery actions; evaluating the biological status of species and the policy implications of wildlife agency proposals and actions; and tracking species status to ensure progress toward recovery.  Work will also include analyzing and preparing white papers on proactive and innovative ideas for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the ESA.
• Help implement campaigns to improve ESA implementation nationally.  Campaigns include designing science-based systems to identify listed species for accelerated recovery assistance, improving recovery planning, creating incentives for state wildlife agencies and private landowners to help recover species, and increasing the transparency and accountability of ESA incidental take permitting and consultations.  This work will involve the use of technological advances in information management and communication to help decision-makers better understand how conservation actions impact species.
• Track and analyze state and federal funding and spending patterns for ESA implementation.  Use results to advance Defenders’ legislative and administrative advocacy goals.
• Provide scientific and policy research and analysis to support Defenders’ field conservation projects.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree or equivalent in conservation biology, environmental science, or environmental policy.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in wildlife conservation or environmental policy.  Strong preference will be given to candidates who have worked on science and policy matters involving endangered species conservation at a state wildlife or federal natural resource agency or department.  Applicants should highlight any experience in applying scientific or policy analysis to the drafting and/or implementation of wildlife policies or regulations.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Other:
• Excellent research and writing skills.  Proven ability to quickly and accurately analyze environmental policies and communicate your assessments clearly and concisely for non-technical audiences.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.  Self-starter with a flexible nature who knows when to seek direction.
• High aptitude for solving complex environmental problems and creative thinking.  Strong attention to detail.  Demonstrated ability to follow through on tasks and meet deadlines.
• Substantial knowledge of the Endangered Species Act and related regulations and policies.  Familiarity with other federal and state natural resource and administrative procedure laws, as well as with the environmental policy development process within the Executive Branch of the federal government.
• Familiarity with the principles of conservation biology.
• High level of computer literacy.  Strong interest in using emerging software and other technology to improve implementation of endangered species conservation.

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 working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

COMMENTS:

• This position requires occasional travel.

How to Apply

Interested applicants please reference Endangered Species Science and Policy Analyst in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, along with your resume, salary history, and self-edited writing sample (up to 15 pages) to us via e-mail at: [email protected]

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, in all personnel actions.