DC - Policy Analyst, Climate Adaptation - Defenders of Wildlife

[Carmela French]

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:   Policy Analyst, Climate Adaptation	GRADE:           25 SALARY: 51,000-66,000 FLSA:  Exempt
DIVISION/SITE:  Headquarters, Washington DC DEPARTMENT:  Landscape Conservation REPORTS TO:  Senior Policy Analyst, Climate Change Adaptation
LAST REVISED:  November 2019

Basic Summary:

This professional-level position will contribute to Defenders of Wildlife’s strategic goal of ensuring effective climate change policies and practices to conserve wildlife, with a focus on animals and plants listed under the Endangered Species Act, key species and focal landscapes. The incumbent will engage with federal departments and agencies to advance wildlife adaptation science and strategies in national forests plans, national wildlife refuge comprehensive conservation plans, resource management plans, and other public planning processes for projects with major habitat impacts. The Policy Analyst for Climate Change Adaptation will also collaborate with Defenders’ Field Conservation offices to develop and implement state, tribal, and regional strategies for habitat conservation and connectivity that are critical to climate adaptation, and integrate efforts with Defenders’ other policy program priorities led by our Government Relations, Conservation Law, Communications and other departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engage in public land and natural resources management and similar conservation planning processes (e.g., reviewing policies and plans, drafting comments, meeting with stakeholders, etc.) to ensure that federal departments and agencies address climate change impacts and adaptation for wildlife.
• Advocate to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service to ensure that the threat of climate change is weighed appropriately in listing, management and recovery planning for endangered and threatened species.
• Identify and promote the best available scientific information on climate change and wildlife adaptation to federal, state, tribal and local governments to incorporate that information in climate adaptation planning, policies and strategies. Coordinate with Defenders’ Center for Conservation Innovation to develop spatially explicit, climate-informed conservation recommendations.

• Analyze and draft technical comments in response to proposed regulatory changes, administrative policy proposals and project-level actions affecting wildlife and habitat climate change adaptation.
• Analyze proposed legislation, and work with Defenders’ Government Relations staff and partners to educate Congressional offices on climate change adaptation for wildlife and habitats. Assist in identifying legislative champions and coordinating messaging and outreach to federal legislators and their staff to advance a progressive climate and conservation agenda for wildlife.
• Closely coordinate engagement on climate adaptation and wildlife conservation issues with relevant Field Conservation offices and other key staff.
• Research, write, and/or edit materials on climate change and wildlife, educate and mobilize Defenders’ members and activists, and communicate to diverse audiences Defenders’ position on proposed policy and legislative initiatives, including but not limited to reports, website content, blogs, factsheets, testimony and other publications.
• Represent Defenders in public meetings, hearings, news media, conferences, coalitions, and in general communications with public officials, legislators, the media, Defenders’ membership, donors, and the public to further Defenders’ departmental and organizational objectives.
• Work with Development staff to raise operating funds for Defenders’ Landscape Conservation department.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications:

Education:

Advanced degree (Masters Degree or higher) in ecology, climate science, environmental/public policy, natural resources, conservation biology, or related discipline, with experience in successful advocacy for natural resources protection.

Experience:

Four or more years of progressively responsible experience (which may include graduate study) in at least one of the following areas: researching climate science or climate policy, especially with an emphasis on wildlife, ecosystems or adaptation; developing, advocating for and/or implementing federal, state and/or privately administered programs to conserve biodiversity; reviewing and analyzing environmental law and regulations; engaging in land management planning and/or federal permitting processes; or organizing campaigns for non-profit organizations. Experience in working with federal or state land or wildlife management agencies, and knowledge of the laws and regulations affecting federal land management and wildlife management is preferred for this position.

·         An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Skills:

• Interdisciplinary skills and practical experience in translating cutting-edge science into programmatic initiatives to conserve species and ecosystems. 
• 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 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.
• Working knowledge of Geographic Information System data, application and analysis helpful.

 

Work Expectations:

Work Environment:

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

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.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants please apply with a letter of interest through our indeed jobs portal at http://www.defenders.org/jobs

 

 

About Defenders:

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.

 

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law, in all personnel actions.