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The Arctic Lands Conservation Specialist is responsible for supporting and advancing the day-to-day operations of The Wilderness Society’s Arctic Lands program, which includes coordinating with our organization’s policy, ecology and communications experts and National Energy Team. The Specialist will work closely with the Alaska Regional Director to help develop, refine and implement collaborative landscape-level conservation strategies that are grounded in sound science and pragmatic policy. This position plays a key role in Arctic on-shore program efforts while also coordinating The Wilderness Society’s interdependent Alaska team. The Specialist will work to implement key lands portions of our comprehensive campaign plan and work with conservation partners to develop and implement successful comprehensive conservation strategies.
Success will be measured by the ability to navigate and move forward offensive and defensive legislative efforts, advance administrative goals, and collaborate with other conservation organizations, Arctic residents and/or communities, tribes, other partners such as veterans and hunters, and with the Administration and members of Congress.
A successful candidate will have experience and proficiency with the issues and politics involved in Alaska’s Arctic, and have a demonstrated ability to navigate the diverse worlds of Arctic Alaska and Washington D.C.
This position is located in our Anchorage, AK office.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
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Implement key land portions of The Wilderness Society’s Arctic lands campaign plan to ensure enduring and meaningful protection for the Arctic’s most important wild lands and resources.
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In close coordination with the Alaska team, help develop strategies for overcoming the political barriers to achieving our Arctic vision.
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Bridge and coordinate Arctic lands energy work with The Wilderness Society’s national Energy Campaign priorities.
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Further define policies, programs and projects that result in improved management and administrative and legislative protections for priority lands and waters identified in our Arctic campaign plan.
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Build and maintain relationships that positively influence the agencies involved -- primarily the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management.
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Work to cultivate champions from diverse backgrounds (e.g., Alaska Natives, veterans, Congress, etc.) at the local, regional and federal level who support ecosystem protection in the Arctic.
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Work effectively with diverse partners in Arctic communities as well as with conservation and other coalition partners, and provide leadership for coalition efforts.
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Educate the public and press regarding the importance of protecting valuable Arctic lands and the need for a balanced approach to conservation and energy development in the Arctic.
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Integrate critical scientific information regarding climate change, important wildlife habitat, socioeconomic trends and energy development in the Arctic in advocacy work.
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Coordinate with our Policy, Research and Communications staff to develop products and communications plans.
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Prepare written and visual materials, such as policy papers, fact sheets, news releases, and action alerts that demonstrate the importance of wildland, wildlife habitat and subsistence resource protection.
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Represent The Wilderness Society professionally in meetings, on speaking panels, and in other public settings that involve diverse and often opposing interests.
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Assist with grant proposal writing and other fundraising efforts as needed.
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Other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Experience, Competencies, and Education
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Master’s degree in natural resource management or policy with one or more years of professional experience preferably in Alaska in a related field; OR Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five years relevant work experience.
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Professional experience working on public land issues, including federal land management planning processes.
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Extensive experience in developing and leading comprehensive conservation campaigns.
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Demonstrated ability to manage complex processes involving a wide range of interests including local citizens and stakeholders, conservation organizations, Tribes, federal, state, and/or local agencies.
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Highly successful track record communicating with and organizing diverse interests in an effective manner.
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Must be enthusiastic, highly motivated, a self-starter, and able to effectively manage multiple demands and deadlines.
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Must have a broad view of Alaska conservation issues and have demonstrated the ability to think and act strategically to achieve conservation goals.
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Must be able to lead projects and work effectively in a team environment.
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Demonstration of strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
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Knowledge of Arctic land management issues and policies.
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Excellent analytical and communication skills, ability to write and speak concisely and persuasively, and competent in typing and personal computer skills.
Desired Characteristics
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Strong commitment to The Wilderness Society’s mission and to the protection of America’s Arctic wildlands.
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Must be a leader – capable of operating effectively with a multitude of audiences and committed to supporting others in accomplishing our conservation goals.
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Excellent strategic instincts and long-term vision.
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Integrity, trustworthiness, tact, and discretion.
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Ability to manage a complex array of personnel, programmatic, and organizational demands.
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Ability to work effectively with Alaska Native communities as well as other diverse interests and backgrounds in order to lead and build coalitions
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Ability to travel and spend time in Anchorage, Washington D.C. and rural Alaska.
The Wilderness Society offers a very competitive salary and benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; sick and vacation leave; and a pension plan. TWS is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees and constituents regardless of culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, veteran status or sexual orientation.
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