Conservation Planning Associate

Position Description

The Conservation Planning Associate provides technical and policy support for Defenders of Wildlife’s programs as part of the Land Conservation department. The focus of this position will be to improve planning tools for wildlife adaptation to climate change, and to help refine and implement the state wildlife action plans. Responsibilities include collecting, maintaining, and interpreting GIS information to support and enhance state-level conservation plans. This position also supports the integration of conservation plans with land-use planning, and works to ensure federal agency planning and management activities are better coordinated with conservation plans. The Conservation Planning Associate will review and synthesize scientific and policy research, organize conferences, workshops and meetings, prepare reports, and represent Defenders of Wildlife in a variety of forums at both technical and policy levels including local, state, and federal conservation programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with partners in key states to update and implement state wildlife action plans with special attention to priority habitats, actions, climate change adaptation, and policy connections; produce issue papers and reports on various aspects of conservation plans and their implementation
• Conduct GIS analysis to identify priority habitats found on lands that are important to the implementation of conservation plans
• Work with federal agencies to integrate state conservation plans and climate change adaptation strategies into their planning and management decisions
• Develop and promote connections between conservation plans and local and regional land-use plans
• Examine the funding sources for wildlife conservation and build links to their use in the implementation of conservation plans
• Represent Defenders and promote the ideas associated with land conservation for wildlife in a variety of forums, primarily at the national and state level
• Assist in developing products and delivery of services related to Defenders’ land conservation programs, including maps, publications, multi-media presentations, and workshops
• Assist in writing grants and soliciting support for Defenders’ conservation programs and related projects, including but not limited to grants, contracts, in-kind assistance, and political support
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in conservation biology, ecology, environmental policy, and/or other related discipline, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary coursework and integrative subject matter. Advanced degree preferred.  
• Experience:
  • 3+ years of experience (which may include graduate study) in working with natural resources issues and programs in the public and/or private sector.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Other:
  • Thorough understanding of the principles of conservation biology
  • Technical expertise in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources management
  • Working knowledge of computer technology, various Internet applications, and geographic information systems (ArcGIS)
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse interests on complex natural resources issues
  • Self-starter with a flexible nature and the ability to seek direction when needed
• 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.

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 reference Conservation Planning Associate in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, along with your resume and salary history (must be included to be considered) to us via e-mail at: HR@defenders.org

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.