Endangered Species Policy Associate

Position Description

The endangered species policy associate works in the Washington, D.C. headquarters office, providing policy and science support for the Defenders of Wildlife’s Endangered Species Policy program. The main goal of this program is to make U.S. endangered species policy more effective and efficient at preserving and restoring species diversity. To that end, the position will focus on helping to analyze and develop proposals to improve the Endangered Species Act, as well as defend it against legislative attacks. Duties will include analyzing and drafting documents on proposed legislative and administrative changes to the Endangered Species Act; helping to develop novel regulatory and science-based policy improvements to strengthen the act; and educating policymakers, the public, and the media about these improvements.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze proposed legislation addressing the Endangered Species Act and prepare summaries, factsheets, and other materials explaining the proposals and Defenders’ views of them.
• Analyze proposed administrative changes to the implementation of the Endangered Species Act, develop recommended positions for Defenders on these proposals, and prepare comments, factsheets, and other materials explaining the positions.
• In coordination with other Defenders staff, assist in the development of regulatory proposals for maintaining and strengthening the Endangered Species Act. Develop written materials explaining the proposals to policymakers, the public, the media, and other conservation organizations.
• Use the latest scientific developments to make endangered species policy more effective and efficient.
• Working with Defenders’ Government Relations staff, help educate Members of Congress and congressional staff on the Endangered Species Act and proposals for maintaining and strengthening it.
• Working with Defenders’ Communications and Outreach staff, develop materials to help educate Defenders’ members and supporters on Endangered Species Act issues and the importance of protecting biological diversity.
• Assisting in coordinating and cultivating a group of similarly-minded conservation organizations working to maintain and strengthen the Endangered Species Act, by developing and providing regular updates and other information and convening meetings of the group.
• Compile and analyze data for Defenders reports and studies on the Endangered Species Act. Draft technical reports, fact sheets, internet content, and other outreach materials.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned. .

Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree or equivalent in conservation biology, environmental policy and law, or related discipline.
• Experience:
  • 1+ years of experience in wildlife conservation, environmental law, public policy, or a related field. Strong preference will be given to candidates with working knowledge of and experience with the Endangered Species Act.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Other:
  • Substantial knowledge of the Endangered Species Act and related regulations and policies. Familiarity with other federal and state natural resource laws.
  • Understanding of the principles of conservation biology.
  • Excellent research and writing skills with a proven ability to quickly and accurately analyze legislative and administrative proposals and critique them in a way that is readily understood by others. Must be able to write clearly and concisely for non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to develop policy proposals and communicate them clearly in writing and in person.
  • Strong ability to think independently, pragmatically, and creatively. Strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team. Self-starter with a flexible nature and the ability to seek direction when needed.
  • High level of computer literacy with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and web applications. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel a must.
• 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 Endangered Species Policy 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.