Endangered Species Policy Analyst, Defenders of Wildlife – Washington, DC

Organization: Defenders of Wildlife

Position Title: Endangered Species Science and Policy Analyst

Location: Washington, DC

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Description: he 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.
• 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.
• 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 level of computer literacy.  Strong interest in using emerging software and other technology to improve implementation of endangered species conservation.

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]