Conservation Planning Associate

Location: Washington, D.C.
Supervisor: Director of Conservation Planning

Position Description

This is a regular, full-time position in the National Headquarters office, providing technical and policy support for Defenders' programs as part of the Land Conservation Department. This position focuses on the refinement and implementation of state wildlife and biodiversity plans. Responsibilities include collecting, maintaining, and interpreting information on 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 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

  • Technical analysis of conservation plans. Produce issue papers and reports on various aspects of conservation plans and their implementation.
  • Develop and promote connections between conservation plans and local and regional land use plans.
  • Conduct analysis of habitats found on lands that are important to the implementation of conservation plans.
  • Work with federal agencies to integrate state conservation plans into their planning and management decisions.
  • Work with partners in key states to implement state wildlife action plans with special attention to priority habitats, actions and policy connections.
  • 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 grant writing and solicitation of 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: Advanced degree(s) in conservation biology, ecology, environmental policy, and/or other relevant field, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary coursework and integrative subject matter.

Experience: 1+ year experience in working with natural resource issues and programs in the public 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 resource management.
  • Working knowledge of computers, internet applications and geographic information systems.
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse interests on complex natural resource issues.
  • Willingness and ability to travel in connection with work.
  • Self-starter with ability to seek direction when needed.
  • A flexible nature and good sense of humor.

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.