Senior Wildlife Biologist

~ National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is the nation’s largest member-supported conservation organization. We are committed to reconnecting people with nature, and we inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future. ~

The NWF's mission is to "unite all Americans to ensure that wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world," and this position will provide scientific expertise in support of that mission.  Established in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has a long history of advocating on behalf of America's fish and wildlife species and the habitats on which they depend, and using science-based approaches to address current and emerging threats to these resources.

Position Overview

The NWF is seeking a senior wildlife biologist to provide organization-wide support and leadership on fish and wildlife conservation and management issues.

The senior wildlife biologist will work with national and regional staff and our state affiliates on priority fish and wildlife conservation and management issues. The successful candidate will be: broadly knowledgeable about U.S. fish and wildlife and the challenges of wildlife conservation in an era of rapid climate change; able to apply scientific expertise to the design and execution of the Federation's conservation programs; and able to provide a wildlife biology perspective for our conservation policy work.

The position is based at the NWF's National Advocacy Center in Washington, DC and supervised by the Associate Vice President for Conservation Science and Climate Adaptation.

Responsibilities

In this role you will:

• Provide support and leadership to national and regional staff and state affiliates on priority fish and wildlife management and conservation issues, assist them in crafting conservation strategies and programs to benefit target wildlife species.
• Advance our "climate-smart conservation" efforts and assist federal, state, and other partners to incorporate climate considerations into wildlife conservation efforts; serve as an instructor in trainings offered in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Conservation Training Center.
• Offer expertise and analysis of proposed policies and legislation for their wildlife implications; provide expertise on issues relating to key wildlife laws (e.g., ESA).
• Maintain and deepen strategic partnerships with key professional societies (e.g., The Wildlife Society and American Fisheries Society), and with selected federal and state wildlife and natural resource agencies. Serve as liaison with Wildlife Society and American Fisheries Society.
• Provide content review of our selected products, communications, and mailings to ensure their scientific accuracy and to maintain organizational credibility.
• Carry out communications and outreach activities, including responding to media requests, presenting at national and regional conferences, and participating in other outreach events.
• Assist in fundraising to advance conservation and scientific programs and projects.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years professional experience in conservation, fish and wildlife management, natural resource management, or related field.
• Post-graduate degree (Ph.D. preferred) in fisheries, wildlife biology, natural resource management, or related discipline.
• Broad understanding of U.S. fish and wildlife species and key wildlife management/ conservation issues; experience with fish and wildlife policy at federal or state level a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, including solid writing abilities; comfortable with public speaking.
• Ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships with individuals, organizations, and agencies whose support and cooperation is essential to success.
• Strong project management skills; ability to conceive and execute programs with clear objectives and deliverables.
• Ability to establish and cultivate relationships with institutional funders.
• Ability to be highly collaborative and work as part of a team, but also comfortable working independently.

Note: This position will require national travel.

Compensation: We offer excellent benefits, competitive compensation, and a flexible work environment.

~ The National Wildlife Federation is committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. ~