Representative, Rockies and Plains Program

~ Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. ~

Founded in 1947, Defenders of Wildlife is a major national conservation organization focused solely on wildlife and habitat conservation and the safeguarding of biodiversity. We believe in the inherent value of wildlife and the natural world, and this singular focus defines our important niche in the environmental and conservation community and serves as the anchor for our organizational values.

Position Overview

This professional-level position is responsible for developing, overseeing and implementing strategic plan objectives and strategies for the Rockies and Plains Program, with a focus in the Southern Rockies on riparian and stream habitat; species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA); priority species, including native fish and amphibians; and sustainable public lands management. Conservation priorities include:

• Restoring, protecting, and enhancing habitats for riparian/stream-dependent ESA and Defenders' priority species on public, tribal and private lands;
• Restoring and increasing populations of native imperiled fish and riparian/stream-dependent ESA and key species;
• Maintaining and improving the conservation and management of public lands in the Southern Rockies and Great Plains including through riparian/stream protections and buffers, road removal/management, livestock grazing management and habitat connectivity; and
• Conserving species listed under the ESA and Defenders' priority species. The Southern Rockies Representative works with other staff members in the Rockies and Plains Program and throughout Defenders in implementing the overall mission and goals of Defenders, and may be responsible for additional imperiled wildlife-related conservation and other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Work with private landowners, tribes and federal and state managers on the conservation and restoration of priority species and habitats including riparian and stream habitat and associated ESA species and imperiled native fish and amphibians.
• Influence federal, state, and local wildlife policies and land management for species listed under the ESA and priority species and their habitats through administrative, legislative, judicial, and other forums, using a range of strategies including:

1. Seeking policy and programmatic changes by relevant state and federal agencies, with a particular focus on National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands;
2. Recommending litigation where appropriate and providing technical support for such litigation; and
3. Recommending and facilitating species restoration and reintroduction projects as appropriate.

• Direct and grassroots lobbying of the U.S. Congress and appropriate legislatures;
• Establish effective relationships with other relevant stakeholders, including partnerships as appropriate;
• Represent Defenders and Defenders' interests to the public, the media, and key decision-makers;
• Represent Defenders in selected working groups, committees, and processes;
• Work with landowners on target imperiled species and habitats on species recovery, promoting human-wildlife coexistence and tolerance for imperiled wildlife on the landscape;
• Inform the public and members on key issues through mailings, e-mail alerts, social media, dissemination of educational materials, and Defenders magazine;
• Work with Defenders' National Headquarters staff to provide information to members, foundations, and other donors, and help identify and develop potential sources of funding to support work activities and Defenders' priorities;
• Assist in developing a network of experts and grassroots activists to assist Defenders in accomplishing its objectives;
• Identify key information relating to policy, strategy, and decision-making, and communicate it as appropriate and in a timely manner to the immediate supervisor and other relevant staff members;
• Supervise support staff, volunteers, and contractors as necessary; and
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in resource management, policy, education, law, or other related discipline; advanced degree preferred.

Experience: 

• 5+ years of experience working toward wildlife, resource, or related conservation, and demonstrated knowledge of natural resources issues and policy;
• Experience in aquatic biology or aquatic species and habitat conservation preferred; and
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Other:

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills;
• Ability to work independently to initiate project ideas as well as to manage them through to completion; and
• Ability to work constructively as a member of a team.

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; and
• Ability to walk in natural areas including mountainous.

Work Environment:

• General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet;
• Occasional field working conditions involving walking in mountainous terrain; and
• Some domestic travel is required.

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. 

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your letter of interest, along with your resume and salary history and reference Representative, Rockies and Plains Program position in your subject line.

~ 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. ~