Job Description

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist

SALARY: $77,000 $85,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Land and Habitat Conservation

LOCATION: HQ, Washington, DC; Denver, CO or Remote

REPORTS TO: Director, Energy and Biodiversity Program

NUMBER OF REPORTS: 0

LAST REVISED: March 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

This professional-level position is responsible for helping to develop and implement strategies to ensure that energy projects of all types are developed and sited in ways to avoid unnecessary adverse impacts to imperiled wildlife and habitats. The Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist is responsible for advancing Defenders conservation mission, strategic plan, and conservation priorities. This position collaborates closely with other departments including Government Relations, Biodiversity Law Center, Center for Conservation Innovation, Species Conservation and Coexistence, and Communications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Energy and Biodiversity team and other staff to develop goals and objectives for advancing Defenders energy and biodiversity work.
• Collaborate with policy experts, attorneys, scientists, lobbyists, communications specialists, and field advocates to oppose efforts to weaken federal environmental statutes related to fossil fuel development on federal lands and waters.
• Develop Defenders positions on legislative and administrative proposals concerning energy project siting and development.
• Facilitate internal coordination of energy initiatives and interdisciplinary approaches to achieve organizational goals.
• Represent wildlife interests in private sector efforts related to energy siting.
• Act as Defenders representative on national energy and biodiversity issues in meetings with officials, public hearings, press events, conferences, coalitions, and communication with the public, legislators, media, members, donors, and the community.
• Research, write, and supervise the development of policy papers, reports, blogs, action alerts, and other advocacy products, coordinating with relevant departments.
• Some travel is required for this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Experience: 2 years of relevant experience; equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Refer to for all qualifications.

• Strategic Thinking: Formulates effective strategies aligned with organizational goals, considering long-term impacts.
• Partnering: Builds networks and alliances across boundaries to achieve shared objectives.
• Change Management: Applies principles and strategies for effective change implementation.
• Problem Solving: Identifies issues, evaluates information, and recommends solutions.
• Ecology: Knowledge of organism-environment relationships and human impacts on natural systems.
• Legal and Government: Understanding of laws, regulations, legal practices, and government processes.
• Public Planning: Knowledge of community and natural resource planning, environmental impact analysis, and land use planning.
• Leveraging Representation: Fosters an inclusive workplace leveraging diversity to meet organizational goals.
• Communication: Effective oral and written communication tailored to the audience.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities: Check applicable; frequent activities include moving, communicating, adjusting objects, etc. Refer to original for detailed options.

Environmental Conditions: Check applicable; conditions include outdoor elements, noise, hazards, etc. Refer to original for details.

Physical Demands: Choose one; options include sedentary, light, medium, or heavy work. Refer to original for specifics.

Visit to apply. All employees must perform essential duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities. Defenders of Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer and a union-eligible position represented by OPEIU Local 2.

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