The position is responsible for advancing Defenders’ work to conserve key wildlife and their habitats on Alaska federal lands, with particular focus on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the Tongass and Chugach National Forests as part of Defenders’ inter-departmental Forests for Wildlife team.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience and expertise in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), federal conservation planning and forest policy, as well as biological and/or ecological sciences. The Alaska Representative is responsible for developing and advocating for the adoption and implementation of ecosystem-based conservation and climate adaptation strategies on the Chugach and Tongass National Forests, and other priority public lands on the Kenai Peninsula.

The position requires a high level of interpersonal communication, creativity and capacity to evaluate information needs and opportunities, as well as strong conceptual and writing and communication skills. The work is results-oriented and allows for substantial discretion in determining how to most effectively meet program objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and advocate for science-based conservation and climate adaptation strategies on the national forests and other priority lands, with an emphasis on the Chugach and Tongass National Forest planning processes.

Support the campaign to end old growth logging in the Tongass National Forest, including monitoring and responding to Forest Service proposals and working to increase media and national attention on the Tongass.

Track and respond to proposals, activities and policies that threaten habitat and wildlife on the priority public lands, with a particular focus on policy interpretations of ANILCA that have potential broad application and effect across federal conservation system areas and other public lands.

Engage in coalition-building with our traditional partners in the conservation community, relevant government land management agencies, as well as Alaska Native and rural communities.

Promote development and implementation of sound wildlife management policy on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the Kenai Peninsula through science, development and implementation of field-based projects, input on proposed policies, media development, and coalition-building with relevant state and federal government land and wildlife management agencies, Alaska Native and rural communities and conservation communities.

Represent Defenders in public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, and elsewhere.

Work with Defenders’ Communications and Marketing teams in drafting articles, blog posts, commentary, and opinion-editorials.

Assist the Alaska Director with fundraising and grant writing to support the Alaska Program.

Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: A graduate degree in conservation science, policy or a related discipline in the conservation of natural resources.

Experience: 4-5 years of experience with federal land use management and policy, conservation biology and wildlife conservation policy. Experience in fundraising and grant writing desired.

An equivalent combination of demonstrated education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Other:

Demonstrated ability to work independently to analyze and evaluate policy documents and proposals providing timely written recommendations to senior staff and partner agencies.

Proven ability to promote relevant scientific research and to communicate the science supporting the policy to both professional and lay audiences.

Familiarity with ANILCA, national forest and wildlife refuge management and/or planning, and the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) processes.

Experience coordinating and managing complex projects over time and on deadline.

Strong research, writing, organizational, and verbal communications skills.

Demonstrated ability to work well with others on a team whether it is leading the team or being an effective and responsive member of the 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.

ENVIRONMENT:

General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants please reference Alaska Representative in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, along with your resume, cover letter, and salary history 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.

Defenders of Wildlife is a national, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. Our employees work in an environment that is inclusive and honors each of our unique perspectives and backgrounds. We believe that the conservation of biological diversity is best advanced by the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and cultures.  We strive toward a collective goal of including all people in the conservation of our Nation’s wildlife and wild places.

COMMENTS:

This position requires occasional domestic travel.