DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Policy Analyst, Private Lands

CLASSIFICATION: Professional 3

SALARY: $70,000 - $78,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Landscape Conservation

LOCATION: Washington, DC

REPORTS TO: Senior Policy Analyst, Private Lands

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0

LAST REVISED: September 2022

POSITION SUMMARY

This professional-level position contributes to Defenders of Wildlife’s strategic goal of conserving and restoring biodiversity through securing new wildlife conservation initiatives, policies, and laws. The Policy Analyst helps develop and advocate for national policies, secure adequate funding, and expand conservation partnerships in support of wildlife conservation on private lands. The Policy Analyst collaborates with Defenders’ Field Conservation, Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI), Government Relations, Conservation Law, Communications, and Development Departments to conduct policy research and analysis and develop information, partnerships, and programs to further science-based wildlife conservation on private land nationwide.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research and analyze federal and selected state law, regulations, and policies, administrative initiatives, draft regulations, and federal projects related to wildlife conservation on private lands.

• Prepare summaries, factsheets, technical comments, testimony, and other materials explaining policies and proposals and Defenders’ position on them.

• In coordination with Government Relations staff, help educate congressional offices on private lands conservation policy issues. Assist in identifying legislative champions and coordinating messaging and outreach to congressional offices to advance a progressive conservation agenda.

• Cultivate, maintain, and grow positive working relationships with congressional staff, federal agency officials, state governments, landowner organizations, land trusts, and other partners to achieve shared conservation goals.

• Attend local, regional, or national meetings related to private lands and state wildlife conservation policy.

• Research, write, and/or edit Defenders’ reports, webpages, blogs, social media, and other publications.

• Represent Defenders in public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, coalitions, and in general communication with public officials, legislators, the media, Defenders’ membership, the donor community, and the general public to further Defenders’ objectives.

• Work with Development staff to raise operating funds for Defenders’ Landscape Conservation department.

• Travel - requires some domestic travel.

• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

  QUALIFICATIONS

  Education: Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent

  Experience: 4 years of relevant experience

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

  Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

  https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

  Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Professional 3

  Administrative

• Ability to accurately maintain electronic and physical records

• Anticipate and meet the needs of internal and/or external stakeholders delivering excellent service

  Communication

• Ability to clearly and accurately communicate with internal and external stakeholders

• Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately and concisely

• Ability to convey effective messages to broad and diverse constituencies

• Ability and willingness to effectively represent Defenders’ interests in external environments

• Ability to exert influence and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders

  Critical Thinking

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion

• Strong research and data analysis skills, including ability to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to produce high quality work products in a consistent, efficient, accurate, and timely manner

• Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with willingness to experiment and innovate new methods.

• Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders’ work

• Ability to independently exercise appropriate judgment in response to complex and/or fluid environments

• Strategic thinker with the ability to take high-level strategy and translate into relatable points and action steps.

  Project Management

• Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines while balancing competing assignments

• Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests

• Ability to take ownership of a project or process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues

• Ability to manage deadlines on multiple cross-functional projects in a dynamic environment

• Demonstrated ability in managing competing interests on complex issues

• Ability to independently initiate project and initiative ideas; managing projects and initiatives through to completion

  Coalition and Community Engagement

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships with diverse constituencies including federal/state agencies; elected officials and their staff; Defenders’ members and donors; private landowners; hunters and anglers; community leaders; religious, scientific, and academic communities; and /or the general public.

• Ability to lead diverse stakeholders in collaborative activities, to anticipate policy issues impacting wildlife and make recommendations within Defenders, other organizations, and coalitions.

• Networking skills to engage with leaders in the conservation community, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and other organizations.

  Conservation Knowledge

• Expert-level knowledge of Defenders’ legal, scientific, and/or political issues

• Expert-level knowledge of national and regional social, political, and ecological landscapes

  Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Policy Analyst, Private Lands

• Government - Knowledge of laws, Government regulations, Executive orders, agency rules, Government organization and functions, and the democratic political process.

• Wildlife Biology - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of wildlife, including habitat requirements, and conservation.

  PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  Physical Activities

  Check all that apply

  Frequency

  (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

  Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

  N

  Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

  N

  Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

  C

  Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

  O

  Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.

  O

  Communicating with others to exchange information.

  O

  Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

  C

  Operating machinery and/or power tools.

  N

  Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

  O

  Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

  C

  Environmental Conditions

  Check all that apply

  Frequency

  (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

  Low temperatures.

  High temperatures.

  Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

  Noisy environments.

  Hazardous conditions.

  Poor ventilation.

  Small and/or enclosed spaces.

  No adverse environmental conditions expected.

  C

  Physical Demands

  Check only one

  Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

  X

  Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

  Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

  Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

  Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

  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.

  Defenders of Wildlife requires employees who engage in in-person work activities, including business travel or onsite work, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An applicant (i) who is disabled or pregnant or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with applicable law. Any medical information concerning an applicant's disability will be treated as a confidential medical record in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

  Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.

  Please be advised this position is union-eligible.