DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE JOB TITLE: Conservation Planning Associate (term) DIVISION/SITE: Headquarters, Washington, DC or Portland, OR DEPARTMENT: Conservation Policy REPORTS TO: Director, Conservation Planning BASIC SUMMARY:
With limited resources and time, conserving biodiversity requires a strategic approach. The conservation planning program brings together the tools, information, and expertise needed to make biodiversity conservation more effective. We help Defenders and its government, private, and non-profit partners make more strategic decisions about where and how to target their efforts for the maximum positive impact. The result is a better use of conservation dollars and improved outcomes for wildlife and their natural habitats. The Conservation Planning Associate works with Defenders staff, state and federal agencies, land trusts and other non-governmental organizations to develop and promote more strategic approaches to species and habitat conservation. The focus of this two-year term position will be to improve planning tools that in turn produce better on-the-ground results for wildlife conservation. The Conservation Planning Associate will review and synthesize scientific and policy research, facilitate conservation planning efforts, organize conferences, workshops and meetings, prepare reports, and represent Defenders of Wildlife in a variety of forums at both technical and policy levels. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: *Facilitate conservation planning exercises, including those designed to identify and prioritize climate change adaptation strategies for wildlife; *Compile spatial data and conduct GIS analysis to help identify spatially explicit conservation priorities; *Collect, synthesize, and communicate scientific information on climate change and other stressors, their effects on species, habitats, and ecological systems, and approaches to climate change adaptation; *Work with partners at federal, state, and local levels to update and implement conservation plans with special attention to priority habitats, landscapes and endangered species conservation actions, and climate change adaptation; *Represent Defenders and promote the ideas associated with land conservation for wildlife in a variety of forums; *Assist in developing products and delivery of services related to Defenders' conservation programs, including maps, publications, multi-media presentations, and workshops; *Assist in writing grants and soliciting support for Defenders' conservation programs and related projects, including but not limited to grants, contracts, in-kind assistance, and political support; *Perform all other related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: *Education: Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in conservation biology, ecology, environmental policy, and/or other related discipline, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary coursework and integrative subject matter. Advanced degree preferred. *Experience: 3+ years of experience (which may include graduate study) in working with natural resources issues and programs in the public and/or private sector. *An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above. Other: *Experience facilitating workshops and group planning exercises; *Thorough understanding of the principles of conservation biology, including expertise in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources management, and climate change adaptation; *Strong working knowledge of geographic information systems (ArcGIS), including familiarity with spatial analyst geoprocessing tools; *Excellent writing and verbal communications skills with an ability to communicate effectively to a broad range of audiences; *Demonstrated ability to work with diverse interests on complex natural resources issues; *Self-starter with a flexible nature and the ability to seek direction when needed; *Creative problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills. 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. WORK ENVIRONMENT: *General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. COMMENTS: *This position requires occasional travel. For information on how to apply visit http://www.defenders.org/about_us/jobs/conservation_planning_associate.php Please indicate that you saw this announcement on ECOLOG
