Position Website and Application Information
Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF or Federation) is America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state and territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The Federation's mission is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.
We are seeking a Conservation Science Associate to serve as an integral part of the National Wildlife Federation’s Science Team. This position is based at NWF’s National Advocacy Center in Washington, DC (due to COVID-19 all NWF employees are working remotely until further notice). The NWF Science Team provides scientific leadership and support to the organization on wildlife conservation and climate adaptation issues, and supports the organization’s commitment to using the best available science in its work on policy, advocacy, conservation, education, communications, and philanthropy. This position reports to the Senior Wildlife Biologist and supports NWF’s Chief Scientist.
In this role you will:
- Serve as coordinator for NWF’s internal science review process and regularly review public-facing materials to ensure scientific accuracy and credibility, including issue-based reports, email action alerts, social media posts, blogs, and philanthropy materials.
- Provide support for implementing funded projects, including assisting with project coordination and logistics, conducting research, and translating findings into written materials and other project deliverables.
- Examples of current projects include work to: facilitate and promote landscape-scale planning and conservation among state wildlife agencies; promote more creativity and innovation in the practice of climate adaptation; integrate nature-based solutions into community adaptation planning processes; and assess the ecological integrity and habitat connectivity of riparian corridor networks in the Southwest.
- Support the application and evolution of climate adaptation planning approaches, including NWF’s Climate-Smart Conservation framework, through trainings and other engagement with federal agencies and other partners.
- Promote wildlife conservation legislative priorities and advance the conservation of at-risk species by creating science-based advocacy materials.
- Research, write, and edit reports, factsheets, blogs, and other web content on wildlife conservation, climate adaptation, and related topics.
- Support staff engagement with policymakers, including members of Congress and their staff, and help with legislative fly-ins, outreach, and events.
- Administrative and other duties as assigned, including scheduling and recording minutes for internal and external meetings.
Qualifications we’re looking for include:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or related field, with a focus on wildlife biology, conservation biology, botany, or ecological sciences.
- Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to wildlife conservation and climate change issues.
- Broad knowledge of U.S. natural history, including life history and identification of North American wildlife and habitats.
- Basic understanding of natural resource policy, including U.S. Endangered Species Act and other key legislation governing wildlife management and environmental conservation.
- Ability to communicate scientific or technical material to a wide range of audiences. Original writing and editing samples will be requested.
- Ability and willingness to perform administrative support tasks for a high-performing professional team.
- Strong work ethic and time-management skills, and ability to work collaboratively with peers (including remotely and in a virtual setting), and to develop positive working relationships.
- Working knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) a plus.
NWF Values:
Your actions are expected to reflect the staff values of the National Wildlife Federation: collaboration, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, and mission focus. Your competencies should include:
- Being motivated by values of equity and responsibility to those most marginalized;
- Consistently bringing a high level of empathy and social skills to work and interpersonal interactions;
- Being committed to deepening an environmental justice approach in policy priorities, program development and partner engagement;
- Actively seeks feedback, direction, and guidance from all team members and keeps staff informed of decisions that impact them;
- Being dedicated to advancing NWF’s internal equity transformation and compelling partners and allies to incorporate equity into their work; and
- Passion for and commitment to NWF's mission
COVID Consideration:
The National Wildlife Federation closely follows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease and has implemented processes that promote the safety of our employees, candidates, and communities. Because the health of our employees and candidates is a top priority, we conduct our hiring process virtually via phone or video until further notice. We are currently starting our positions as remote, but will transition to onsite work when our offices re-open, expected to be in early 2022. Proof of vaccination will be required to join the National Wildlife Federation.
Compensation and Benefits:
This position pays $48,000 – $55,000 (commensurate with experience and skill set).