Conservation Science Fellow

National Wildlife Federation/ NWF; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Core benefits

Hybrid or remote work

Job summary

The National Wildlife Federation seeks a Conservation Science Fellow to join the Science team, reporting to the Chief Scientist. The Fellow will synthesize and translate scientific information on One Health topics for staff, affiliates, and the public while coordinating with experts across disciplines.

This 11-month, full-time fellowship offers $20-$25 per hour plus core benefits, with hybrid or remote work options and opportunities to engage with policymakers and partners to advance wildlife

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or graduate degree in Biology/Ecology, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Natural Resource Management, Public Health, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to wildlife conservation and climate change issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice.
• Broad understanding of One Health-related sciences and interactions between nature exposure and human health.
• Ability to synthesize and communicate scientific material to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and translate credible sources of scientific information on One Health topics for staff, affiliates, and the public.
• Consult with experts across disciplines to reference multiple knowledges related to One Health.
• Communicate with and across teams to facilitate conservation strategies improving health for people and wildlife.
• Research, write, and edit reports, papers, factsheets, blogs for One Health topics.
• Support legislative priorities and materials for One Health initiatives.

Skills

Science communication

Research skills

Project coordination

Written & editing ability

Education

Bachelor's or graduate degree in Biology/Ecology or related field

Job description

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 50+ state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure people and wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

To support our mission, we are seeking a Conservation Science Fellow to join our Science team, reporting to the Chief Scientist. This team provides scientific leadership and support on wildlife conservation and policy issues, and supports the organization's commitment to using the best available science in its work on policy, advocacy, conservation, education, and communications.The Fellow will support the Federation’s initiatives in One Health and related science-based approaches to ensuring that people and wildlife can thrive together in a rapidly changing environment.

This position is part of NWF’s fellowship program. NWF Fellows must be available to work a full-time schedule. This 11-month position offers $20-$25 per hour plus core benefits.

Principal Duties (major areas of responsibility):

• Synthesize and translate credible sources of scientific information on One Health-related topics for NWF staff, affiliates, and the public.
• Consult with experts in academic research, Indigenous Knowledges, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and Community Science to reference and communicate multiple knowledges related to One Health.
• Communicate with and across teams, Directors of Conservation Partnerships, and affiliates of NWF to facilitate Federation-wide conservation strategies that improve human, wildlife, and environmental health.
• Independently and in collaboration with NWF staff, research, write, and edit reports, peer-reviewed papers, factsheets, blogs, and other publicly disseminated content on One Health and related topics.
• Facilitate One Health conservation legislative priorities and advance initiatives at the intersection of human, wildlife, and environmental health by creating science-based informational and advocacy materials.
• Participate in and support engagement with partner organizations and policymakers, including members of Congress and their staff, and assist with legislative fly-ins, workshops, outreach, and events when needed.
• Other administrative and programmatic support for the Chief Scientist as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or graduate degree or equivalent experience in Biology/Ecology, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Natural Resource Management, Public Health, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to wildlife conservation and climate change issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice.
• Broad understanding of the scope of natural, social, health, and traditional sciences related to One Health, e.g. interactions between nature exposure and human health; wildlife diseases and zoonotic spillover; health risks related to climate change; impacts of air and water pollutants on human and non-human health; and/or Traditional Ecological Knowledge of human-environment-wildlife interactions.
• Ability to synthesize and communicate scientific or technical material to a wide range of audiences. Original writing and editing samples may be requested.
• Ability and willingness to perform support tasks for a high-performing professional team.
• Strong initiative and ability to manage tasks independently.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and/or manage multiple projects at once.
• Ability to work collaboratively with peers (including remotely and in a virtual setting), and to develop positive working relationships.
• Strong work ethic and time management skills.

This position will be hybrid or fully remote. The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. In this position, the employee may work partly or fully at a physical office of the National Wildlife Federation to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process. For more information on Work Modes, please review the benefits section of our careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers

Physical Requirements of the Job:

Cognitive & Intellectual Requirements:

• Ability to understand,analyze,and apply complex information, policies, and concepts
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, problem-solve, and make decisions in situations involving ambiguity or competing priorities
• Ability to maintain focus and sustained attentionand manage multiple tasks or work-streams
• Ability to listen,interpret,and respond appropriatelyin discussions with colleagues, leadership, and external stakeholders
• Physical Requirements
• Ability to remain in a stationary positionfor extended periods of time while working at a computer or attending meetings
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, monitors, telephones, and video conferencing tools
• Ability to communicate and exchange informationin person, via telephone, and through electronic or virtual platforms
• Ability to read,review, and produce written and electronic documents, including prolonged use of computer screens
• Ability to move within an office or remote work environmentto access files, meetings, or equipment as needed
• Work is performed primarily in an office or remote environment
• Role may involve extended screen time and participation in virtual meetings

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.