Fish and Wildlife Program Leader

Tennessee Wildlife Federation

Richland (TN)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 125,000

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

Get a reply from this employer — a resume and cover letter tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

HSAs

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Life Insurance

AD&D

Critical Illness insurance

Accident insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) match

Paid holidays

PTO

Fridays off in July and mid-August

Job summary

Tennessee Wildlife Federation, based in Nashville, seeks a Fish and Wildlife Program Leader to guide the Institute for Conservation's policy work. You will lead research, develop policy-backed solutions, and engage with federal, state, and local leaders to advance wildlife habitats and governance.

This role emphasizes policy development, scientific knowledge, and collaboration across experts, with travel and representation at conferences as part of advancing conservation impact.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Biology or related field; 7+ years of professional experience (advanced degrees may substitute).
Strong working knowledge of fish and wildlife science and management, ecology and biology.
Ability to use ArcGIS and other computer mapping systems.
Understanding of fish and wildlife policy and laws at federal and state levels; regulatory programs familiarity.
Proficiency across Microsoft Office 365 and Google Suite.

Responsibilities

Research with Federation Institute staff and external experts to identify relevant fish and wildlife information.
Advise the DOCP and CEO on fish and wildlife management matters.
Develop innovative solutions to fish and wildlife quality, quantity and habitat problems.
Recruit and collaborate with Institute Fellows across research areas.
Produce research products and white papers for publication.
Collaborate with Director of Policy and CEO to convert issues into policy approaches for statewide impact.
Engage with local, state, and federal leaders on critical wildlife issues.
Represent the Federation at events and conferences related to wildlife policy.
Attend meetings to represent TWF and the Institute on initiatives; travel as directed.

Skills

Project management

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Independent and collaborative work

Problem solving

Public speaking

Education

Master’s degree in Biology or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office 365

Google Suite

Job description

Founded in 1946 and based in Nashville, Tennessee Wildlife Federation is one of the state’s oldest and most influential conservation organizations. For 80 years, we’ve worked to protect Tennessee’s wildlife, promote responsible stewardship of natural resources, and ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors. As a trusted voice for sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation advocates, we lead conservation efforts that make a real difference—and we’re looking for passionate people to help us continue that impact.

The Fish and Wildlife Program Leader position is located within the Federation’s newly created Institute for Conservation. The purpose of the Institute is to proactively develop and implement public policy that leverages public resources and private markets to achieve results at scale to improve Tennessee’s lands, waters, and wildlife. The Fish and Wildlife Program Leader will lead the day-to-day efforts of the Federation’s Institute in research, development, and the implementation of public policy related to Tennessee fish and wildlife and their habitats.

The Fish and Wildlife Program Leader will be the primary lead for all aspects of the work the Federation’s Institute engages in the area of fish and wildlife policy, including wildlife biology and management, habitat management, agriculture, hunting, angling, and other wildlife uses, etc. This work will primarily encompass leveraging existing research and coordinating with external experts in order to develop innovative solutions to Tennessee’s most significant fish and wildlife issues.

Job Responsibilities

Research

Work with Federation Institute research staff to identify relevant research and information on those areas of fish and wildlife, their habitats, their management, hunting, angling, and other areas of interest or concern.
Advise the DOCP and CEO on matters related to fish and wildlife management
Work directly with Institute staff and external experts to develop innovative and effective solutions to fish and wildlife quality, quantity, and habitat problems.
Help to recruit and collaborate with Institute Fellows in all areas of fish and wildlife research and conservation.
Produce research products, including research reports and white papers, for publication through the Federation’s channels.

Development of Solutions

Work directly with the Director of Policy and CEO to create solutions to fish and wildlife issues and problems that can be developed into public policy approaches to achieve success at scale across Tennessee.
Engage with local, state, and federal leaders on issues of importance to fish and wildlife, their quantity, and habitat.
Engage with Institute Fellows in the development of solutions

Implementation and Advocacy

Work with Federation colleagues to inform and communicate to Federation supporters and advocates our water program work and successes.
Research, write, and produce communications to move solutions forward. This will include working closely with Federation communications staff, as well as outside experts serving as Institute Fellows.
Represent the Federation at events, including speaking at relevant conferences, that are relevant to fish and wildlife management and fish and wildlife public policy

Other Duties

Attend meetings to represent TWF and the Institute on projects and initiatives.
Travel as directed to cover assignments.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Biology or related field, with 7+ years of professional experience. Advanced degrees in Biology or a related field may substitute for professional experience.
Strong working knowledge of fish and wildlife science and management, as well as general ecology and biology
Ability to use ArcGIS and other computer mapping systems.
An understanding of fish and wildlife policy and laws at the federal and state levels, with an understanding of regulatory programs around fish and wildlife.
Proficient across Microsoft Office 365 and Google Suite.

Skills and Abilities

Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results, and meet deadlines; must be self-motivated, responsible, and have the ability to solve problems.
Strong work ethic with the ability to reject setbacks and enthusiastically persist until goals are achieved.
Professional, adaptable, and positive, with strong attention to detail and the ability to handle fast-paced, day-to-day challenges with composure—and a sense of humor.
Ability to work independently and within a collaborative, team environment.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment; Ability to shift priorities quickly and unexpectedly.
Resourceful and innovative at tackling challenges in a timely manner.
Approach work from the Federation’s point of view rather than a personal point of view.
Must have a passion for the Federation’s mission.
A valid TN driver’s license, including a good motor vehicle record, and appropriate automobile insurance

Additional Information

Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Accident
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) match up to 6%
13 company paid holidays plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s
PTO (Vacation and Sick Time)
Fridays off in July and mid-August

EEO Statement

Tennessee Wildlife Federation is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, disability, national origin, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Tennessee Wildlife Federation is committed to workplace diversity.

Ethical Hunting, Angling and Outdoor Recreation Practices

Federation staff know and respect the game and fish pursued in the field and follow all related laws, familiarize themselves with wildlife in the area and behave accordingly. This likewise applies to hiking, camping and other outdoor activities that require responsible use of public resources. As an employee of the Federation, all employees are expected to follow all state and federal hunting and fishing guidelines and practice ethical and fair chase practices while executing or assisting with program events or in your personal outings afield.

Details