Senior Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist

Defenders of Wildlife; United States; Remote; USD 101,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Senior Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist to develop strategies that protect wildlife from energy projects. This role involves collaboration across departments to ensure that conservation priorities are met while engaging with external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ecology, strategic thinking, and legal knowledge, enabling them to influence energy policy effectively. If you're passionate about wildlife conservation and eager to make a significant impact, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to shape environmental policy at a national level.

Qualifications

• 6 years of relevant experience; 3 years supervisory experience preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate impacts on wildlife from energy projects.
• Collaborate with various departments to advance energy and biodiversity initiatives.
• Research and create policy papers and advocacy materials.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Partnering

Change Management

Problem Solving

Ecology

Legal and Government Knowledge

Public Planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Job description

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Senior Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Land and Habitat Conservation

LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington, DC; Denver, CO or Remote

REPORTS TO: Director, Energy and Biodiversity Program

NUMBER OF DIRECT REPORTS: 1

LAST REVISED: April 2025

SALARY: $101,000 - $115,000 div> FLSA: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

This professional-level position is responsible for helping to develop and implement strategies to ensure that energy projects of all types are developed and sited in ways to avoid unnecessary adverse impacts to imperiled wildlife and habitats. The Senior Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist is responsible for advancing Defenders’ conservation mission, strategic plan and conservation priorities. This position collaborates closely with other departments including Government Relations, Biodiversity Law Center, Center for Conservation Innovation, Species Conservation and Coexistence and Communications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Energy and Biodiversity team and other staff to develop a set of goals and objectives for advancing Defenders’ energy and biodiversity work.
• Collaborate with Defenders’ policy experts, attorneys, scientists, lobbyists, communications specialists, and field advocates to oppose efforts to weaken federal environmental statutes related to fossil fuel development on federal lands and waters.
• Develop Defenders’ positions on legislative and administrative proposals concerning energy project development and siting.
• Facilitate internal coordination of energy initiatives and interdisciplinary approaches to meet organizational goals.
• Represent Defenders at the national level on energy and biodiversity issues, engaging with officials, media, members, donors, and the public.
• Research, write, and supervise the creation of policy papers, reports, blogs, and advocacy materials, coordinating with relevant departments.
• Some travel is required for this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Experience: 6 years of relevant experience; 3 years supervisory experience preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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

For this role, specific skills include:

• Strategic Thinking: Developing effective strategies aligned with organizational goals, considering long-term impacts.
• Partnering: Building networks and alliances across boundaries to achieve shared objectives.
• Change Management: Planning, implementing, and evaluating organizational change effectively.
• Problem Solving: Identifying issues, evaluating information, and making sound recommendations.
• Ecology: Understanding interrelationships among organisms and their environment, including human impacts.
• Legal and Government Knowledge: Familiarity with laws, regulations, legal practices, and government processes.
• Public Planning: Knowledge of community and land use planning, environmental impact analysis.
• Communication: Clear oral and written communication tailored to diverse audiences.

Physical Activities, Environmental Conditions, and Demands

Physical Activities

Frequency

Remaining stationary for prolonged periods.	C
Communicating with others.	C
Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds.	O

Environmental Conditions

Frequency

No adverse environmental conditions expected.	C

Physical Demands

Check only one

Sedentary work primarily involving sitting and standing.	X

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to perform essential duties; reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities. Defenders of Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. This position is non-union eligible.