Senior Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist

Defenders of Wildlife; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 101,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Senior Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist to develop and implement strategies that ensure energy projects minimize impacts on wildlife and habitats. This role involves collaboration with various departments and stakeholders to advocate for conservation priorities. The ideal candidate will possess strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, along with a solid understanding of ecological principles and legal frameworks. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a significant impact on environmental conservation and energy policy.

Qualifications

• 6 years relevant experience with 3 years in a supervisory role preferred.
• Ability to develop and implement strategies for energy projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop goals for advancing energy and biodiversity work.
• Collaborate with experts to protect federal environmental statutes.
• Research and write policy papers and advocacy products.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Partnering

Change Management

Problem Solving

Ecology

Legal and Government

Public Planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Advanced Degree

Job description

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Senior Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist

SALARY: $101,000 - $115,000

FLSA: Exempt

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

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

1. Work with the Energy and Biodiversity team and other staff to develop goals and objectives for advancing Defenders’ energy and biodiversity work.
2. Collaborate with 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.
3. Develop positions on legislative and administrative proposals concerning energy project siting and development.
4. Facilitate internal coordination of energy initiatives and interdisciplinary approaches to achieve goals.
5. Represent wildlife interests in private sector efforts on energy siting issues.
6. Serve as Defenders’ representative on national energy and biodiversity issues with government officials, agencies, and in public forums.
7. Research, write, and supervise the development of policy papers, memos, blogs, reports, websites, action alerts, and other advocacy products, coordinating with departments as needed.
8. Some travel is required for this position.
9. Perform all other work-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

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

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

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

Specific for Senior Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist

• Strategic Thinking: Formulates effective strategies aligned with organizational goals, examines policy issues with a long-term perspective, sets objectives, and anticipates threats or opportunities.
• Partnering: Builds networks and alliances across boundaries to achieve common goals.
• Change Management: Applies principles and strategies for effective change planning and implementation.
• Problem Solving: Identifies issues, evaluates information, and makes sound recommendations.
• Ecology: Understands principles of organism-environment relationships, including competition, predation, evolution, and human impacts.
• Legal and Government: Knowledge of laws, regulations, legal practices, and government processes.
• Public Planning: Knowledge of community and natural resource planning, environmental impact analysis, land use, and zoning.
• Leveraging Representation: Fosters an inclusive workplace leveraging individual differences.
• Communication: Effective oral and written communication skills, able to present clearly and listen effectively.

Physical Activities, Environmental Conditions, and Demands

Physical Activities: Check all that apply. Frequency: N=Never, O=Occasionally, C=Constantly.

• Ascending/descending ladders, stairs, etc.: N
• Moving in various environments: N
• Standing/sitting for prolonged periods: C
• Moving between worksites: N
• Adjusting/moving objects up to 10 lbs.: O
• Communicating: C
• Repeating motions: C
• Operating machinery/power tools: C
• Operating motor vehicles/heavy equipment: N
• Assessing work: N

Environmental Conditions: Check all that apply. Frequency: N=Never, O=Occasionally, C=Constantly.

• Low temperatures: N
• High temperatures: N
• Outdoor elements: N
• Noisy environments: N
• Hazardous conditions: N
• Poor ventilation: N
• Small/enclosed spaces: N
• No adverse conditions: C

Physical Demands: Select one.

• Sedentary work:
• Light work (up to 20 lbs.): X
• Medium work (up to 50 lbs.):
• Heavy work (up to 100 lbs. or more):

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees must perform essential duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities. Defenders of Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. This position is non-union eligible.