Senior Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist

Defenders of Wildlife is seeking a Senior Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist to develop and implement strategies that minimize energy project impacts on wildlife and habitats. The role involves collaboration with various departments, advocacy on legislative issues, and representation in public forums. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree, 6 years of experience, and some travel is required. The position can be performed remotely.
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
• 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’ team of policy experts, attorneys, scientists, lobbyists, communications specialists and field advocates to oppose administration and congressional efforts to eliminate or weaken federal environmental statutes and regulations associated with the push to increase fossil fuel development on federal lands and in federal coastal waters.
• Develop Defenders’ positions on legislative and administrative proposals addressing the development and siting of energy projects.
• Facilitate internal coordination of Defenders’ existing energy work and interdisciplinary approaches to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Participate as the voice for wildlife in private sector efforts to find common ground around energy siting.
• Serve as Defenders’ representative on national energy and biodiversity issues to department and agency officials and represent Defenders in public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, coalitions, and in general communications with public officials, legislators, the media, Defenders’ membership, the donor community, and the general public.
• Research, write, and/or supervise the development of policy papers, memos, blogs, reports, websites, action alerts, publications and other products for advocacy purposes, coordinating with other departments as necessary.
• Some travel is required for this position
• Perform all other work-related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Experience: 6 years of relevant experience; 3 years supervisory experience (if applicable)
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders
https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Senior Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist
• Strategic Thinking - Formulates effective strategies consistent with the business and competitive strategy of the organization. Examines policy issues and strategic planning with a long-term perspective. Determines objectives and sets priorities; anticipates potential threats or opportunities.
• Partnering - Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
• Change Management - Knowledge of change management principles, strategies, and techniques required for effectively planning, implementing, and evaluating change.
• Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
• Ecology - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the interrelationships among organisms and their environment, including competition and predation, evolution and natural selection, population dynamics, and the impact of natural phenomena or human actions on natural systems, processes, and biota.
• Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, Government regulations, Executive orders, agency rules, Government organization and functions, and the democratic political process.
• Public Planning - Knowledge of functions, principles, methods, and techniques of public planning, including those related to community planning, outdoor recreation planning, and natural resource management, such as environmental impact analysis and land use planning and zoning.
• Leveraging Representation - Fosters an inclusive workplace where representation and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization.
• Oral and Written Communication - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Activities
Check all that apply
Frequency
(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
N
Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
N
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
C
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
N
Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.
O
Communicating with others to exchange information.
C
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
C
Operating machinery and/or power tools.
N
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
N
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
C

Environmental Conditions
Check all that apply
Frequency
(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Low temperatures.
N
High temperatures.
N
Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
N
Noisy environments.
N
Hazardous conditions.
N
Poor ventilation.
N
Small and/or enclosed spaces.
N
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
C

Physical Demands
Check only one

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
X
Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please be advised this position is non-union eligible.