Senior Policy and Planning Specialist (Forest Service)

Defenders of Wildlife

Position Description

Job Title: Senior Policy and Planning Specialist (Forest Service)
Salary: $101,000 – $115,000
FLSA: Exempt
Department: Land and Habitat Conservation
Location: Denver, CO, Washington DC, or Remote
Reports To: Director of National Forests & Public Lands
Number of Direct and Indirect Reports: 0
Last Revised: January 2025

Position Summary

This professional-level position is responsible for implementing Defenders of Wildlife’s federal lands portfolio and major campaigns to increase wildlife habitat protections and advance imperiled species recovery on U.S. multiple-use federal lands. This position develops and executes multi-faceted strategies to defend and secure new conservation protections, initiatives, policies, and laws for at-risk species on National Forest System lands. Activities include working with agency decision-makers, influencing members of Congress, building coalitions, coordinating environmental community advocacy efforts, and supporting strategic litigation when necessary. The role involves collaboration with various departments, including Species Conservation & Coexistence, Government Relations, Communications, the Biodiversity Law Center, and the Center for Conservation Innovation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Spearhead and coordinate efforts to advocate for policies to protect and restore habitat, oppose policies that threaten at-risk species, and hold federal land management agencies accountable under laws such as the Endangered Species Act, FPLMA, and NFMA.
• Track the development and implementation of federal land use policies affecting at-risk species and habitat.
• Engage in priority federal land management planning processes to sustain and restore biodiversity and develop models to inform federal land use policy.
• Develop Defenders’ positions and comments on legislative and administrative proposals affecting federal lands.
• Research topics and produce advocacy materials, including white papers, reports, and blogs, in collaboration with the Communications Department and the Center for Conservation Innovation.
• Produce and maintain comment templates and training materials that reflect current agency policy and practices.
• Coordinate with the science team to identify research needs and ensure the application of existing data to planning processes.
• Work closely with the Biodiversity Law Center to develop and implement legal strategies to advance priorities.
• Inform and mobilize citizen activists, including Defenders’ members and supporters, on critical federal lands issues.
• Develop and lead multi-departmental teams and external coalitions to address harmful proposals and promote beneficial policies.
• Serve as an expert point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including media, coalitions, and policymakers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent; JDs are encouraged to apply.
Experience: 8 years of relevant experience; 3 years supervisory experience (if applicable). An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for specific requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for All Defenders

For more information, visit: https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Senior Policy and Planning Specialist

• Strategic Thinking: Formulates strategies aligned with organizational goals and anticipates potential threats or opportunities.
• Partnering: Develops networks, builds alliances, and collaborates across boundaries to achieve goals.
• Change Management: Knowledge of principles, strategies, and techniques for planning and evaluating change.
• Problem Solving: Identifies problems, evaluates alternatives, and makes sound recommendations.
• Ecology: Understanding of interrelationships among organisms and their environments.
• Legal and Government Knowledge: Familiarity with laws, regulations, and governmental processes affecting federal lands.
• Public Planning: Expertise in community planning, environmental impact analysis, and land use management.
• Leveraging Diversity: Promotes an inclusive workplace that values diversity.
• Oral and Written Communication: Delivers clear and convincing presentations and written materials.

Physical Activities, Environmental Conditions, and Physical Demands

Physical Activities

• Remaining stationary for prolonged periods: Constantly
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds: Occasionally
• Communicating with others: Constantly
• Repeating motions (wrists, hands, fingers): Constantly

Environmental Conditions

• No adverse environmental conditions expected: Constantly

Physical Demands
Sedentary work primarily involving sitting/standing.

Application Information

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

Please Note: This position is union-eligible.