Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has grown into America’s largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state and territorial affiliates and more than seven million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes. The mission of NWF is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.
To support our mission, we are seeking a Western Water Specialist/Senior Specialist to join our Western Water Program. NWF’s Water for Wildlife goal is “to protect and restore the natural function and quality of the nation’s waters, wetlands, floodplains, and riparian areas to sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations.” The availability of water for wildlife and people in the Western U.S. is subject to long-term aridification, extreme heat events and forest fires, habitat degradation, and severely competing interests for scarce water resources. The quantity and quality of water in the West is heavily dependent on water management and policy, as well as the management of lands that surround the West’s waterways, including the headwaters and riparian and wetland areas that filter, enhance, and extend water supplies. NWF’s Western Water Specialist/Senior Specialist will provide support to NWF’s Director of Western Water to advance all aspects of the Western Water Program, including policy analysis and advocacy; program implementation; coordinating or performing communication activities; and facilitating, cultivating, and maintaining partnerships, while collaborating across NWF regions and programs to achieve greater benefits for water in the West.
NWF’s Western Water priorities support the implementation of the National Wildlife Federation’s strategic plan and our Equity and Justice Strategic Plan, while advancing efforts to magnify and elevate water-focused conservation efforts to address environmental injustice in the West.
The Western Water Specialist/Senior Specialist reports to the Director of Western Water while working closely with staff from across NWF’s Western Regions and relevant national and regional programs (e.g., Wildlife, Public Lands, Water, Tribal Partnerships, Hispanics Enjoy Camping and Hunting Outdoors (HECHO)).
Major Areas of Responsibility (and Principal Duties)
In this role, the Western Water Specialist/Senior Specialist will have the following areas of responsibility, including these principal duties:
Provide programmatic support to all elements of NWF’s Western Water Program: Work daily with the Director of Western Water to identify and follow through on activities that support the implementation of NWF’s Western Water work, which may include: coordinating or facilitating partner activities, overseeing the completion of reports, managing contractors, supporting other Western Water staff and coalitions, assisting with fundraising efforts, performing administrative tasks, or other duties.
Review, analyze, and advocate for water and land management practices and policies: Evaluate priority policies and initiatives at varying levels (federal, state, Tribal, and local) and recommend improvements; support or implement advocacy activities such as meetings with elected officials; and collaborate with NWF’s National Advocacy Center teams to connect national and Western Water advocacy priorities.
Elevate the Western Water Program’s communication capabilities: Support the communication needs of the Western Water Program by collaborating with NWF program and communications staff (both traditional and digital media) to develop and disseminate program messaging to decision-makers, opinion leaders, news media, NWF constituents, and the public. This work may also include supporting the planning and execution of in-person events and site tours.
Qualifications:
At least five years of successful professional experience in fields related to water in the West (e.g., water policy, planning or management; natural resources; environmental sciences, land management, etc.);
B.A. or B.S. in Natural Resources, Environmental Science or Policy, or related field; post-graduate degree and/or relevant work experience desirable;
Passion for protecting and restoring the natural function and quality of Western waters, wetlands, floodplains, and riparian areas that allow wildlife and people of all backgrounds to survive and thrive;
Knowledge of the policy frameworks specific to water and public lands management and/or resources, policy, and conservation, and experience working for or with public resource agencies at a variety of levels (federal, state, Tribal and local), or a solid understanding of their mandates and practices;
Strong familiarity with Western water issues, including water resources, policy, or conservation;
Strong analytic and communication skills, both oral and written;
Demonstrated ability to research and analyze policy materials and to convey findings in writing and orally;
Strategic thinking and vision – quickly grasps the subtleties of complex issues, and identifies ways to tackle problems with insight and equity, and a solutions orientation;
Excellent research and analytical abilities;
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills;
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with diverse interests, including environmental justice and Tribal representatives, labor, business, rural, and conservation groups.
Ability to thrive in a multiple-task work environment, work independently with minimal supervision, set priorities and follow through to completion, with excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills;
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Zoom and Google Docs
Growth mindset.
Desired Competencies:
The employee’s actions are expected to reflect the staff values of the National Wildlife Federation: collaboration, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, and mission focus. These may be demonstrated by:
Working collaboratively with diverse teams of professionals
Appreciating diversity of opinion as well as respect for individuals
Be a self-starter capable of putting plans into action and meeting deadlines
Prioritizing time and working efficiently
Showing a high-level of performance in independent work and using problem solving, initiative and creativity
Organizing and presenting thoughts coherently and confidently in front of groups of all sizes
Negotiating and being innovative when presented with obstacles
Setting long-range goals and achieving measurable outcomes to achieve goals
Delegating work while providing necessary direction and resources to ensure success
Exercising good judgment
Handling conflict effectively by listening and encouraging productive resolutions
Motivating and inspiring others by providing passion and optimism that is grounded in reality
Fostering an environment that is enjoyable and meaningful and plays to each team member’s strengths.
