Job Posting: Public Lands Fellow

Position filled December 2016

Since 1974 Oregon Wild has worked to protect and restore the wildlands, wildlife, and waters that make Oregon a special place. We use a variety of tools – from public education and media outreach to federal legislation and legal action – to protect these values.

Oregon Wild seeks a Public Lands Fellow to promote Oregon’s public lands heritage and defend our state’s National Parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges from privatization and other threats. The position is supported through the Wyss Fellows program, which is designed to develop future conservation leaders. As part of the program, the Fellow will have the opportunity to participate in training and other professional development activities. This is a two-year position with an annual stipend plus benefits based in our Portland or Bend offices.

Responsibilities include developing and maintaining relationships with key Congressional and agency staff, reporters, business leaders, and other opinion leaders; outreach to and education of pro-conservation public lands user groups; and traditional and electronic media outreach aimed at increasing public support for Wilderness and the protection of public lands. 

Goals

  1. Establish an active coalition in Oregon to serve as a powerful counterpoint to the anti-public lands movement that can be activated when threats arise and serves as a continual force to promote the benefits of protected public lands.
  2. Inspire and educate casual outdoors-lovers in Oregon to become active in the movement to protect public lands from corporate interests and politicians who seek to privatize them.
  3. Document and publicize threats to public lands including logging projects, energy development proposals, OHV abuse, climate change impacts, and legislative/county commission proposals to undermine public ownership. Use those threats to generate media and grassroots pressure in support of public lands protection.
  4. Spearhead planning for the Oregon Public Lands Conference in 2017 to build awareness of and support for public lands protection while growing the Oregon Wild list of supporters.

Activities and Responsibilities

  • Develop and coordinate a coalition of conservation, recreation, and non-traditional ally organizations devoted to keeping public lands public, with the goal of influencing Oregon’s Congressional delegation.
  • Organize rallies, educational events, slideshows, and other activities as needed to increase awareness of threats to public lands.
  • Draft Congressional letters, fact sheets, reports, and other materials as needed to support this effort.
  • Working with Oregon Wild’s Communications Coordinator, draft press releases, opinion columns, letters to the editor, action alerts, blog posts, and other items needed to advocate for public lands and Wilderness in Oregon.
  • Carry out periodic hikes and public education events in support of public lands and Wilderness advocacy.

Qualifications

  • Applicants must have a demonstrated personal commitment to conservation and a desire to pursue a long term career in the conservation field
  • Bachelor’s or graduate degree combined with 1 – 2 ½ years of experience working or volunteering on conservation, natural resources, or other environmental issues
  • Ability to work with a diverse array of stakeholders, including conservation partners, federal land management agencies, business owners, and local community leaders – and the ability to deal with conflict
  • Excellent communications skills with an emphasis on persuasive writing
  • Ability to organize grassroots events, community meetings, and presentations
  • Experience in media relations and public outreach
  • Valid driver’s license and flexibility to travel, including overnight trips

Benefits:

This is a full time position that includes benefits. Some evening and weekend hours will be required. Benefits include paid health insurance, 403(b) retirement plan option, generous vacation, and other paid time off. 

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume consolidated into a single PDF or Word document to [email protected]. Please use the subject line “Public Lands Fellow” and title your attached resume/cover letter document using your full name. Review of applications will begin November 2.