Wildlife Coordinator

Oregon Wild Job Posting – Wildlife Coordinator

Founded in 1974, Oregon Wild is a non-profit conservation organization with a history of accomplishment. Our victories include safeguarding over 1.7 million acres of Wilderness and 1,800 miles of Wild & Scenic Rivers through federal legislation, legal victories that have protected hundreds of thousands of acres of old-growth forests and preserved critical wetland habitat, and the preservation and restoration of numerous endangered species, from coho salmon to gray wolves. Oregon Wild enjoys a national reputation as a pioneering organization that is both highly strategic and effective, with strong policy expertise.

Based in Portland, the Wildlife Coordinator develops and implements legislative, administrative, grassroots, and communications strategies to advocate for the restoration and protection of keystone species that drive ecosystem restoration and policy change.  Primary responsibilities include representing Oregon Wild in the legislature and with state agencies, expanding a grassroots network of wildlife activists, and increasing grassroots, media, and public pressure on decision makers to enhance protection for wildlife and important habitat areas.

General responsibilities:

Wildlife Advocacy – 50%

  • Identify and pursue legislative and administrative strategies that advance Oregon Wild’s wildlife conservation goals, with a focus on keystone species recovery.  
  • Working closely with the Northeast Oregon Field Coordinator, advocate for gray wolf recovery in the legislature and with state agencies.
  • Represent Oregon Wild in Salem on wildlife conservation issues at ODFW Commission hearings and the Oregon legislature through lobby visits, legislative testimony, and the Oregon Conservation Network.
  • Draft comments, sign-on letters, fact sheets, action alerts, blog posts, and other documents as needed to advocate for fish and wildlife conservation.
  • As time allows, support other Oregon Wild staff in developing NEPA comments and other materials needed to respond to projects that threaten native wildlife and habitat in Oregon.

Communications and Outreach – 30%

  • Working with other Oregon Wild staff, develop and implement communications and grassroots organizing strategies that support and expand the Oregon Wild base of wildlife activists, including high-level “super activists” who assist the organization with grassroots lobbying, public outreach, and other strategies.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, business leaders, biologists, Tribes, and others with influence over wildlife policy.
  • Develop and maintain web pages, blog posts, slideshows, fact sheets, action alerts, and other educational materials as needed to support Oregon Wild conservation goals.
  • Draft action alerts, blog posts, social media posts, and other materials needed to maintain and support Oregon Wild’s network of wildlife activists.
  • Carry out occasional public presentations, slideshows, and other events to increase support for wildlife conservation.

Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges – 20%

  • Working with outside legal counsel, support ESA and NEPA legal strategies that aim to reform management of the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges and restore native wildlife.
  • Track and respond to legislative and policy developments affecting Klamath Basin wildlife.
  • Draft comments, sign-on letters, action alerts, and other documents as needed to advocate for fish and wildlife conservation in the Klamath Basin.
  • Represent Oregon Wild in meetings with key stakeholders and decision makers.

Qualifications

Required:

  • At least two years of professional experience working in a legislative, legal, or policy advocacy organization
  • Experience in organizing and managing grassroots campaigns
  • Knowledge of state and federal wildlife policy, including roles of administrative agencies and relevant wildlife protection laws
  • Excellent oral communication skills
  • A demonstrated commitment to protecting and restoring Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife, and waters

Desired:

  • Prior experience in environmental campaigns
  • Experience with state and federal legislative procedures and advocacy
  • Familiarity with federal environmental laws such as NEPA, ESA, NFMA, etc…
  • Education or professional experience in conservation biology
  • Experience in media outreach and working with reporters

Salary and Benefits:
This is a full time, exempt position that includes benefits. Some evening and weekend hours will be required. The salary range this position is between $32,000 and $45,000, depending on experience. Benefits include paid health insurance, 403(b) retirement plan option, generous vacation, and other paid time off.

To Apply:
Applications must be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references consolidated into a single PDF or Word document. Please use the subject line: “Wildlife Coordinator.” Review of completed applications will begin on November 30, 2015.