Conservation Science Fellow

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 50+ state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure people and 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 Conservation Science Fellow to join our Science team, reporting to the Chief Scientist. This team provides scientific leadership and support on wildlife conservation and policy issues, and supports the organization's commitment to using the best available science in its work on policy, advocacy, conservation, education, and communications. The Fellow will support the Federation’s initiatives in One Health and related science-based approaches to ensuring that people and wildlife can thrive together in a rapidly changing environment.

This position is part of NWF’s fellowship program. NWF Fellows must be available to work a full-time schedule.This 11-month position offers $20-$25 per hour plus core benefits. 

Principle Duties (major areas of responsibility):

• Synthesize and translate credible sources of scientific information on One Health-related topics for NWF staff, affiliates, and the public.
• Consult with experts in academic research, Indigenous Knowledges, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and Community Science to reference and communicate multiple knowledges related to One Health.
• Communicate with and across teams, Directors of Conservation Partnerships, and affiliates of NWF to facilitate Federation-wide conservation strategies that improve human, wildlife, and environmental health.
• Independently and in collaboration with NWF staff, research, write, and edit reports, peer-reviewed papers, factsheets, blogs, and other publicly disseminated content on One Health and related topics.
• Facilitate One Health conservation legislative priorities and advance initiatives at the intersection of human, wildlife, and environmental health by creating science-based informational and advocacy materials.
• Participate in and support engagement with partner organizations and policymakers, including members of Congress and their staff, and assist with legislative fly-ins, workshops, outreach, and events when needed.
• Other administrative and programmatic support for the Chief Scientist as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or graduate degree or equivalent experience in Biology/Ecology, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Natural Resource Management, Public Health, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to wildlife conservation and climate change issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice.
• Broad understanding of the scope of natural, social, health, and traditional sciences related to One Health, e.g. interactions between nature exposure and human health; wildlife diseases and zoonotic spillover; health risks related to climate change; impacts of air and water pollutants on human and non-human health; and/or Traditional Ecological Knowledge of human-environment-wildlife interactions.
• Ability to synthesize and communicate scientific or technical material to a wide range of audiences. Original writing and editing samples may be requested.
• Ability and willingness to perform support tasks for a high-performing professional team.
• Strong initiative and ability to manage tasks independently.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and/or manage multiple projects at once.
• Ability to work collaboratively with peers (including remotely and in a virtual setting), and to develop positive working relationships.
• Strong work ethic and time management skills.

Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s required equity competencies at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.

Travel Requirements:  

This position does not require travel.

Location and Work Mode:  

This position will be hybrid or fully remote. The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. In this position, the employee may work partly or fully at a physical office of the National Wildlife Federation to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process. For more information on Work Modes, please review the benefits section of our careers page:https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers 

Physical Requirements of the Job:

Cognitive & Intellectual Requirements:

• Ability to understand, analyze, and apply complex information, policies, and concepts
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, problem-solve, and make decisions in situations involving ambiguity or competing priorities
• Ability to maintain focus and sustained attention and manage multiple tasks or work-streams
• Ability to listen, interpret, and respond appropriately in discussions with colleagues, leadership, and external stakeholders
• Physical Requirements
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time while working at a computer or attending meetings
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, monitors, telephones, and video conferencing tools
• Ability to communicate and exchange information in person, via telephone, and through electronic or virtual platforms
• Ability to read, review, and produce written and electronic documents, including prolonged use of computer screens
• Ability to move within an office or remote work environment to access files, meetings, or equipment as needed

Work Environment:

• Work is performed primarily in an office or remote environment
• Role may involve extended screen time and participation in virtual meetings

Please Note: 

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Application:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. The National Wildlife Federation is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment with regard to any classes or characteristics protected by law.

For more information on our recruiting process, please review our Careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers 

We recognize that people come with a wealth of knowledge and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid work, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translates to our openings. Whether you’re new to the field, returning to work after a gap in your employment, or are taking the next step in your career path, if you believe you could excel in this role we encourage you to apply! Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. To be eligible for this role you must be a U.S. citizen or have valid work authorization to work in the U.S. 

Please let us know if you require accommodations during the application or interview process by reaching us athrhelp@nwf.org  or 703-438-6244.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.