POSITION SUMMARY

This professional-level position is responsible for implementing assigned Defenders’ strategic plan conservation objectives and strategies in Texas, with a focus on conserving both state and federally listed threatened and endangered species and ensuring the sustainable management and conservation of habitats, while working collaboratively with other Defenders’ staff, programs, and departments.

The Representative position will require knowledge of natural resource conservation issues, such as endangered species policy, federal land management policy, state wildlife management, renewable energy, landscape level planning, and conservation biology. This position will also require familiarity with key stakeholders and organizations engaged in conserving Texas’ natural resources, and the ability to quickly establish ties with decision makers and conservation partners.

Program strategies and objectives are achieved by collaborating with a variety of external partners including state and federal agencies and officials, elected representatives, tribal governments, private landowners, and other conservation organizations. The Representative will pursue conservation objectives through a variety of tools including policy advocacy, project review and comment, coalition building, public outreach, and other means.

This position will collaborate closely with Southwest program staff in New Mexico and Arizona but will chiefly work in Austin, TX.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Influence federal, state, and local wildlife policies and management for listed and key species through administrative, legislative, judicial, and other forums, using a range of strategies including:Seeking policy and programmatic changes by relevant state and federal agencies;
  Developing and pursuing legislation in the Texas legislature;
  Recommending litigation where appropriate and providing technical support; and
  Participating in direct and grassroots lobbying of the U.S. Congress, state legislature, and state agencies as appropriate.
  
• Develop and successfully implement priority lands and wildlife conservation work in Texas, including:Conservation of imperiled species such as the ocelot, golden-cheeked warbler, dunes sagebrush lizard, freshwater mollusks and fishes, sea turtles and other species listed under the ESA;
  On-the-ground restoration projects that benefit species while also engaging the general public;
  Monitor and where appropriate participate in the development of regional habitat conservation planning efforts and cultivating stakeholder groups.
  Protection and conservation of priority habitats with a focus on statewide habitat connectivity initiatives; and
  
• Manage, implement, and expand priority coexistence and community outreach work in Texas, including:Coordinating with Defender’s coexistence staff to expand the reach of Defenders’ presence in Texas;
  Finding opportunities to partner with private landowners, agriculture organizations and local governments to increase acceptance for species like ocelot;
  Identifying and implementing coexistence projects, and
  Promoting Defenders’ message and strategy within the Southwest environmental community.
  
• Advancement of responsible and wildlife-friendly renewable energy development, including;Ensuring that large-scale, renewable energy projects are sited to minimize impacts on sensitive species
  Working with environmental and industry partners to promote sound, scientific policies for wind and solar energy.
  
• Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders’ programmatic and outreach work in the Southwest;
• Organize and implement outreach events that raise Defenders’ profile in Texas by engaging membership along with partner organizations and agencies;
• Serve as a spokesperson for Defenders; represent Defenders and Defenders’ interests to the public, the media, and key decision-makers, and in working groups, committees, and processes.
• Work with the Southwest Program Director, Texas Senior Representative, Southwest Program Coordinator and Defenders’ national headquarters staff to ensure lands and wildlife campaigns engage and grow our state and regional membership and inform the public and Defenders’ members on key issues through mailings, e-mail alerts, social media, dissemination of educational materials, and Defenders magazine.
• Publish in the peer-reviewed and other science publications, where the opportunity exists.
• Work with Defenders’ national headquarters staff to provide information to members, foundations, and other donors, and help identify and develop potential sources of funding to support work activities and Defenders’ priorities.
• Identify key information relating to policy, strategy, and decision-making, and communicate it as appropriate and in a timely manner to the Southwest Program Director, and other relevant field and headquarters staff members.
• Supervise contractors and volunteers as necessary.
• As needed, assist and advise Director of the Southwest Program in problem-solving regarding regional and national programs.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent

Experience: 4 years of relevant experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Defenders requires employees who engage in in-person work activities, including business travel or onsite work, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  An applicant (i) who is disabled or pregnant or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with applicable law. Any medical information concerning an applicant's disability will be treated as a confidential medical record in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.