WildEarth Guardians jobs – come work for us!

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2019 Youth Conservation Corps

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, Wetland and Riparian Improvement Project

WHAT, WHEN AND WHERE?

From January 28, 2019 until mid/late April 2019, WildEarth Guardians is organizing a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program in New Mexico. The work project will be located at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in South Albuquerque. The project will focus on harvesting plant material from the Bosque del Apache NWR,  and transporting and planting material in the newly created Valle de Oro NWR. Project will also include planting wetland seed plugs, native grass seeding, fencing work, and noxious weed removal. Camping may be necessary for two to three weeks while harvesting at the Bosque de Apache NWR. WildEarth Guardians’ YCC program strives to provide employment and job training for youth interested in a natural resource management career. The program is a combination of training and fieldwork. The WildEarth Guardians’ YCC program is funded through the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Commission.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 who will be able to commute daily to both south Albuquerque and Bosque del Apache. Applicants must be unemployed at the time of application and a New Mexico resident. WildEarth Guardians will select 8-10 crew members.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

The WildEarth Guardians’ YCC program includes training opportunities throughout the work period in the areas of Forestry, Hydrology, Wildlife Biology and Rangeland sciences. Work projects will require extensive manual labor and may include forestry work, building or removing fencing, weed removal and planting native vegetation. Participants will participate in a Forest Workers Safety Certification Course, Chainsaw Certification Course, and become certified in First Aid and CPR. Is all this training paid for or do they have to pay for it? Should probably include that info here.

WHEN DO YOU NEED TO BE AVAILABLE?

All crew members will be required to be available on the jobsite Monday through Friday, starting on Monday January 28, 2018, for orientation and training, and work through the end of April 2019.

WHAT ABOUT LODGING, FOOD, AND GEAR?

Crew-members will commute daily to the jobsite. The following equipment must be provided by the corps member:

• Solid work boots – Preferably Steel Toe
• Long sleeve shirt
• Rain/Snow Gear
• Long pants
• Daily lunch
• Camping may be an option near the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, south of Socorro, NM.

WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF IT?

• Hourly wage of $11.50 with an opportunity of a pay increase based on performance
• Training in Restoration Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife Biology and Rangeland Sciences – all skills that are relevant to a variety of careers
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Forest Workers Safety and Chainsaw certifications
• The ability to work as a team to improve the health and utility of New Mexico’s public lands

HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION

You can get more information by visiting WildEarth Guardians website or by contacting Jim Matison via e-mail at jmatison@wildearthguardians.org.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

You may obtain an application by visiting the WildEarth Guardians’ website at wildearthguardians.org/ycc.

Applications must be received by WildEarth Guardians no later than January 15, 2019.

Applications may be submitted via email to Jim Matison at jmatison@wildearthguardians.org

Or sent via US Mail to:

WildEarth Guardians

Attn: Jim Matison

516 Alto Street

Santa Fe, NM 87501

WHEN DO YOU HEAR BACK FROM US?

We will review all applications and select candidates for interviews immediately after the January 15 deadline. We will call you by January 16, if you are selected for an interview. Interviews will be conducted during the following week. Successful applicants will be invited to participate in the program.

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Wildlife Program Director

Location: Missoula or Denver locations preferred, but potentially flexible

Position summary: WildEarth Guardians’ Wildlife Program works to ensure adequate protections for imperiled species, enforce those protections and achieve recovery of those species; to confront cruelty to wildlife; and to achieve a world where wildlife is respected and valued.  The Wildlife Program Director implements innovative and bold strategies and campaigns in furtherance of these goals. The Wildlife Program Director at times will work in coordination with external allies and partners and at times will chart our own separate path.  The Director is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that ensure the Wildlife Program’s Campaigns translate into success for WildEarth Guardians’ mission and vision, including:

1. Working to end the use of barbaric tools to kill native wildlife
2. Advocating for imperiled species and the Endangered Species Act
3. Reforming state wildlife agencies
4. Defending native carnivores and other ecosystem engineers in the American West

The Director will also participate in the Conservation Team, which is the leadership group designed to guide the conservation strategies of the entire organization.  The Director’s responsibilities are carried out with the support, oversight, and insight of the Conservation Director.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developing key strategies (including legislative, litigative, communicative, and other) for the Program that ensure the Programs and the Campaigns within it meet Guardians’ strategic objectives.
• Managing the 3 staff members and Campaigns of the Wildlife Program.
• Managing litigation, including coordinating with staff attorneys and outside counsel.
• Managing contractors and the Program budget.
• Collaborating with Guardians’ other programs: Wild Places, Wild Rivers, and Climate & Energy.
• Communicating the work, success, and vision of the Program to the public, the media, the organization, and to allied organizations, individuals and communities.
• Assisting with fundraising.
• Handling other administrative duties.
• Providing organizational leadership.

Qualifications/Requirements:

While we recognize the benefits of hiring someone with a strong background in wildlife and western environmental issues, we want to be clear that the below qualifications are not exclusive.  We strongly encourage people with transferable skills to apply.  Our priorities are:

• Strong nonprofit management experience, with at least 3 years of managing staff.
• Robust campaign skills, meaning the experience to plan out and execute an effective path for getting from Point A to Point B.
• Extensive—at least 5 years—advocacy experience, even if outside the realm of protecting wildlife. This is not a position for people new to nonprofit advocacy.

Other qualifications we are looking for:

• Passion for our work.
• Law degree or other relevant professional qualification is helpful.
• Ability to handle multiple and diverse issues in short timeframes.
• Demonstrable skills in organization, writing, and oral advocacy.
• Experience with political advocacy.
• Capacity to embrace conflict and cooperate without compromising organizational values.
• Willingness to take calculated risks.
• Emotional maturity, integrity, grit, and sense of humor.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability and desire to lead, collaborate, and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Regular travel around the Western U.S. and occasional travel to Washington, D.C. Expect flexible work hours, including some weekend and evening hours.

Compensation and Benefits:

WildEarth Guardians offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including full health, dental, and disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid vacation, health and family leave, a sabbatical, paid holidays, and a fabulous work environment. Our primary offices are in Santa Fe, Denver, Portland, and Missoula and while there is some flexibility for the right candidate, the preferred location is Missoula, Montana.

As an advocate for the natural world, WildEarth Guardians affirms biodiversity, ecological unity, and the interdependence of all life.  We highly value diverse perspectives and experiences.  We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within our organization and externally.  We acknowledge the intersections between social, racial, and economic injustice and the inequities that are driving the climate crisis and harming wild nature.  Applicants with experience in these areas are encouraged to apply.  WildEarth Guardians is an equal opportunity employer and actively strives to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees and constituents regardless of differences based on culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender identity, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, or sexual orientation.

To apply: By 1/5/19, please submit your application electronically to apply@wildearthguardians.org with the “Application for Wildlife Program Director” in the subject line.

Applications should include, in a single PDF, the following: cover letter, résumé, one writing sample that is predominantly your own work, and three professional references.  The hiring committee will begin reviewing applications as they come in.  The position will remain open until filled.

Download a pdf of the job description here.

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Major Gifts Officer

Location: Flexible

Position summary: WildEarth Guardians, leaders in protecting and restoring the wildlife, wild rivers, wild places, and health of the American West, are expanding their Development Team and seek an experienced, dynamic, and adventurous soul to serve as Major Gifts Officer. The Major Gifts Officer will be expected to partner with and support the Development Director, Associate Director, and Executive Director in cultivating, stewarding and soliciting existing and new donors, and further developing WildEarth Guardians major gifts program. In addition, independent leadership and self-direction will be necessary in identifying new major gift prospects and securing their support. WildEarth Guardians is launching a $10 million capital campaign in 2019, and this staff person will be a key component of the team that develops and leads this effort. As needed, the Major Gifts Officer will partner with Foundation Manager in developing written proposals for major donors.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Understand WildEarth Guardians institutional history and programs, be mission aligned, discuss Guardians’ work with partners.
• Support and partner with Associate Director, Development Director, and Executive Director in their major donor work.
• Lead identification of new major gift prospects for self and organization.
• Cultivate, steward, and solicit own portfolio of major donors.
• Design and implement an effective major donor stewardship program for at least two tiers of donors—those that require more intensive and less intensive personal engagement.
• Work with an extended team to plan, design, and implement capital campaign.
• Work with communications and fundraising teams to provide input for all written and electronic marketing and development materials (including capital campaign material, legacy material, Annual Report, newsletters, etc.) and own communication plan for major donors.
• Create “proposals” for major donor prospects as needed.
• Proofread other fundraising materials as needed.
• Assist with other fundraising projects as requested.

Qualifications: 

• Five to seven years successful experience in major gift fundraising.
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of leadership and major gift donors in order to develop relationships between them and WildEarth Guardians.
• Belief in and understanding of WildEarth Guardians’ mission and vision.
• Demonstrated leadership and the ability to successfully manage multi-functional or diverse areas.
• Successful experience in making cold calls as well as developing cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Proposal writing skills.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record of completing assignments.
• Team player.
• Must be willing to travel.

Compensation and Benefits:

WildEarth Guardians offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including full health, dental, and disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid vacation, health and family leave, a sabbatical, paid holidays, and a fabulous work environment. Expected salary range is $60,000 – $90,000.

As an advocate for the natural world, WildEarth Guardians affirms biodiversity, ecological unity, and the interdependence of all life. We highly value diverse perspectives and experiences. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within our organization and externally. We acknowledge the intersections between social, racial, and economic injustice and the inequities that are driving the climate crisis and harming wild nature. Applicants with experience in these areas are encouraged to apply. WildEarth Guardians is an equal opportunity employer and actively strives to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees and constituents regardless of differences based on culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender identity, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, or sexual orientation.

To Apply: By January 5, 2019, please submit your application electronically to apply@wildearthguardians.org with “Application for Major Gifts Officer” in the subject line. 

Applications should include, in a single pdf, the following: cover letter explaining (1) why you want to work for Guardians in general, and specifically on our Development Team, (2) your connection to the the wild and the American West, and (3) why you think you are the right person to tackle this challenging position; resume; writing sample that is predominantly your work; and contact and relationship information for three professional references.

Download a pdf of the job description here.

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Rewilding Advocate

Location is flexible and negotiable. Preferred locations are: Missoula, MT, Boise, ID, Seattle, WA, or Portland, OR

At Guardians, we define rewilding as a healing—a healing of the scars cut across public lands from decades of roadbuilding and exploitation that have damaged and destroyed the wildlands, wild rivers, wildlife, and health of the American West. We are seeking a passionate and motivated Rewilding Advocate to implement Guardians’ Rewilding Campaign. The Rewilding Advocate uses advocacy, policy, legal tools and federal agency administrative processes, to influence Forest Service management to protect and restore fish and wildlife, and connected habitat and waterways from roads, motorized-use and other impacts (i.e., logging and other resource extraction projects). The Rewilding Advocate is someone with passion, endurance, creativity, and an understanding of public lands and the agencies that manage them.

Position Summary:

The Rewilding Advocate will ensure Forest Service compliance with environmental laws and policies and influence agency management. The Advocate will: 1) Track, prioritize and participate in Forest Service administrative processes for site-specific projects, transportation management and other activity plans and resource management plan on federal lands; 2) Cultivate relationships with Forest Service personnel (locally, regionally and nationally) to influence agency actions and policies – ensuring compliance, better practices, and progress in expanding protections and improving on-the-ground conditions; 3) Collaborate with Guardians’ Wild Places Program Director and the Pacific Northwest Conservation Manager to ensure funding is directed towards road reclamation projects and advocate for annual appropriations for the Legacy Roads and Trail Program; 4) Develop and foster relationships with key allies, agency personnel, decision-makers, Congressionals and staff, the media and funders; and 5) Effectively communicate the core values and vision of the Rewilding Campaign and WildEarth Guardians.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with Campaign partners, the Wild Places Program Director and the Pacific Northwest Conservation Manager to develop and implement annual campaign plans, develop and implement strategic policy, advocacy and legal tactics, and track Forest Service plans and projects to prioritize engagement.
• Strategically engage in Forest Service decision-making. Review documents issued pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act for site-specific projects (i.e., logging, motorized-trails, mining, or grazing projects), transportation management plans and resource management plans, write strategic comments and objections, and participate in objection resolution efforts, to support good projects, challenge adverse interpretations of laws, regulations and policies, increase protections and/or prevent erosion of existing protections.
• Work with Campaign partners, key allies and Guardians’ attorneys to develop new legal strategies, identify agency plans and projects for litigation, and support litigation efforts.
• Develop materials (i.e. reports, fact sheets, comment templates) as needed to share with Guardians’ place-based allies (NGOs, tribes and individuals) to leverage their engagement in agency policy- and decision-making.
• Maintain existing and develop new relationships with Forest Service staff (locally, regionally and nationally), key Congressionals and staffers, tribes, NGOs and other allies. Cultivate relationships to further campaign goals such as supporting road restoration objectives, advocating for better practices and policies, opposing adverse proposals (laws, policies, plans and projects) and supporting good ones.
• Work closely with the Pacific Northwest Conservation Manager to ensure funding is reinstated for the Legacy Roads and Trails program. Advocacy efforts include working with existing partners, state agencies, tribes and new allies to advocate for funding. Develop and maintain relationships with key Congressionals and staffers, promote the program within the Forest Service, and seek additional opportunities to increase funding.
• Inspire, amplify, and elevate Guardians’ and the Rewilding Campaign’s core values, vision and work to our members, the public, the media, and targeted agency personnel, decision-makers and funders. Communication tools include, but are not limited to, social media, action alerts, press releases, op-eds, blogs, vlogs and website content.
• Support fundraising efforts of the Wild Places Program and the Rewilding Campaign.

Essential and Desired Qualifications:

Essential qualifications include:

• Passion for and commitment to protecting and restoring public lands, waters and wildlife of the American West.
• Strong moral compass and ability to stand against the tide.
• Experience with environmental laws, policies, and environmental conservation in the West.
• Experience writing comments and objections pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act.
• Solid skills in advocacy, organizing, writing, research and analysis.
• Emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and other relational skills that help build respect and trust among diverse and competing interests.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing work priorities and demands while demonstrating high organizational skills and productivity.
• Strong attention to detail, problem solving and trouble shooting skills.
• Ability to identify new strategies and tactics to achieve campaign goals.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to a diversity of values, views, and approaches to relevant issues.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Integrity, kindness, a sense of humor, and a healthy sense of outrage.

Additional desirable qualifications include:

• College degree or equivalent experience in environmental law and policy, or related field.
• Experience with the following laws and policies: ORV Executive Orders, the 2012 Planning Rule, the Travel Management Rule, the Endangered Species Act, National Forest Management Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and/or National Historic Preservation Act.
• Experience working with the media, including drafting press releases and interacting with journalists.
• Experience writing blogs, action alerts, reports, and website content.
• Basic social media skills.

Special Job Requirements:

• Some travel in the Western United States as well as occasional travel to Washington D.C. Expect flexible work hours, but may include some weekend and evening hours.

Compensation and Benefits:

Guardians offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including full health and dental insurance, retirement benefits, paid vacation, health and family leave, a sabbatical policy, paid holidays, disability insurance, and a fabulous work environment that accommodates a flexible work schedule. Salary is negotiable based on experience.

As an advocate for the health of the natural world, WildEarth Guardians affirms biodiversity, ecological unity, and the interdependence of all life. We highly value diverse perspectives and experiences. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, both within our organization and externally. WildEarth Guardians is an equal opportunity employer and actively strives to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees and constituents regardless of differences based on culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, or sexual orientation.

To Apply: By 12/21/2018, please submit applications electronically to: apply@wildearthguardians.org with “Application for Rewilding Associate” in the subject line. The hiring committee will review applications on a rolling basis starting on Monday, December 3, 2018 and the position will remain open until filled. No phone calls or in-person visits, please. Applications should include, in a single pdf, the following: cover letter, resume, writing sample (5 pages or fewer, may be a section of a longer document), and three professional references (with contact and relationship information). Please use the cover letter to explain: (1) why you want to work for Guardians in general, and specifically in the Rewilding Campaign, (2) your connection to wildlands, wildlife and/or wild rivers, (3) why you think you are the right person to tackle this challenging position, and (4) your preferred work location.

Download a pdf of the job description here.

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2019 Summer Legal Intern

Location: Denver, CO and Seattle, WA

Position summary: WildEarth Guardians is now recruiting law students to serve as interns for summer 2019. These interns will assist with case development and litigation to protect endangered species, reform public land and water policy, and curb destructive energy practices. 2019 summer interns will have work that may span all of our programs, Wild Rivers, Wild Places, Wildlife, and Climate and Energy, and will be based in our Seattle and Denver offices.

Under the supervision of one of the fourteen attorneys on WildEarth Guardians’ program and legal staff, legal interns will assist with various aspects of advocacy, case development, and litigation. Primary responsibilities include conducting legal and factual research, crafting key messaging, and developing case strategy and legal theories.

Guardians is looking for self-motivated applicants with excellent legal research and writing skills and a demonstrated commitment to, or interest in, public interest environmental advocacy. Students who have completed their second year of law school are strongly preferred, but truly exceptional students who have completed only one year of law school may be considered. 

Internships are unpaid. For-credit externship opportunities may be available in coordination with the applicant’s law school. We are willing to work with interns to secure outside funding and/or course credit.

Denver, CO (Wildlife Litigation Position): This litigation-focused intern will work with a staff attorney in the Denver office. The intern will work primarily on issues in our Wildlife Program to realize Guardians’ goal of protecting and restoring species in the West. The intern in this position may research and draft memos and portions of briefs using various statutes and regulations, likely including the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act. They may also assist with open records act requests, document review, and other tasks necessary to developing and carrying out litigation. Strong, independent legal research and writing skills and some knowledge of environmental and/or administrative law are required.

Seattle, WA (Wild Places Position): The intern for the Seattle position will work primarily on issues in the Keep Public Lands In Public Hands campaign within the Wild Places program. The Wild Places program focuses on various threats to our public lands, with our public lands campaign concentrating on opposing administrative and legislative efforts to privatize public lands. Work for this position may include reviewing administrative records, assisting with Freedom of Information Act requests, and researching and drafting memos involving the National Environmental Policy Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, National Monuments Act of 1906, and bills in Congress.

To apply: Please submit the following to apply@wildearthguardians.org: cover letter, resume, transcript (unofficial is fine), one recent writing sample (preferably a legal brief or memorandum of no more than ten pages that primarily reflects your work), and three professional references. The subject line of the email and your cover letter should indicate your preferred office location(s) and interest area(s). Interested students may apply to multiple offices/intern positions with one application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting on November 30, 2018.

Download a pdf of the full job description here.