DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

　　POSITION DESCRIPTION

　　JOB TITLE: Legal Fellow

　　CLASSIFICATION: Professional 3

　　SALARY: $73,000 - $81,000

　　FLSA: Exempt

　　DEPARTMENT: Conservation Law

　　LOCATION: Denver, CO

　　REPORTS TO: Senior Attorney

　　NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0

　　LAST REVISED: June 2023

　　POS ITION SUMMARY

　　The legal fellowship is a one-year position with the possibility of an extension to two years based in the Denver, CO office. The position is intended for a highly qualified individual committed to wildlife and natural resource conservation. Primary emphasis is on providing legal research, writing, and litigation support for cases involving federal wildlife and natural resources laws to conserve biological diversity and on reviewing, researching, and drafting comments on proposed agency actions to support legal advocacy efforts designed to advance Defenders’ conservation goals. The fellowship generally starts in April annually.

　　ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

　　Perform legal research, draft memoranda and pleadings, review and comment on administrative agency actions, and complete other work as assigned by supervisor;

　　Assist in cases brought under the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Clean Water Act, National Forest Management Act, National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Freedom of Information Act, and other federal statutes;

　　Participate in the development and advancement of Defenders’ conservation goals; and

　　Perform all other related duties as assigned.

　　QUALIFICATIONS

　　Education: Juris Doctor; state bar license or in process of being admitted to a state bar required.

　　Experience: up to three years of relevant experience, including experience in federal natural resources, public lands, and wildlife conservation laws.

　　Application Requirement: CV or resume, cover letter, and a legal writing sample (10 pages or less.) Please submit all three documents in your application to be considered.

　　Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

　　https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

　　Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Professional 3

　　Administrative

　　Ability to accurately maintain electronic and physical records

　　Anticipate and meet the needs of internal and/or external stakeholders delivering excellent service

　　Communication

　　Ability to clearly and accurately communicate with internal and external stakeholders

　　Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately and concisely

　　Ability to convey effective messages to broad and diverse constituencies

　　Ability and willingness to effectively represent Defenders’ interests in external environments

　　Ability to exert influence and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders

　　Critical Thinking

　　Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion

　　Strong research and data analysis skills, including ability to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to produce high quality work products in a consistent, efficient, accurate, and timely manner

　　Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with willingness to experiment and innovate new methods.

　　Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders’ work

　　Ability to independently exercise appropriate judgment in response to complex and/or fluid environments

　　Strategic thinker with the ability to create high-level strategy, identify organizational-level impact, and translate strategy into relatable points and action steps

　　Project Management

　　Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines while balancing competing assignments

　　Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests

　　Ability to take ownership of a project or process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues

　　Ability to manage deadlines on multiple cross-functional projects in a dynamic environment

　　Demonstrated ability in managing competing interests on complex issues

　　Ability to independently initiate project and initiative ideas; managing projects and initiatives through to completion

　　Ability to create and implement programs, initiatives, and/or systems which will result in organizational-wide impact; assess specific needs; design oversee implementation; establish benchmarks and track key performance indicators; provide recommendations for improvements; advocate and champion the program internally

　　Coalition and Community Engagement

　　Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships with diverse constituencies including federal/state agencies; elected officials and their staff; Defenders’ members and donors; private landowners; hunters and anglers; community leaders; religious, scientific, and academic communities; and/or the general public

　　Ability to lead diverse stakeholders in collaborative activities, to anticipate issues impacting Defenders’ mission and make recommendations within Defenders, other organizations, and coalitions

　　Networking skills to engage with leaders in the conservation community, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and other organizations

　　Conservation Knowledge

　　Familiarity with Defenders’ legal, scientific, and/or political issues

　　Familiarity with national and regional social, political and ecological landscapes

　　Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Legal Fellow

　　Experience in federal natural resources, public lands, and wildlife conservation laws.

　　PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

　　Physical Activities

　　Check all that apply

　　Frequency

　　(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

　　Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

　　N

　　Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

　　N

　　Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

　　C

　　Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

　　N

　　Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.

　　N

　　Communicating with others to exchange information.

　　C

　　Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

　　C

　　Operating machinery and/or power tools.

　　N

　　Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

　　N

　　Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

　　C

　　Environmental Conditions

　　Check all that apply

　　Frequency

　　(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or C)Constantly

　　Low temperatures.

　　High temperatures.

　　Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

　　Noisy environments.

　　Hazardous conditions.

　　Poor ventilation.

　　Small and/or enclosed spaces.

　　No adverse environmental conditions expected.

　　C

　　Physical Demands

　　Check only one

　　Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

　　X

　　Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

　　Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

　　Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

　　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 of Wildlife 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.

　　Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.

　　Please be advised this position is union-eligible.