What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Scientist, Climate & Biodiversity position at Defender of Wildlife?
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Senior Scientist, Climate & Biodiversity
SALARY: $98,000 - $103,000
FLSA: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Center for Conservation Innovation
LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington, DC
REPORTS TO: Director, Climate-Informed Conservation
NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 1
LAST REVISED: October 2025
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Scientist is an integral part Defenders of Wildlife’s Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI), a multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of science, technology, and policy to find creative, practical solutions for better conservation. The Senior Scientist collaborates on efforts that help ensure effective climate change policies and practices for species conservation and adaptation. They will lead scientific research related to climate change and its influence on key species and habitats, and supports the development of policy-relevant solutions for strengthening conservation outcomes in the face of climate change. The position will work closely with CCI’s Conservation Science and Data Science teams as well as Defenders’ policy analysts, lawyers, field staff, and external affairs specialists.
Reporting to the Director of Climate-Informed Conservation, the Senior Scientist will research and develop strategies to advance wildlife adaptation science and management practices, engaging with partners from government, academia, and other NGOs. They will also help lead Defenders’ scientific research and policy-relevant recommendations related to climate refugia conservation, habitat connectivity, natural solutions implementation and land management for ecosystem resilience. The Senior Scientist will coordinate collaboration across the organization to identify key opportunities for Defenders’ engagement and help to ensure that the best available climate science informs other conservation priorities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assists CCI and Defenders staff with their climate-related data research and analysis questions;
- Critically reviews proposed climate policies and develops new policies, in collaboration with others across CCI and Defenders;
- Gathers and analyzes data for making climate policy recommendations and, as warranted, publishing in peer-reviewed journals and other outlets;
- Conducts scientific research on climate change trends and influence on imperiled species and their habitats;
- Leads or collaborates on projects that enable or improve the consideration of climate effects and relevant adaptation strategies in conservation policy and implementation, including:
- public land conservation planning processes;
- ESA listing and recovery planning and implementation for imperiled species;
- effectiveness and efficiency of climate adaptation programs for wildlife and nature;
- adoption and implementation of wildlife-friendly climate solutions;
- use of best available scientific information on climate change and wildlife adaptation;
- developing incentive programs for private landowners, states, and federal agencies to carry out needed conservation; and
- broadening the wildlife conservation constituency through community science and other forms of engagement.
- Builds new partnerships in and outside of Defenders.
- Create and manage new external partnerships to advance shared understanding of climate change as a threat to wildlife and advocate for innovative climate policies that benefit wildlife and nature;
- Support and advise on a variety of communications, including interpreting science for non-technical audiences, contributing to social media posts, creating public comments to strengthen advocacy, and speaking with the press and lawmakers;
- Help coordinate engagement on climate adaptation, energy development, and natural solutions across all programs.
- Advocate for sound science in policy decisions.
- Ensures that projects and regular job requirements, such as weekly reporting, are completed in a timely fashion;
- Some Travel is required for this position.
- Performs all other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Master’s (M.A./M.S.) degree or equivalent
Experience: 6 years of relevant experience; 3 years supervisory experience (if applicable)
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders
https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Senior Scientist, Climate & Biodiversity
- Knowledge of one or more of the following areas is required: Biology, Botany, Earth Science, Ecology, Fishery Biology, Forest Management, Geographical Sciences, Hydrology, Life Sciences and Systems, Rangeland Management, Soil Science, Wildlife Biology.
- Knowledge of one or more of the following areas is preferred: Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence, Public Planning, Research.
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.
O
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.
O
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.
It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please be advised this position is non-union eligible.
Salary : $98,000 - $103,000