Senior Advisor, Wildfire

To Sum It Up…

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

The Federation of American Scientists is seeking an experienced, part-time Senior Advisor, Wildfire to join the Lands and Waters Program on our growing Climate and Environment team for a 6-month contract. The Senior Advisor will provide support and expertise to grow FAS’s work building wildfire resilience at the state and regional level through policy innovation and creative collaborations. Our wildfire resilience program works to build a more fire-resilient nation through policy development and analysis (especially in partnership with experts and communities), capacity building, and issue education. The Senior Advisor will report to the Senior Manager, Lands and Waters. 

Skills and Expertise: Must Haves

What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate?

• At least 10 years of experience directly or closely related to wildfire management and/or policy (e.g., forest management planning at a natural resources agency; wildland firefighting; fire technology development; emergency management);
• Substantial experience working collaboratively to build wildfire resilience at the state and/or regional level with demonstrable results in policy or practice change; 
• Strong relationships with state-based organizations and/or stakeholders engaged in wildfire resilience work in one or more Western U.S. states; 
• Strong writing, editing, communication, and collaboration skills; 
• Enthusiasm for strengthening bridges between the science and policy communities; 
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS and within the broader wildfire community.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Direct experience building and/or deploying technology for wildfire risk reduction or post-fire recovery; 
• Direct experience designing and publishing wildfire-relevant science or data products; 
• Qualitative research experience; 
• Bachelor’s and/or advanced degree in ecology, environmental science, emergency management, engineering, public policy, economics, or related field. 

Core Responsibilities

• Leverage and build relationships with state and regional leaders and innovators to identify barriers to and opportunities for public policy that supports wildfire resilience; 
• Identify policy and capacity-building approaches to wildfire resilience that could be replicated across states or regions, with a focus on leveraging science, data, and technology; 
• Serve as an expert voice on behalf of FAS in policy dialogues, convenings, and publications, including contributing to and elevating relevant insights from FAS work where appropriate; 
• Identify new state wildfire policy developments relevant to program objectives and provide quick-turnaround analysis of their merits and potential pitfalls internally and externally; 

• Perform other duties as needed and assigned.

Work Environment 

This position is fully remote; however, if the selected candidate is located in Washington, DC, presence in person at FAS offices can be accommodated. Occasional travel to FAS offices in Washington, D.C. and to stakeholder meetings in Western U.S. region will be expected. FAS will cover approved business travel costs.

Compensation Range

Compensation is up to $50,000 total for the 6-month contract, depending on experience and final scope of work. This role is expected to be part-time, with scope and time commitment finalized during the contracting process.

Why FAS?  

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join?  Is it aligned with your values?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.  

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.  

The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.  

Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency.  As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.