This professional-level position is responsible for overseeing and implementing Defenders’ strategic plan objectives to conserve wolves in the Northern Rockies. Priorities include: 1) improving state conservation and management of wolves in Montana and Idaho; 2) minimizing lethal control by reducing / preventing conflicts between wolves and livestock; 3) improving social acceptance of wolves through targeted advocacy, public outreach and education, and field activities. The Representative pursues conservation objectives through a variety of tools including advocating for science-based laws, policies and plans; strengthening and mobilizing public support; cultivating diverse messengers; promoting and supporting the implementation of predator-livestock conflict reduction strategies with partnering landowners and livestock owners / managers; and other means.  

This position requires knowledge and experience in a broad array of wolf conservation issues, state and federal wolf policies, federal land management policy and predator-livestock conflict reduction strategies. Knowledge of and familiarity with key stakeholders, decision-makers and organizations engaged in grey wolf conservation is required, as well as demonstrated established ties to the larger conservation community.  

The Representative works closely with other members of Rockies and Plains program staff on Montana wolf issues as well as with Northwest program staff on Idaho wolf issues. The position will also work with other staff members throughout the organization on additional priority wolf-related issues as well as in implementing the overall mission and goals of Defenders. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead Defenders’ strategies and activities for wolf conservation in the Northern Rockies, particularly in the states of Montana and Idaho, in coordination with other partners.
• Advocate for administrative, legislative and political actions in support of strong state-level management plans that can sustain robust wolf populations using a range of strategies including:
  • Seeking policy and programmatic changes by relevant state and federal agencies
  • Recommending litigation where appropriate and providing technical support
  • Participating in direct and grassroots lobbying of the U.S. Congress and the Idaho and Montana legislatures and state agencies.
• Secure sufficient funding (state and federal) to support ongoing agency needs to implement needed wolf recovery and management efforts.
• Coordinate with and provide support for other program staff on wolf conservation efforts in other western states.
• Increase support for wolf conservation among regional residents.
• Mobilize regional residents to urge decision-makers to conserve wolves and oppose actions that undermine wolf conservation.
• Represent Defenders in selected working groups, committees, and processes.
• Represent Defenders and Defenders’ interests to the public, the media, and key decision-makers.
• Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders’ programmatic and outreach work.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships and partnerships with relevant conservation partners and stakeholders.
• Identify key information relating to policy, strategy, and decision-making, and communicate it as appropriate and in a timely manner to the immediate supervisor and other relevant staff members.
• Monitor and strategically engage on significant state and federal activities and prepare comments on wolf management plans and proposed land-use activitiesimpacting wolves in the Northern Rockies in coordination with other programs in
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.