Staff Attorney

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Staff Attorney (CO)
CLASSIFICATION: Professional 5
SALARY: $108,000 - $110,000
FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Conservation Law
LOCATION: Denver, CO
REPORTS TO: Senior Attorney
NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0

LAST REVISED: June 2021

POSITION SUMMARY
This position requires working knowledge of federal environmental and natural resources law and significant litigation experience. Primary emphasis is on litigating cases under federal wildlife and natural resources laws to conserve biological diversity, drafting comments on proposed rulemakings, working with and advising field and program staff on legal and policy matters, and helping to develop and advance Defenders’ conservation policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and litigate cases under various federal statutes to protect imperiled wildlife species, to conserve wildlife, habitat, and ecosystems in the face of global warming, and to ensure conservation of wildlife and habitat on federal public lands;
• Draft public comments on proposed rulemakings;
• Advise Defenders’ field and program staff on conservation law and policy matters;
• Review and analyze legislation;
• Actively participate in the development and advancement of Defenders’ conservation policy goals;
• Perform all other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
Education: JD or equivalent; appropriate state bar license required
Experience: 3+ years of litigation experience
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.
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 Professional 5

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 take high-level strategy and translate 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

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

• Expert-level knowledge of Defenders’ legal, scientific, and/or political issues
• Expert-level knowledge of national and regional social, political, and ecological landscapes

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Staff Attorney
Legal Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to carry-out all aspects of litigation with minimal supervision, including development of legal claims, ability to analyze voluminous factual records and identify key facts supporting legal claims, drafting pleadings and legal briefs, and present oral argument.
• Working knowledge of and the ability to research environmental and administrative laws, agency regulations and guidance, executive orders, etc. (Examples of relevant laws include the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Clean Water Act, National Forest Management Act, Refuge Improvement Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Freedom of Information Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and other federal statutes.)
• Working knowledge of and the ability to research case law and legal precedent, court procedures and rules, agency decisions, etc.
• Understands and interprets written material, including technical material, rules and procedures, instructions, etc.

Written Communication

• Communicates information in a succinct and organized manner; uses correct grammar, punctuation, and citations
• Produces written information that is appropriate for the intended audience

Oral Communication

• Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of information
• Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed

Strategic Thinking

• Develop innovative litigation strategies and cases to advance Defenders’ mission
• Formulates objectives and priorities; anticipates potential risks and opportunities
• Actively participates in the development and advancement of Defenders’ conservation policy goals

Professional Development

• Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses; pursues self-development
• Uses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills; uses training, feedback, and other opportunities for self-learning and development

OTHER

• Demonstrated commitment to public-interest advocacy, environmental protection, and natural resources conservation
• Travel is occasionally required for events such as conferences and court hearings

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.
O

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $108,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday