Conservation Coordinator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Center for Conservation Innovation Coordinator

Hourly Rate: $28.85 - $31.25

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Center for Conservation Innovation

LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Conservation Research & Innovation

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0

LAST REVISED: June 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

The Coordinator, Center for Conservation Innovation (Coordinator), provides program and administrative support to CCI. Based in Defenders of Wildlife’s Washington, DC office, CCI leads and manages a multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of science, technology, and policy to find creative, practical solutions for better conservation outcomes. We identify current and emerging conservation challenges, develop solutions that improve conservation outcomes, and use a suite of techniques and partnerships to advocate for those solutions.

Reporting to the Vice President, Conservation Research & Innovation, the Coordinator assists with program work and provides support to CCI staff. They are responsible for maintaining general knowledge of CCI’s key projects to help communicate our work with internal and external partners and provide administrative assistance. This position also serves as a “trouble-shooter” in helping to solve problems and completing various tasks. Assignments are results-oriented, requiring substantial discretion on the part of the coordinator in determining how to meet identified goals (e.g., researching a factsheet, organizing a meeting). Many assignments will also involve substantive analysis of conservation data, policies, laws, and other materials with guidance from senior staff. The Coordinator will bring one or more particular skills—such as experience with GIS or data science, communications skills, or training in literature review—to the team. At the same time, they will have opportunities to learn and apply new skills and technical knowledge.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Support:

Science and Technology Support:

Technical Support:

Budget Support:

General Administrative Support:

Coordinate with Other Staff:

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent

Experience: 2 years of relevant experience; program management and/or environmental policy experience or an advanced degree in policy, law or natural resources preferred. Previous experience managing an operational budget also preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific experience listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

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

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Coordinator, Center for Conservation Innovation

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities

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

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

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 provides equal employment opportunity 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 union-eligible. This position is part of a union bargaining unit represented by OPEIU Local 2.