CALIFORNIA DESERT REPRESENTATIVE

Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. For more than six decades, Defenders of Wildlife has been a leading force in the protection of wildlife and wild lands.

This professional-level position is responsible for developing and implementing work plans for the California Desert and Renewable Energy Program with a focus on renewable energy project siting and planning, including the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan and Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI) 2.0. The Desert Representative will serve as a biologist and liaison to other organizations, federal/state/local agencies, elected officials and their staff, the media and the general public. The position requires excellent communications and writing/editing skills in order to assist with drafting and revising documents and publications. This position will be located in a community in or near the California Desert.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:** * Perform assessments and documentation of biological resources occurring on areas under consideration for renewable energy project development. * Lead Defenders Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data collection, mapping and planning effort for renewable energy in the California desert and other parts of the state. * Formulate guidance and recommendations to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), California Energy Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff and managers and renewable energy project proponents in discussions regarding the potential impacts of projects, suggestions for modifications, and alternative locations. * Participate in all aspects of the development of the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan, RETI 2.0, and other policy and planning efforts before the California Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission and California Independent System Operator. * Provide timely and relevant information to our membership and the general public about the implications for development of renewable energy projects on desert wildlife and natural resources. * Study and investigate federal, state and local land use projects and policies in the California Desert that would impact at-risk species and their habitats. Among these are the West Mojave Plan (WEMO); monitoring the implementation of habitat protection measures by BLM such as vehicle route designation; riparian habitat protection; restoration of designated critical habitat for the desert tortoise; protection of bighorn sheep and Mohave ground squirrel; and the impacts to migratory birds from renewable energy projects and transmission. * Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the local, state and federal agency personnel, biologists, scientists and staff of leading NGOs; identify new partners as appropriate. * Coordinate with Defenders’ Renewable Energy Program on various federal renewable energy and infrastructure policies and planning efforts. * Represent Defenders in coalitions, public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, other forums, and in general communications with public officials, the media, Defenders’ membership, and the general public. * Perform all other related duties as assigned by the California Program Director.

**QUALIFICATIONS:** * **Education:**Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology or related discipline. * **Experience:** 3+ years of professional experience working on biological and conservation planning issues, including working with GIS. Other relevant experience with public policy, organizing, and/or communications. * **Other:** * Knowledge of natural plant and animal communities within the California Desert, particularly desert tortoise, bighorn sheep and/or Mohave ground squirrel. * Ability to work independently in the field in remote locations and in extreme temperature and topographic environments. * Ability to prepare basic field notes and trip reports that include site photographs, narratives and documentation of biological and landscape features on project areas and other areas of biological interest. * Ability to work cooperatively with staff from conservation organizations and agencies and with staff members from other programs within Defenders * Ability to prepare and send reports and documentation using automated office equipment including a personal computer and fax. **LOCATION OF THE POSITION** * This position will be located in or nearby city or community in the California Desert. The individual hired may be required to work from their home or share an office with another NGO organization. **PHYSICAL DEMANDS:** * While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer and communicate with others while doing so. **WORK ENVIRONMENT:** * General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.