Coastal Resilience Specialist

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 51 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, etc. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. The organization's programs focus on conserving wildlife, restoring habitat and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change. To support our mission, we seek a Coastal Resilience Specialist to join our South Central Regional Center in Austin, TX. 

The Coastal Resilience Specialist for the Gulf of Mexico Restoration Program is responsible for developing and implementing the program's coastal resilience work in Texas and throughout the Gulf region, as well as connecting nationally with our scientists and climate adaptation experts.

The Coastal Resilience Specialist for the Gulf of Mexico Restoration Program works under the program's Deputy Director to plan and implement NWF's approach to coastal resilience in the Gulf of Mexico with an immediate emphasis on promoting sustainable flood management in Houston, Texas area in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

In this role you will:

• Develop NWF's position and response to the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Feasibility Study, and work to promote the use of natural and nature-based infrastructure along the Texas Gulf Coast. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with the Texas General Land Office will investigate the feasibility of projects for flood reduction, hurricane and storm damage mitigation and ecosystem restoration along the entire Texas coast;
• Represent NWF in the Texas General Land Office's Technical Advisory Committee for the Texas Coastal Resiliency Master Plan, which is a comprehensive, long-term planning framework to ensure a resilient ecologic and economic management of the Texas coast;
• Work with NWF's Gulf of Mexico Restoration Program to complete a Gulf-wide policy analysis of the rules governing implementation of living shorelines, and help to develop and promote solutions to any identified challenges and obstacles;
• Work with NWF's Gulf of Mexico Restoration Program team to develop and promote NWF's Gulf restoration priorities and projects by making the case for long-term project benefits, including cultural, environmental, and economic benefits local communities;
• Partner with Houston-based groups to approach local leadership and the Houston business community with sustainable flood management recommendations and priorities; and
• Coordinate and communicate with NWF scientists and climate change adaptation experts to implement NWF's 2018-2021 Strategic Plan ("A Common Agenda for Wildlife").

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Masters and/or PhD) preferred with an emphasis in climate science and climate change adaptation in a related field, including natural sciences, environmental science, and engineering.
• Genuine and demonstrated commitment to the conservation legacy and overall mission of the National Wildlife Federation, especially the science-based and collaborative approach of the Federation to achieve its mission and strategic plan outcomes;
• 5+ years of experience in the climate change/resilience field; and
• Track record of community outreach, including organizing local officials and other stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills;
• Attention to deadlines and details;
• Strong writing skills, including technical papers, comment letters, and outward-facing communications such as blogs.

A commitment to travel is required. Estimated 20-30 nights per year (primarily in Texas and around the Gulf region).

The employee's actions are expected to reflect the staff values of the National Wildlife Federation: collaboration, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, and mission focus. We aspire to be an inclusive multicultural organization that celebrates the rich dimensions of diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious and political beliefs. 

The National Wildlife Federation offers excellent benefits, competitive compensation, and a family-friendly, flexible work environment.  We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.  If you meet more than 75% of the qualifications of this description, we encourage you to submit an application.  A background check will be conducted on the selected candidate.

Interested candidates should submit both a cover letter and resume.