Lead Scientist in Washington, District of Columbia at Defender of Wildlife
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Job Description
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Lead Scientist | SALARY: $100,000 – $106,000 FLSA: Exempt |
DEPARTMENT: Center for Conservation Innovation LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington DC REPORTS TO: Director of Conservation Science NUMBER OF DIRECT/INDIRECT REPORTS: | |
LAST REVISED: April 2026 |
POSITION SUMMARY
The Lead Scientist is an integral part Defenders of Wildlife’s Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI), a multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of science, technology, and policy to find creative, practical solutions for better conservation. They provide advanced scientific expertise, strategic research direction, and cross-departmental coordination to strengthen Defenders of Wildlife’s conservation science capacity. As a primary scientific advisor, the Lead Scientist supports staff across CCI and the broader organization through data analysis, science communications, and research support. They lead applied research, guide organizational science strategy, and represent Defenders within the broader conservation science community.
Reporting to the Director of Conservation Science, the Lead Scientist leads and collaborates on research focused on imperiled species and the threats to survival, biodiversity trends and effectiveness of conservation actions. The position will work closely with Defenders’ scientists, policy analysts, attorneys, field staff, and external affairs specialists as well as partners from government, academia, and other NGOs. A successful candidate will have a strong record of designing, conducting, and publishing applied conservation research; demonstrated experience leading collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects; the ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences; and a proven capacity to build and sustain productive partnerships.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Scientific Leadership and Service
- Serve as a primary scientific advisor to Defenders’ programs, providing advanced analytical support and strategic guidance on conservation issues.
- Lead complex analyses, syntheses, and model development to inform policy and management decisions.
- Mentor junior science staff and fellows, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
- Collaborate with program leads and senior management to integrate science into conservation priorities and decision-making.
- Represent Defenders as a science expert in inter-organizational collaborations, public forums, and working groups.
2. Applied Research and Innovation
- Lead and design applied research projects that advance conservation practice and policy.
- Identify opportunities for innovation through technology, spatial analysis, or quantitative methods.
- Serve as lead on projects, including study design, implementation, analysis, and publication.
- Identify emerging scientific trends, technologies, and policy opportunities relevant to wildlife conservation.
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, Defenders reports, and public-facing media to elevate the organization’s scientific visibility.
- Collaborate with partners in academia, government, and NGOs to leverage external data and expertise.
3. Build and Enhance Science Capacity
- Develop and implement strategies to strengthen Defenders’ scientific capacity and promote cross-departmental collaboration.
- Increase Defenders’ visibility within the conservation biology community through presentations, invited talks, and professional engagement.
- Contribute to internal monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes by applying rigorous scientific approaches.
- Work across teams to ensure science is integrated effectively into Defenders’ mission and program goals.
- Help define organizational priorities for data management, open science practices, and reproducibility standards.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Master’s degree in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or related discipline required.
Experience: 6 years of relevant professional experience
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 Lead Scientist
- Expert knowledge of and experience with wildlife species, threats, and conservation issues in North America.
- Expert knowledge in one or more areas of Defenders’ core work (e.g., human-wildlife coexistence, landscapes and connectivity, renewable energy, private lands, etc.), including at least knowledge and interest in human-wildlife coexistence.
- Knowledge of, skill in, and abilities with both natural and social approaches to conservation science.
- Skill with scientific analysis, including experience with methods such as population viability analysis, habitat management, population surveys and camera trapping and climate change adaptation.
- Substantial skill with standard analytical tools including R, ArcGIS and reference management software like Mendeley or Zotero.
- Knowledge of publishing in peer-reviewed journals and other outlets on imperiled species conservation preferred.
- Knowledge of or interest in monitoring and evaluation approaches and tools, such as the Open Standards of Conservation.
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. | O |
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. | O |
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. | O |
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 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.