Conservation Science Coordinator

National Wildlife Federation
National Wildlife Federation

Washington, DC, USA

USD 50k-55k / year

Posted on Aug 28, 2026

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF or Federation) is America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The Federation's mission is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

We are seeking a Conservation Science Coordinator to join the National Wildlife Federation's Science Team. This team provides scientific leadership and support on wildlife conservation and policy issues, and supports the organization's commitment to using the best available science in its work on policy, advocacy, conservation, education, and communications.

Principle Duties (major areas of responsibility):

  • Serve as primary reviewer for NWF's internal Science Content Review System, and review public-facing materials, including reports, social media posts, blogs, advocacy alerts, and fundraising appeals, to ensure scientific accuracy and credibility.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all NWF staff regarding the Science Content Review System
  • Provide key support in implementing funded projects, including project coordination, tracking and managing the progress of project deliverables, assisting with conducting research, and translating findings into written materials and other project deliverables.
  • Promote wildlife conservation legislative priorities and advance the conservation of at-risk species by creating science-based advocacy materials.
  • Research, write, and edit reports, factsheets, blogs, and other web content on wildlife conservation, conservation biology, climate adaptation, and related topics.
  • Participate in and support engagement with partner organizations and policymakers, including members of Congress and their staff, and helping with legislative fly-ins, workshops, outreach, and events when needed.
  • Administrative and other duties as assigned, including scheduling and recording minutes for internal and external meetings and coordinating contracts.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or related field, with a focus on wildlife biology, conservation biology, botany, or ecology.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to wildlife conservation and climate change issues.
  • Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice.
  • Broad knowledge of U.S. natural history, including life history and identification of North American wildlife and habitats.
  • Ability to communicate scientific or technical material to a wide range of audiences. Original writing and editing samples may be requested.
  • Ability and willingness to perform administrative support tasks for a high-performing professional team.
  • Strong initiative and ability to manage tasks independently.
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate and/or manage multiple projects at once.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with peers (including remotely and in a virtual setting), and to develop positive working relationships.
  • Strong work ethic and time management skills.
  • Working knowledge of GIS and compiling and organizing data and information for reports

Work Mode

This position is based out of our National Advocacy Center in Washington, D.C. The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. In this position, the employee may work in the office, in a hybrid manner, or fully remote, to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process. For more information on Work Modes, please review the benefits section of our careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers .

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Travel Requirements

This position does not require travel

Physical Requirements

Cognitive & Intellectual Requirements:

  • Ability to understand, analyze, and apply complex information, policies, and concepts
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, problem-solve, and make decisions in situations involving ambiguity or competing priorities
  • Ability to maintain focus and sustained attention and manage multiple tasks or work-streams
  • Ability to listen, interpret, and respond appropriately in discussions with colleagues, leadership, and external stakeholders
  • Physical Requirements
  • Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time while working at a computer or attending meetings
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, monitors, telephones, and video conferencing tools
  • Ability to communicate and exchange information in person, via telephone, and through electronic or virtual platforms
  • Ability to read, review, and produce written and electronic documents, including prolonged use of computer screens
  • Ability to move within an office or remote work environment to access files, meetings, or equipment as needed

Work Environment:

  • Work is performed primarily in an office or remote environment
  • Role may involve extended screen time and participation in virtual meetings

Benefits

We are proud of our designation by Mogul as a Top 100 Workplace with the Best Benefits, and by Forbes as one of America’s best small employers! We value work-life balance and a family-friendly atmosphere with flexible scheduling. We want you to be able to integrate work and personal life with attention to your self-care, so that your work schedule is not depleting. We offer benefits so you feel restored and fueled through the day and week.

We offer these supports to help manage your mental, emotional, and physical health:

  • Paid time off: Vacation that starts off at three weeks accrual based on a full-time schedule, unlimited wellbeing (this time can be used for physical, spiritual, emotional, cultural, religious or financial wellbeing for yourself, a partner, or family member – including pets) half day Fridays, and 11 holidays
  • We close down for a paid winter break between December 25 to January 1 to recognize end of year stress, and time for reflection, rejuvenation, and spending time with family
  • Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave
  • Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options – all outpatient mental health is covered at in-network rates
  • Therapist available at no cost
  • Pet insurance and discount perk program
  • Annual wellbeing allowance

In addition to your salary, we offer the following supports to your personal finances:

  • Retirement plan with immediate match and vesting
  • Annual year end retirement contribution
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption and Surrogacy assistance
  • Pet adoption stipend
  • Student Loan management

Applicants are invited to learn more about the National Wildlife Federation’s benefits package at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.

Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume.

For more information on our recruiting process, please review our Careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers

We strive to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) in all elements of our work and with our partners to support the interdependent needs of wildlife and people in a rapidly changing world. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at https://www,nwf.org/equity.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, therefore our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translates to our openings. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Please let us know if you require accommodations during the application or interview process by reaching us at hrhelp@nwf.org or 703-438-6244.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.

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