Agriculture Policy Coordinator

AFWA Background:

• The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, founded in 1902, represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies. It promotes sound management and conservation, and speaks with a collective voice on important fish and wildlife issues. The Association is a nonprofit, 501(c)(6) trade association. See www.fishwildlife.org for more information.

Position Summary:

• The Program Coordinator, under direct supervision of the Government Affairs Director, works with state fish and wildlife agencies and other Association members to enhance fish and wildlife habitat and encourage sustainably-managed fish and wildlife resources through the reauthorization and implementation of conservation, forestry, bioenergy, and other provisions of the current and future Farm Bills. The incumbent works closely with the state fish and wildlife agencies, the Association’s Agricultural Conservation Committee and its programmatic working groups to troubleshoot Farm Bill conservation implementation challenges and work with federal agencies and conservation partner organizations to develop policy and program recommendations for achieving desired outcomes. The incumbent also works with Congress during the Farm Bill reauthorization process and appropriations cycles to advance the state fish and wildlife agencies’ Farm Bill priorities.

Duties:

• Work with state fish and wildlife agencies and conservation partners to enhance fish, wildlife, and their habitats and increase public access for outdoor recreation through implementation of Farm Bill conservation provisions.
• Monitor and report to the Association’s members on provisions, policies, and Farm Bill program-related actions that affect fish and wildlife resources; provide national coordination among states and partners to identify and promote desired program outcomes; coordinate the review of and comment on, from a national fish and wildlife resource perspective, relevant program rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines; and monitor, evaluate, and troubleshoot Farm Bill conservation program implementation and effectiveness.
• Pursue effective integration of fish and wildlife resource needs into Farm Bill conservation and forestry programs, bioenergy production, emerging environmental markets and services, invasive species policies, and other provisions and programs, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with state fish and wildlife agencies to advance conservation priorities identified in state, regional, and national fish and wildlife conservation initiatives; and encourage sustainably-managed fish and wildlife resources as Farm Bill provisions are implemented.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with key policymakers and Congressional staff as work continues towards reauthorization of the next Farm Bill; work with AFWA’s state agency members and conservation partners to advance AFWA’s Policy Priorities through implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill; and collaborate with and build upon partnerships and coalitions of conservation and agricultural organizations.
• Facilitate and enhance working relationships between USDA agencies and state fish and wildlife agencies; and work to ensure that USDA implementation decisions affecting fish and wildlife resources are made with the best available science and information.
• Manage related contracts and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the authorizing statute for the conservation, forestry, bioenergy, and conservation compliance programs in the Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113‐333), the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-661), and other related legislation as well as familiarity with implementation of the programs and provisions authorized therein.
• Ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing), provide programmatic leadership, manage fiscal and related business/grant matters, work effectively with others, be self‐motivated, able to look long‐term and plan strategically as well as handle short‐term deadlines, demonstrate sharp policy analytical ability, and manage multiple projects/issues simultaneously.
• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in fish and wildlife management or a closely related field; or Master’s or bachelor’s degree in political science with a focus on natural resource conservation or environmental studies; and, at least two (2) years’ experience in policy‐making and the legislative process.
• Preference will be given to applicants who have worked for a state fish and wildlife agency, with a state General Assembly, or with Congress.
• Ability to travel about 25% of the time.

Compensation:

• Negotiable, commensurate with experience and other qualifications.
• Benefits package includes: Medical and dental insurance, life insurance, short‐ and long‐term disability, worker’s compensation, credit union membership, a 401(k) or a Roth 401(k) plan, annual and sick leave, and paid holidays.

Submit a resume and letter of interest including salary expectations to:

Jennifer Mock Schaeffer 

Director of Government Affairs

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Email: arnelson@fishwildlife.org

Deadline for application: April 12, 2019 or until a suitable candidate is found.