What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney position at Defenders?
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE : Staff Attorney (CO)
CLASSIFICATION : Professional 5
SALARY : $108,000 - $110,000
FLSA : Exempt
DEPARTMENT : Biodiversity Law Center
LOCATION : Denver, CO
REPORTS TO : Senior Attorney
NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S) : 0
LAST REVISED : June 2021
POSITION SUMMARY
This position requires working knowledge of federal environmental and natural resources law and significant litigation experience. Primary emphasis is on litigating cases under federal wildlife and natural resources laws to conserve biological diversity, drafting comments on proposed rulemakings, working with and advising field and program staff on legal and policy matters, and helping to develop and advance Defenders conservation policies.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and litigate cases under various federal statutes to protect imperiled wildlife species, to conserve wildlife, habitat, and ecosystems in the face of global warming, and to ensure conservation of wildlife and habitat on federal public lands;
- Draft public comments on proposed rulemakings;
- Advise Defenders field and program staff on conservation law and policy matters;
- Review and analyze legislation;
- Actively participate in the development and advancement of Defenders conservation policy goals;
- Perform all other related duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
Education : JD or equivalent; appropriate state bar license required
Experience : 3 years of litigation experience
Application Requirement : CV or resume, cover letter, and a legal writing sample (10 pages or less.) Please submit all three documents in your application to be considered.
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 Professional 5
Administrative
Communication
Critical Thinking
Project Management
Coalition and Community Engagement
Conservation Knowledge
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Staff Attorney
Legal Knowledge and Skills
Written Communication
Oral Communication
Strategic Thinking
Professional Development
OTHER
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.
Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and / or fingers.
Operating machinery and / or power tools.
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
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.
Physical Demands
Check only one
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting / standing.
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, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family / parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.
Please be advised this position is union-eligible.
Salary : $108,000 - $110,000
