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FULL-TIME FAS STAFF
WASHINGTON, DC
$65,000 ‒ $80,000
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Senior Associate, Climate, Health, and Environment

The Opportunity

FAS is seeking to hire a senior associate to support our dynamic and growing environment, climate, and health portfolios. FAS is positioned to make a substantial impact at the intersection of climate, health, and environment, building off of our thought-leading work in the space (including on wildland fire policy and environmental justice). Further, FAS is actively pursuing opportunities to meet an open policy window for building all-hazards resilience, seeking opportunities to advise the White House and federal agencies on policies that prepare states, cities, and local governments for emerging climate hazards such as extreme heat. FAS works hand-in-hand with policymakers from across the federal government to develop and support policies and programs that address environmental injustices, prepare communities for natural hazards, and ensure health and wellness of American citizens during climate events. We seek an entrepreneurial and resourceful climate, health, and environment policy enthusiast to join our ranks as an associate. 

About FAS

At the Federation of American Scientists, we believe in embracing a growth-oriented and entrepreneurial mindset to drive impact for our colleagues, our customers, and the world. The right candidate will help shape the role according to their skills and act as a key player toward achieving significant growth and long-term sustainability for The Federation of American Scientists. 

What you’ll do (Core responsibilities)

  • Provide support for FAS’s growing environment portfolio and climate and health portfolios on projects related to wildland fire, extreme heat, environmental justice, permitting reform, and building policy ecosystems that support all-hazards resilience.
  • Engage in policy research and provide subject matter expertise on topics related to environment, climate, and health for our federal and community stakeholders.
  • Liaise and coordinate between existing federal partners and external organizations to support ideation and engagement within existing FAS environment, climate, and health projects.
  • Develop reports, briefs, and memos guiding FAS and other federal agencies to cultivate a whole-of-government approach in coordination with non-governmental partners to generate enduring equitable environment, climate, and health policy.
  • Support and lead the day-to-day work and coordinating activities across the FAS teams to support the advancement of existing and new projects and strategic areas of focus for our growing portfolios in environment and climate and health.
  • Organize and coordinate policy development through the Day One Project related to environment, climate, and health priorities.

Skills and Experience (Requirements)

  • 1 to 5 years of professional experience working in the private sector, government, research organizations, or related areas.
  • An understanding of the landscape and players in the U.S. government’s environmental, climate, and health policy ecosystem.
  • An understanding of policy levers related to environment and natural hazards policy 
  • Strong organizational and problem solving skills 
  • Experience in project management and overseeing specific project activities through to implementation.
  • Motivated self-starter who values learning; contributes as part of a team and thrives in a collaborative environment.
  • Ability to work independently, set priorities and handle multiple issues at the same time.
  • Ability to manage relationships with a range of stakeholders inside and outside of government. 
  • Exceptional face-to-face, phone, and written communication skills, including the ability to compellingly articulate FAS’s mission to a variety of different audiences.

Nice to haves

  • Experience working on policies related to natural hazards like wildland fire and extreme heat, climate resilience and adaptation, environmental regulation, and climate and health.
  • Experience in analytical methods (e.g., qualitative or quantitative research, analytics and data modeling). 
  • Demonstrated knowledge and direct experience working in different sectors (e.g. government, private sector, nonprofits, etc.)

Work Environment 

This position will be a hybrid role, meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated. The position will be based in the Washington, DC area, generally with two to three days per week expected on-site, and two to three days per week remote.

Salary Range

  • $65,000 – $80,000 

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists  prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.

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