The Ventana Wilderness Alliance is actively seeking a Policy Associate. This is a full-time position based out of our Monterey, CA office. The mission of the VWA is to protect, preserve, and restore the wilderness qualities and biodiversity of the public lands within California's northern Santa Lucia Mountains and Big Sur coast.

Job Title: Policy Associate

Location: Hybrid work. Occupancy in Monterey County or San Luis Obispo County in California is highly preferred.
Reports to: Executive Director

The Policy Associate reports administratively to the Executive Director. The Senior Policy Analyst provides direct programmatic supervision, mentorship, and oversight of daily work and policy assignments.

Compensation: $62,000 - $70,000 commensurate with experience 

Position Summary

The Policy Associate supports the Ventana Wilderness Alliance’s conservation goals by working to design, advance, and defend policy objectives affecting the Ventana Wilderness and surrounding public lands. Under the guidance of the Senior Policy Analyst, the Policy Associate serves as a liaison between VWA and public agencies, elected officials, and community stakeholders.

The position engages in local, state, and federal policy matters related to wilderness stewardship, wildfire management, forest planning, and public lands protection. This role combines policy analysis, legislative engagement, field investigation, and public communications.

Responsibilities

Policy & Legislative Engagement

• Support the Senior Advocacy Analyst to ensure the Ventana Wilderness Alliance excels as the voice of the Ventana, advancing our mission to: protect, preserve, and restore the wilderness qualities and biodiversity of the public lands within California's northern Santa Lucia Mountains and Big Sur coast.
• Analyze policy initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Understand and monitor political processes related to public lands legislation.
• Craft technical comment letters, position statements, and public funding initiatives.
• Review and analyze documents prepared under NEPA that may impact the Ventana Wilderness.
• Apply a working knowledge of the 1964 Wilderness Act, Forest Service Manual and Handbook, and the Minimum Requirements Decision Guide (MRDG) process.
• Evaluate whether proposed actions comply with wilderness law and policy.

Field Monitoring & Data Collection

• Conduct field inventories of campsites, unauthorized vehicle routes, fuelbreaks, wildfire impacts, and other disturbances affecting wilderness character.
• Analyze wildfire suppression tactics and pre-incident fuelbreak construction methodologies as they relate to wilderness policy.

Communications & Partnership Development

• Assist with policy communications to VWA’s members and supporters, including newsletter articles and social media.
• Translate technical and regulatory information into accessible public-facing content.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with agencies, other conservation organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Interact professionally and constructively with individuals and groups holding diverse or opposing perspectives.

Organizational Collaboration & Volunteer Engagement

• Collaborate with stewardship staff, education staff, and management to ensure policy positions are informed by on-the-ground conditions and field observations.
• Share policy updates and analysis with staff to support coordinated organizational strategy and communications.
• Support cross-program initiatives that integrate advocacy, stewardship, and education.
• Engage with volunteers to gather field-based information relevant to policy work, including campsite conditions, unauthorized routes, fuelbreak impacts, and wilderness character concerns.
• Provide policy context, training, or guidance to volunteers as appropriate to strengthen their understanding of wilderness law and agency processes.
• Participate in staff meetings, strategic planning efforts, and organizational events.
• Represent VWA in a manner consistent with its mission, values, and long-term commitment to wilderness protection.

Qualifications

Candidates should have or be capable of learning the following (in no particular order):

• Thorough understanding of the 1964 Wilderness Act and its statutory direction.
• Working knowledge of NEPA processes and their application to conservation advocacy.
• Familiarity with the Forest Service Manual and Handbook.
• Familiarity with the Minimum Requirements Analysis process.
• Understanding of legislative and political processes affecting public lands.

Candidates should also have:

• Ability to analyze and comment on agency actions.
• Ability to read and interpret topographical and aerial mapping; GIS experience a plus.
• Ability to conduct field inventories and collect defensible data.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently.
• Ability to engage positively with challenging groups and individuals.
• Long-term commitment to wilderness advocacy.
• Physical ability to hike 10 miles carrying a 30-pound pack in one day.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Ventana Wilderness Alliance believes that diversity strengthens our work and impact. As an equal-opportunity employer, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace and encourage applicants of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, and socioeconomic status.