Job Tag: Law/Policy

Stoel Rives LLP is seeking an environmental and natural resources attorney with six to ten years of experience to join its Environment, Land Use, and Natural Resources Practice Group in the Sacramento or San Francisco office. The attorney will work on a wide variety of cases and other matters for regional and national companies, including both regulatory counseling and litigation support.

Our Environment, Land Use, and Natural Resources Team

The Stoel Rives Environment, Land Use, and Natural Resources team represents major businesses in the fisheries, forest products, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy industries. We deliver effective representation on the full spectrum of environmental and related issues, including regulatory compliance, permitting, legislative affairs and policy development, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.

Qualifications

JD from an accredited law school and strong academic credentials.

6–10 years of environmental and natural resources law and related litigation experience at an AmLaw or reputable boutique firm.

Outstanding legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills with meticulous attention to detail.

Ability to manage multiple matters, supervise junior associates and paralegals, meet deadlines, and collaborate across teams in a fast-paced environment.

Strong client-service orientation, sound judgment, and professional communication skills.

Evident engagement in business development and civic and professional organizations.

Admission to and good standing with the California bar.

The base compensation for this position is $258,000 – $325,000, inclusive of salaries for preferred seniority levels in all listed markets. Base compensation presented to an individual candidate may vary based on skills and overall experience.

The Center for Biological Diversity, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, believes the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence of a vast diversity of wild animals, plants and people. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law, activism and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that humans, other species and all communities need to survive and thrive.

The Alaska Staff or Senior Attorney will work as part of a highly motivated, dynamic and collaborative team in the Alaska program to protect Alaska’s wildlife, public lands, and oceans. Organizational priorities in Alaska include protecting and recovering imperiled terrestrial and marine species and securing the habitat they need, fighting toxic mining projects, stopping road developments through intact wildlands, defending old-growth forests, opposing destructive industrial fisheries, halting new and phasing out existing onshore and offshore oil and gas projects, and stopping federal public land giveaways. This position may require work on other program and organizational priorities as well.

The primary focus of this role is impact litigation, with additional administrative advocacy and environmental campaign work. The attorney will build and maintain effective relationships with partners and co-plaintiffs, including Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal entities. Media advocacy is a prominent aspect of this role. The ideal candidate will have excellent legal research and writing, relationship building, communication, time management, and public speaking skills, with an ability to think strategically and creatively, respond gracefully to shifting priorities, timelines and emergent needs, and contribute to a positive, collaborative, and enjoyable workplace.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Law school graduate admitted to the Alaska bar;
Minimum three years (Staff Attorney) or eight years (Senior Attorney) of civil environmental and natural resources litigation experience;
Experience with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and/or Clean Water Act preferred;
Familiarity and cultural competency working with Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal entities, Native organizations, and Native communities strongly preferred;
Scientific literacy with a background in wildlife, biology, ecology, natural resources, or climate science preferred;
Excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills;
Ability to manage a full work docket with shifting timelines, priorities and emergent needs with a commitment to meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards;
Experienced communication and interpersonal skills;
Ability to work both independently and as part of an effective team;
Competence in and commitment to principles of justice, equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion;
Ability to work 40+ hours per week, including some long days and weekends.

Salary Range:
Staff Attorney: $72,500 – $89,500; Senior Attorney: $89,500 – $131,500

The Oregon Environmental Council’s Water and Rural Lands Program Director is responsible for identifying and advancing policies and programs that ensure Oregon has an integrated water management system that incorporates water quality, quantity and accessibility equally. OEC works to protect ground and surface water from pollution, promote sustainable water management, and protect safe drinking water. We work to ensure that rural land management protects water resources while ensuring community resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a strategic and relational leader with deep expertise in Oregon’s policies and programs related to water quality, water quantity, and working lands. You are a seasoned advocate and bridge-builder capable of working with Tribal nations, municipalities, agricultural producers, industry and others to achieve equitable, science-based outcomes. A masterful communicator, you navigate complex regulatory landscapes to ensure resilient water systems, coordinated water management and long-term sustainability for Oregon’s rural communities and ecosystems.

Specific areas of focus include:

The goals of OEC’s water and rural lands program are to protect ground and surface water from pollution, while promoting sustainable water use and management, protecting safe drinking water and responsible management of rural lands.
Promoting integrated, coordinated sustainable water management strategies that protect and preserve water quality and water quantity;
Protecting groundwater, surface water and other natural resources from the negative impacts of climate change on economies, human health, and environment;
Ensuring that OEC’s state-level policy goals encompass the social, economic, and environmental interests of both urban and rural communities; and
Leveraging OEC’s relationships with state agencies, statewide NGOs; and the state legislature to ensure that policies and programs are flexible enough to allow for regional problem solving that advances statewide environmental goals.

Required Knowledge, Experience and Certifications

Minimum five years of professional experience in water and natural resources-related public policy development and advocacy, public affairs, or related field
Valid driver’s license with a clean motor vehicle and background check
Demonstrated expertise and working knowledge in policy issues related to water quality, water management, water conservation as well as the protections and the management of natural and working lands
Proven ability to bring stakeholders together and work strategically to secure policy changes and other program objectives

Required Skills, Abilities and Qualities:

Proven ability to bring stakeholders together and work strategically to secure policy changes and other program objectives
A strategic mindset with the ability to conduct long-term visioning and planning
Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to work under pressure; ability to manage multiple projects while keeping a “big picture” strategic view
Keen problem-solving skills; ethic of continuous improvement
Self-motivation and initiative; ability to work independently; entrepreneurial approach
Performance-oriented mindset with a strong work ethic and commitment to achieving goals
Detail-oriented with high standards for accuracy
Excellent interpersonal skills; an eagerness to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment; positive, flexible attitude
Excellent communications (verbal and written)
An understanding of the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias; a commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within the organization and as part of the position
A passion for OEC’s mission
Energized to support Oregon Environmental Council’s Values and Beliefs and workplace culture as described in our Team Charter

Desirable Qualifications

Existing relationships with rural and agricultural leaders in Oregon, state agencies responsible for water quality and quantity, conservation groups and other advocacy organizations
Experience working in a non-profit setting with a mission-driven staff and board
Bachelor’s degree; or relevant advanced degree preferred
Bilingual (English/Spanish)

The starting salary range for this position is $60,000 – $81,000 yearly

The Southern Environmental Law Center is seeking a Staff or Senior Attorney in our Charleston, South Carolina office. This individual will join our Energy team. Practicing attorneys with six or more years of experience will be considered at the Staff Attorney level, and those with eight or more years will be considered at the Senior Attorney level.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation.

SELC has a hybrid work model that offers employees the flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week. This is a full-time, exempt position and employees must reside in our region. The start date is flexible.
About the Position

The primary goal of SELC’s Energy program is to fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the South’s electric power sector while promoting energy equity and environmental justice. SELC works across a range of venues, including state and federal courts, state utilities commissions, environmental regulatory agencies, and legislative bodies. SELC also collaborates with allied groups in pursuit of shared policy goals and speaks in public settings.

The Staff or Senior Attorney will join SELC’s Energy Program, focusing on energy policy advocacy and litigation throughout South Carolina, including regulatory proceedings before the Public Service Commission. Due to the cross-border nature of the Carolinas energy sector, this position will involve collaboration with SELC’s North Carolina-based team.

This attorney will have the opportunity to work on a variety of complementary matters supporting the transition away from fossil fuels, including: (1) advocating in state and federal administrative and judicial proceedings, including matters before the commission that oversees South Carolina utilities; (2) engaging in policy development and analysis at the state and federal level, including regulatory and legislative matters; and (3) collaborating with renewable energy advocates, business leaders, environmental groups, public interest organizations, policymakers, legislators, and regulators to overcome barriers to the clean energy transition and ensure that it is just, equitable, and benefits the health and economy of all communities.

Required Qualifications

Staff Attorney: Minimum of six years of relevant legal practice experience.
Senior Attorney: Minimum of eight years of relevant legal practice experience.
Experience practicing before or advising regulatory bodies, or litigating before state or federal courts.
Active license to practice law in South Carolina or willingness to seek admission to practice in South Carolina.
Proven ability to handle complex litigation with a high degree of competence, independence, effectiveness, integrity, professionalism, and sound strategic judgment.
Experience managing and conducting discovery or developing complex administrative records.
Excellent advocacy skills, including superior written work product and oral presentation abilities. Ability to translate technical and legal issues into plain English.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to build and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with clients, stakeholders, and partners to advance organizational goals.
Strong independent initiative and the ability to lead cases or matters in collaboration with a team and meet internal and external deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

A background in environmental or energy law, or in litigation, is strongly preferred but not required.
Experience practicing before or advising the Public Service Commission of South Carolina or other state or federal utility regulatory commissions.
Experience preparing for and participating in regulatory proceedings, including strategy development, working with subject matter experts to prepare filings and/or to deliver live testimony, and engaging in settlement negotiations.
Legislative experience, including drafting legislation, developing messaging, and opposing harmful bills.
A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region.

SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. The starting salary for a Staff Attorney in this position is $142,100, commensurate with experience. The starting salary for a Senior Attorney in this position is $159,800, also commensurate with experience.

The Oceans and Vessels team is seeking an Associate Ports and Policy Engagement Campaigner to support Environmental Justice efforts in port-side communities. This temporary, part-time role will focus on development, stakeholder engagement, research, and campaign support related to maritime shipping, port operations, workforce development, environmental and public health impacts.

This Campaigner will collaborate closely with community-based partners, advocacy organizations, and Environmental Justice coalition partners across the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Northwest, and Gulf Coast regions to advance local engagement, education, and policy-focused campaign work. This position will work closely with the Ports and Community Engagement Campaigner to ensure continuity of operations. While each role has defined areas of focus, both positions are expected to provide backup and support for core functions as needed, including during periods of high workload or when coverage is required.

The hourly rate for this term-limited, part-time remote position is $32-$38, working up to 25 hours per week depending on project needs. This position is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU) at Friends of the Earth. Offers are determined based on the relevant skills and experience required for the position.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or 3-5 years relevant work experience.

Background or experience in public health, environmental studies, nonprofit or government sectors, public administration, or related fields preferred.

This is a remote position. Candidates must have the ability to travel periodically to locations across the East Coast, Gulf Coast, or Mid-Atlantic regions for meetings, collaboration, and organizational events. Proximity to these regions is strongly preferred.

Proficiency with virtual meeting platforms (Teams, Zoom, Google Met) and basic productivity tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Workspace).

Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and take initiative.

Authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in social justice, advocacy, nonprofit or governmental affairs, or related policy work.

Experience working across disciplines—such as environmental policy, technology innovation, workforce development, or community engagement—to support research, programs, or initiatives.

Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting port-side or Environmental Justice communities, through lived, professional, or academic experience.

Background or experience in public health, environmental studies, nonprofit or government sectors, public administration, or related fields preferred.

At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas: Community engagement, particularly with residents of overburdened or historically underserved communities; Grant writing or fundraising support; Development and facilitation of formal presentations; Policy research and analysis; Environmental health, science, or related fields.

The Open Space Institute (OSI) is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather.

Position Summary

The New York State Director of Government Relations Director (DGR) advances the Open Space Institute’s (OSI) mission by leading state-level policy, legislative, and agency engagement in New York. Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, the DGR will lead OSI’s comprehensive efforts to promote greater land conservation across New York State by strengthening conservation funding from state and local governments; coalition building; research; advocacy; and education. The DGR serves as OSI’s primary representative to New York State government, cultivating senior-level relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, and key partners to advance OSI’s policy objectives. The position also coordinates across OSI departments and with coalitions and advocacy partners to align policy and program priorities. This role is perfect for a self-starter who excels in relationship-building, strategic outreach, and cross-functional collaboration.

While the primary focus of this position is New York State, the DGR may also engage in related policy and government relations work in other states in the eastern U.S. – where OSI has active conservation initiatives and partnerships.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, environmental studies, government, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
8–10+ years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public affairs, or environmental policy, preferably within the nonprofit or public sector.
Demonstrated success in leading advocacy or legislative initiatives and influencing policy outcomes.
Deep familiarity with New York State’s legislative, administrative, and budget processes.
Experience managing consultants, staff, or multi-organization coalitions.
Strong understanding of conservation, land protection, parks, and outdoor recreation access policy.

Skills

Proven strategic and political judgment with the ability to shape and drive policy initiatives.
Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, capable of representing OSI with legislators, agencies, and external partners.
Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and consultants.
Strong interpersonal relationship-building and influence skills with policymakers and stakeholders; able to build trust quickly Comfort serving as a visible public-facing representative and translating policy into clear, persuasive messages for diverse audiences.
High level of initiative, professionalism, and accountability.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with CRM, advocacy, or legislative tracking tools preferred.

Salary: Pay for this position is $140,000-$150,000, commensurate with the candidate’s skill level and experience.

The State Affairs program of the Political Affairs department leads EDF’s efforts to achieve our policy goals through legislative, regulatory, and political engagement at the state and local levels. Our lobbyists, communicators, organizers and experts work together to achieve progress on our priority issues.

Overall Function

The Manager, California Political Affairs will lead the development and implementation of key aspects of EDF’s California-based work. Reporting to Senior Director, California, the Manager’s responsibilities will include leading the collaborative design and implementation of effective education and policy advocacy campaigns to support EDF’s workstream priorities in California. This work may entail managing consultants, coordinating among multiple EDF workstreams and experts, coordinating with partner organizations, owning relationships with key stakeholders, influential decisionmakers and/or government agencies, and representing EDF and organizational positions to external stakeholders.

The Manager will take responsibility for tracking policy for specific subject areas and regulatory processes and coordinating with the relevant EDF experts, external stakeholders and policymakers. Climate and clean energy priorities will be an initial area of focus, with potential to expand into supporting EDF priorities in forestry, water, or clean transportation.

The Manager will coordinate internal and external cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams and independently guide and manage specific projects and serve as the main point of internal and external contact for discrete projects or campaigns. Independent judgement is required to plan, prioritize, and organize workload within this busy program. Ideal candidates are driven self-starters with the ability to learn and implement workflow processes quickly and work well within a team.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and at least 6 years of work experience in California politics, environmental policy and/or advocacy campaigns preferred; a Master’s degree may substitute for up to 2 years of experience.
Experience in campaign management.
Strong organization skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
Ability to think strategically, adapt to changing circumstances and synthesize complex information to determine and deploy action plans.
A high degree of diplomacy to influence and manage internal and external stakeholders.
Experience with California legislative and/or regulatory processes.
Ability and willingness to both work independently and as a team player in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated strong judgement, initiative, and ability to anticipate problems and follow through with confidence.
Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
Experience crafting and delivering advocacy messages for earned and paid media.
Ability to travel for in-state meetings (10-25%, depending on candidate location) with occasional out-of-state travel required.

Location

Sacramento, CA preferred (San Francisco or California Remote also considered). Must have ability to travel for in-state meetings (10-25%, depending on candidate location) with occasional out-of-state travel required.

Pay range

$86,000 – $94,000 USD/Yr.

The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) seeks a Water Program and Policy Director who is deeply passionate about environmental protection and committed to collaborative, creative problem-solving. This role focuses on building and strengthening coalitions among community leaders, faith organizations, elected officials, and other stakeholders to advance shared water policy goals. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who can effectively prioritize efforts and resources to maximize impact, and a strong communicator who can translate complex scientific and policy issues into clear, compelling messages. Experience with water issues in the Midwestern United States is highly valued, as is a background in environmental science, engineering, hydrology, geology, or public policy. Essential Duties and

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Monitor for, analyze, track, and provide testimony on water-related legislation introduced in the Indiana General Assembly as a member of HEC’s Legislative Team.
Develop and implement policy and programs to advance environmentally sound state water protection both during and between legislative sessions, including:
Developing partnerships and working with and leading coalitions and representing HEC on water related task forces and groups;
Working with elected officials;
Drafting and promoting favorable policies, and o Providing educational resources and opportunities in partnership with HEC’s Communications, Outreach and Marketing Team and with partner organizations.
Monitor state agencies for water-related rulemaking or policy changes, particularly the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and advocate for favorable policies.
Provide technical assistance to organizations and citizens around Indiana with local water-related challenges.
Attend appropriate professional conferences, such as the Indiana Water Summit and Indiana Water Resources Association conference, to stay up to date on state water issues, network, and to speak or represent HEC as an exhibitor, when possible.
Seek funding and assist with writing grants to support HEC’s water program in partnership with HEC’s Development Team.
Write reports for the grants which support HEC’s water program.
Advocate for low-impact development and green infrastructure as means of protecting water resources.
Provide staff support and oversight for members of the HEC water team.

Preferred Qualifications

Team management and supervisory experience.
Five or more years of experience working on water policy, water resource management, water quality protection, or within the water regulatory environment, and/or professional experience planning, developing, or implementing water-related programs or projects.
Curiosity and a strong desire to learn about water systems, watershed dynamics, new water technologies, water treatment methods, and emerging best practices in water protection and management.
A thorough understanding of surface water and groundwater systems, including: watershed scale planning, stormwater management, wetlands, and aquatic ecosystems.
An understanding of state and federal water laws and regulations, including the Clean Water Act, water quality standards, permitting processes, and the roles of agencies such as IDEM and IDNR.
Familiarity with water infrastructure, including stormwater systems, drinking water and wastewater systems, green infrastructure, and low-impact development practices.
An understanding of the economic considerations of water management, including funding mechanisms, cost–benefit analysis of water protection strategies, and the financial impacts of water infrastructure investments.
Ability to work with and understand a broad range of stakeholder concerns and interests— including community members, local governments, utilities, farmers, developers, and advocacy organizations—as they relate to advancing HEC’s water policy and protection goals.
Ability and desire to work collaboratively with HEC team members while also being self-directed and effective in an independent work environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical and scientific water information into clear, compelling, and accessible messages for diverse audiences.
Fluency with Microsoft Excel and Word, and the ability to learn and adapt to new software tools and data systems as needed.

Salary range is $75,000-$85,000 depending on experience and comes with health, vision, and dental insurance, retirement and generous PTO benefits.

From the Great Salt Lake to our vast, beautiful public lands, Utah is special. We are seeking an advocate to run our campaigns to conserve Utah’s special places, protect bees and other pollinators, promote clean energy solutions, and reduce needless waste.
Key Responsibilities
The director will lead our efforts to protect the places that make Utah a special place to live. This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in making decisions in matters of significance. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Help shape program priorities: Participate in policy development, research and messaging to determine our priorities and policy positions for environmental protection in Utah.
Build powerful coalitions: Reach out to a broad range of organizations and affected constituency groups across the political spectrum to demonstrate support for our campaign goals, including unlikely allies who might agree with us on one issue, even if we disagree on other issues.
Organize events and recruit volunteers: Organize webinars, community events and public meetings. Recruit organizations and members of the public to attend and participate.
Earn traditional media and social media attention: Organize media events and write opinion pieces. Build a following on social media for your campaign.
Advocate: Present a compelling case for strong action on the environment to decision-makers through lobbying, testifying at hearings, and producing powerful written materials. Build relationships with key players in the state, the region and at the federal level.
Fundraise: Write grant proposals, build relationships with foundation staff, and raise money from individual donors, to bring more resources to our campaigns.
Grow our team: Identify and recruit strong candidates to join our staff and manage interns to maximize the impact of your campaigns. Potential to oversee staff.

Qualifications
You are:

Passionate about the environment and using the power of grassroots organizing to win campaigns.
A campaign advocate or grassroots organizer with at least 5 years of advocacy or organizing experience. We are open to hiring a candidate with 2+ years of experience for a role with more limited responsibility. Advanced degrees may count toward experience.
An effective communicator with excellent writing and public speaking skills. Experience getting traditional and digital media coverage in previous work is a plus.
Creative and effective at solving complex problems; a strategic thinker who can take advantage of new opportunities.
A people person and good listener with a track record of successful access-building; willing and interested in working with people who think differently than you.
Well-organized and able to work on multiple legislative and administrative proposals at once.
Committed to Utah. Ideal candidates will be from, live in or have other deep ties to the state.

Additional helpful experience:

Experience in the state legislature or other government office, or with an environmental or public health advocacy organization is a plus but not required.
Fundraising experience, particularly in grant-seeking from charitable foundations.

The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Legislative Associate to support our federal advocacy and legislative tracking efforts. The position offers a clear pathway to grow into a registered federal lobbyist as responsibilities increase over time. Candidates with an interest in policy development related to energy, transportation, or supply chain issues are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities

Track and analyze federal legislation affecting the EV supply chain, including authorizing bills, appropriations bills, amendments, and report language.
Maintain calendars and internal trackers for congressional calendars, deadlines, markups, floor activity, and relevant agency milestones.
Attend and monitor committee hearings, markups, briefings, and other Hill events; prepare clear and concise summaries for internal distribution.
Support the development of advocacy materials, including vote recs, one-pagers, and coalition letters.
Assist with research needs in coordination with ZETA’s Research Director.
Support the Federal Affairs Director with congressional outreach, scheduling, meeting preparation, and Hill event coordination.
Work closely with the federal affairs team to support broader lobbying and advocacy initiatives.

Qualifications

At least two years of experience (prior Capitol Hill experience, strongly preferred)
Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, environmental studies, or a related field.
Strong understanding of the federal legislative process and congressional committees.
Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Interest in transportation, clean energy, and federal advocacy.
Must be located in Washington, DC or willing to relocate prior to start date.

Salary: $80,000/year