Job Tag: Law/Policy

Ocean Conservancy’s Government Relations team works to develop and implement policy solutions to address key ocean threats. Through strategic engagement with Congress, the Administration, partner organizations and other stakeholders, we work to educate policymakers on ocean issues and influence ocean-related legislation and policy decisions to achieve lasting change. We pride ourselves on promoting policy solutions that are visionary, but pragmatic; inspiring and activating key constituencies in new and innovative ways; and working with our program teams to win real policy and legislative changes that protect and promote ocean health.

The Government Relations Manager develops, implements, and coordinates efforts to advance Ocean Conservancy’s national policy and legislative agenda. The Government Relations Manager has the responsibility of developing and executing comprehensive government relations strategies for achieving our objectives in both congress and the administration. The primary focus of this position may include coverage of issues related to sustainable fisheries, Arctic conservation, and climate. Other programmatic topics could include appropriations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Represent the organization, and maintain close contact with Members of Congress, their staff, and the Administration on ocean conservation and funding issues.
Work closely with Ocean Conservancy program staff to identify and create opportunities to advance specific policy goals, and to develop and implement strategies and tactics to achieve effective policy outcomes.
Policy analysis, legislative strategy development and implementation, selective stakeholder outreach, and coordination of the NGO community.
Help determine when new legislative authority is needed, draft testimony, legislation, legislative amendments, and communicate with Congressional staff.
Respond to requests for information and advocate for the organization’s positions before Congress and federal agencies.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

Minimum of one year of experience working with Congress and/or the federal government on policy issues.
Proven ability to understand and analyze complex regulatory and legislative issues; and develop and implement strategies to advance policy and legislative goals.
Superior oral and written communication skills, including capacity to communicate complex ideas compellingly to a variety of audiences.
Demonstrated ability to integrate across disciplines and work collaboratively with diverse teams, networks, and coalitions.
A strategic thinker who can identify, maximize, and create opportunities to advance Ocean Conservancy’s policy goals.
A high-level performer who will bring the necessary creativity, energy, and commitment; and with the ability to move rapidly in response to policy opportunities as they present themselves.
Understanding of Congress, the Administration, and the policy-making process.
Attentive to details and adheres to deadlines and deliverables while keeping a larger vision in mind.
Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi-disciplinary team approach.
Experience working in a government agency, congressional office, or experience lobbying is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of or familiarity with one or more of the policy issues listed above preferred.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, marine science or related field is required.

Reporting to WildEarth Guardians’ Climate & Health Program Director, the Climate and Health Program Attorney will develop, spearhead, and implement legal strategies and tactics that expose the true cost of oil and gas extraction and strengthen protections for clean air, clean water, public lands, and public health.

The Attorney will focus primarily on New Mexico and Colorado, coordinating closely with Guardians’ Climate and Health Advocates in both states to ensure consistent and effective engagement across legal, policy, and campaign priorities. This work will advance Guardians’ broader strategy to end federal oil and gas leasing by 2035 and to hold state and federal regulators accountable for pollution, waste, and environmental health violations.

Qualifications:

Law degree from an accredited law school with admission to the New Mexico or Colorado Bar or willingness and ability to obtain membership to one of those state bars by the start date.

4+ years of demonstrated experience in environmental, administrative, or energy law (nonprofit, government, or private practice).

Experience writing and filing administrative comments, appeals, and litigation pleadings.

Strong understanding of oil and gas regulation, including air quality, produced water, waste management, and public health impacts.

Familiarity with federal oil and gas leasing processes, resource management planning, and strategies to reform or end leasing programs.

Understanding of western U.S. political, environmental, and cultural dynamics, particularly in New Mexico and Colorado.

Experience working with and building authentic relationships with community-based organizations, including those led by frontline and underrepresented groups.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of federal statutes such as NEPA, FLPMA, RCRA, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal issues into compelling advocacy and communications materials.

Strong analytical and research abilities.

Willingness to travel regularly within NM and CO and occasionally throughout the western U.S.

Capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.

Creative thinker, strategic risk-taker who pursues bold advocacy within the bounds of law and ethics

A healthy degree of creativity, irreverence, and sense of humor.

Commitment to WildEarth Guardians’ mission and values, including Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) principles.

Earthjustice seeks an Associate Attorney to join our Sustainable Food and Farming Program based in New York or Washington, D.C. The position requires 0-3 years of post-law-school legal experience.

Earthjustice’s Sustainable Food & Farming Program (“SFF”) engages in litigation and advocacy to improve our nation’s food systems, from crop selection and farming practices to food processing and sustainability. Working in partnership with communities, advocacy groups, scientists, and others, we fight for safe and healthy food, climate-friendly farming, and justice throughout the chain. We take on cases with regional and national scope.

The Associate Attorney position is a three-year position with the potential for extension, designed to help attorneys who are in the early stages of their careers to develop into thoughtful, professional, and effective advocates skilled in the various phases of public interest litigation. As Associate Attorneys gain experience, they gradually take on more independent responsibility for their cases but work throughout their tenure under the supervision of Senior Attorneys, Deputy Managing Attorneys, or the Managing Attorney. Many Associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations.

Required Qualifications:

Law school graduate, with 0-3 years of legal experience and admitted to, or willing and eligible to apply for admission to, the New York, NY or Washington, D.C. Bar.
Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills.
Strong and demonstrated work ethic, good judgment, initiative, and creativity.
Strong desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment.
Ability to work well independently and in a team-oriented atmosphere.
Commitment to serving the public interest and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission.
Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
Ability and desire to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
High level of emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal skills.

Salary range in NYC: $110,500-$123,300

Salary range in Washington, DC: $105,000 – $117,100

The Senior Attorney, U.S. Clean Energy will lead and support EDF legal and regulatory advocacy in support of decarbonization of the electric system. This primarily comprises representing EDF in federal litigation and federal and state regulatory proceedings regarding laws, policies, and actions related to clean energy projects and infrastructure, as well as engaging in proceedings related to federal actions to support or expand the use of fossil fuel generation. This position also supports EDF’s development and review of legislative and regulatory proposals regarding clean energy infrastructure, permitting, and other energy policy matters. In addition to formally representing EDF before administrative agencies and civil courts, this position will also engage with external and internal partners to develop strategy, refine policies, generate thought leadership, and leverage external communications to support and amplify clean energy advocacy across the country.

This position will report to the Director & Lead Counsel, U.S. Clean Energy in Legal & Regulatory.

Experience interfacing with a range of stakeholders, including community leaders, companies, industry trade associations, and policymakers with the ability to garner consensus between disparate groups.

Demonstrated experience in regulatory advocacy, litigation, and/or policy development at the state or federal level.

Excellent oral and written communication, with demonstrated ability to effectively communicate comprehensive subject matter expertise and technical and policy findings to colleagues, policymakers, other stakeholders and allies, journalists, and the general public.

Ability to deploy and integrate science, law, economics, and advocacy tools to initiate and win positive environmental change.

Ability to recognize and build on political opportunities for progress.

Strong presentation, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.

Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities; attentive to detail, proactive, and highly organized.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team across multiple time zones.

Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.

Commitment to EDF’s mission and values, and to advancing clean air and climate solutions.

Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.

Salary Range: $122,000 – 129,000 USD

The Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship at Colorado State University is seeking applications and nominations for a nine-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor specializing in Natural Resource Policy and Governance. Applications from those interested in investigating, teaching, and contributing to the innovation of policy and governance dimensions concerning the conservation, restoration, sustainable use, and stewardship of forest and rangeland social-ecological systems are especially encouraged to apply. We seek scholars who will develop an internationally recognized, innovative, independent, and extramurally funded research program involving graduate and undergraduate students with interest and expertise in one or more of the following policy and governance arenas: climate adaptation, risk management, and sustainability of forest and rangeland social-ecological systems; restoration of disturbed forest and/or rangeland ecosystems; wildland fire policy and governance; tribal policy and governance; or water resources relating to forest and rangeland social-ecological systems.

In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to exhibit leadership in, and passion for, teaching and contributing to undergraduate and graduate programs in the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Department. These include two undergraduate natural resource policy courses and at least one graduate-level course, and integrating policy and governance topics within curricula across degree programs.

Required Job Qualifications:

Ph.D. in natural resource policy and governance, or a closely-related field
Demonstrated expertise in forest and/or rangeland social-ecological systems
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

Ph.D. in natural resource policy and governance, or a closely-related field
Demonstrated expertise in forest and/or rangeland social-ecological systems
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

The Senior Attorney, Clean Transportation, will play a substantial role in EDF’s legal and regulatory advocacy for clean transportation in US states. The Senior Attorney will help lead or support EDF’s advocacy on a wide range of innovative and impactful state and local transportation programs, including California mobile source emissions standards, State funding and incentive programs for zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure, and other policies. The Senior Attorney will be an integral part of EDF’s Legal and Regulatory team; collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of attorneys, scientists, economists, and policy specialists; and represent EDF before important governmental, private, and non-government stakeholders. EDF is creating this new position to meet our growing needs in this critical area for clean air and climate. The position will report to Lead Counsel, Clean Transportation.

The Senior Attorney will join a team that possesses a deep commitment to protecting public health and the planet. The current team members share a growth mindset to continuously learn and apply new legal and non-legal skills in challenging and quickly changing circumstances, as well as a culture that values integrity, optimism, innovation, respect, and results.

Qualifications

5+ years of relevant legal experience required, including significant experience in environmental, energy, and/or administrative law, with a preference for experience in clean transportation or air quality.

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

Active membership in good standing of the bar of a State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia.

Demonstrated experience in regulatory advocacy, litigation, and/or policy development at the state or federal level.

Experience with issues relating to preemption of State and local programs under the Clean Air Act and Energy Policy and Conservation Act.

Excellent oral and written communication, presentation, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.

Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities; attentive to detail, proactive, and highly organized.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team across multiple time zones.

Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.

Commitment to EDF’s mission and values, and to advancing clean air and climate solutions.

Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

Salary: $122,000 – 129,000 USD

The Office of the New York State Attorney General’s (OAG) Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) is seeking an experienced litigator and legal supervisor to serve as Affirmative Litigation Section Chief in the Albany office. This position involves managing attorneys and other law office professionals representing the state in environmental, public health, and energy matters in lawsuits in state and federal court, and in conducting pre-litigation investigations and resolutions.

The EPB enforces state and federal environmental laws that protect New Yorkers’ rights to clean air, clean water, and safe and healthy communities, and conducts investigations into violations of those laws. The bureau is focused on advancing environmental justice throughout the state, including addressing the inequitable distribution of pollution and other environmental health burdens, and associated health disparities. The bureau also defends in both federal and state courts the state’s executive agencies charged with environmental responsibilities, including the Departments of Environmental Conservation, Health, and Transportation; the Adirondack Park Agency; and the Lake George Park Commission, among others. The bureau is a national leader in multistate federal environmental advocacy and litigation. Recent matters handled by the bureau’s attorneys include leading multistate coalitions in litigation challenging federal regulatory rollbacks, including protections for clean air, water, and toxic chemicals; advocacy to uphold EPA’s greenhouse gas emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants and motor vehicles; lead paint hazard enforcement in low-income residential housing; and investigation into deceptive advertising regarding the safety of pesticide products harmful to honeybees and other pollinators. Attorneys also develop and litigate contaminated site cleanup cost recovery actions, as well as matters involving state and federal energy regulation.

The Affirmative Litigation Section Chief position is focused on affirmative litigation and investigations to enforce state and federal environmental laws and regulations. The candidate will manage and supervise the work of assigned attorneys in Albany and Buffalo, which will include substantive involvement and oversight. The Section Chief will lead recruitment efforts in their section and ensure compliance with office procedures. As a member of EPB’s management team, the Section Chief will collaborate and interact with other OAG and bureau managers on training and team initiatives. The Section Chief will be responsible for developing and managing complex civil law enforcement investigations and litigation and for managing a group of lawyers with diverse experience and skills. The Section Chief will supervise affirmative environmental litigation, including contaminated site cost recovery litigation, in both state and federal courts.

Qualifications:
• At least ten (10) years of civil litigation practice in state and federal courts including the following: writing briefs (or portions of briefs) and performing document review; experience conducting depositions or other witness examinations, appearing in court, and conducting or participating in settlement negotiations. Applicants with litigation experience in clean energy, climate change, hazardous waste or other environmental or public health issues are preferred; or applicants may have other complex litigation experience with a strong demonstrated interest in these areas.
• At least three (3) years successfully managing attorneys and/or litigation teams.
• Excellent research, reasoning, writing, and editing skills with the ability to collaborate with others to ensure quality and accuracy in the bureau’s written work product.
• Strong oral advocacy skills and comfortable arguing before a court.
• Ability to work with partner organizations to help build coalitions.
• Self-directed and organized with the ability to independently manage assignments, deadlines, and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, particularly when engaging with members of the public, scientific and technical staff, expert and fact witnesses, administrative agencies, and other members of litigation teams.
• A demonstrated commitment to public service.

The salary range for this position is $160,713 – $183,926. The final salary will be set after a complete evaluation of the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Senator Ruben Gallego seeks a Legislative Correspondent to join his legislative team and support the Energy and Natural Resources portfolio. The Legislative Correspondent will take primary responsibility for drafting responses to constituent outreach on a wide range of policy issues, including energy, natural resources, tribal affairs, environmental protection, and agriculture.

In addition to managing constituent correspondence, the Legislative Correspondent will support senior staff in preparing materials for ENR Committee hearings, stakeholder meetings, and other engagements with constituents, state leaders, national organizations, and federal agencies. The position will also contribute to policy development, including identifying new policy ideas and helping cultivate relationships with relevant state stakeholders, government officials, policy experts, committee staff, and agency partners.

Qualified applicants should have strong research and writing skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to produce thorough, accurate, and timely work. Effective communication skills, a commitment to public service, and an eagerness to learn and advocate on behalf of the people of Arizona are essential.

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is seeking a talented and enthusiastic conservation advocate and public policy professional to lead our coalition-based work to advance conservation and recreation priorities in New York (remote role located in SE New York, NYC, or nearby with ability to travel up to 25 percent of the time). A qualified candidate will be enthusiastic about AMC’s conservation mission and approach, have a proven track record in public policy and decisionmaker outreach, and will have experience in community and constituency engagement.

What You’ll Be Doing at AMC

Lead AMC’s conservation and recreation policy work in New York, including identifying and implementing public policy and advocacy campaigns and initiatives at the local and state level.
Building relationships with state and local (SE NY, NYC) government officials, especially in areas supporting AMC operations.
Build and convene coalition partners with conservation and outdoor recreation organizations and coordinate coalition advocacy efforts.
Monitor, analyze, and engage in legislation in the New York State Legislature affecting conservation, outdoor recreation, and AMC operations and build relationships with key legislators, staff, and committees.
Represent AMC at regional conferences, press events, and meetings in New York and other parts of the region, as needed.
Track state regulatory proceedings and comment periods.
Build relationships with the congressional delegation and support federal policy priorities, including implementation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Lead public engagement efforts through policy communications, ideating and participating in events, and outreach with AMC chapters.
Support internal coordination across the Conservation team (Trails, Research, Lands, and Policy) and with Operations, Growth, and Development teams.

Qualifications

What AMC is Looking For

Bachelor’s degree (or higher) plus a minimum of 5 years of experience preferred in fields related to: conservation advocacy, land and water protection, understanding of outdoor recreation industry and conservation funding mechanisms, environmental policy, issue-based campaign work, or related experience, is required.
Leadership experience working in a coalition setting, network, or partnership of diverse interests towards a common set of goals.
Strong written and verbal communications skills and an ability to effectively reach different audiences with different communications tools.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Proven experience in working effectively to support and engage volunteers and other constituents often of a varied background and experience level.
Must have a valid driver’s license and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, as well as a willingness to travel throughout New York as needed.
Physical abilities required: Majority of work is performed in a standard office setting. Ability to occasionally travel safely in the backcountry in all weather conditions carrying a backpack of up to 20 pounds is preferred. Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and operate standard office equipment.

Salary range: $66,157 – $89,265

The Senior Attorney, Texas Clean Affordable Power leads EDF’s legal and regulatory advocacy in support of clean energy in Texas. This primarily comprises representing EDF before ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) for utility practices that support timely, affordable electrification. This position also supports EDF’s legislative advocacy and civil litigation related to clean energy, particularly with respect to Texas. The Senior Attorney works in close coordination with EDF’s State Director for Texas as well as colleagues in EDF’s Energy Transition team.

Subject-matter areas of focus include utility forecasting and planning; transmission and distribution grid infrastructure buildout; leveraging distributed energy resources; load flexibility and demand response; grid reliability and resiliency; vehicle and building electrification; and electricity rate design. In addition to formally representing EDF before administrative agencies and civil courts, this position will also engage with external and internal partners to develop strategy, refine policies, generate thought leadership, and leverage external communications to support and amplify clean energy advocacy across the country.

This position will report to the Distinguished Counsel & AVP, US Legal and Regulatory and will work closely with the Senior Attorney, Electrification in Legal & Regulatory.

Qualifications

7+ years of relevant professional experience, including at least 3 years practicing before ERCOT and/or the PUCT required. Experience in both ERCOT and non-ERCOT regions of Texas preferred.
Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school and an active bar membership in Texas, in good standing, required.
Proficiency with ERCOT and PUCT procedural rules and conventions.
Familiarity with major energy issues facing Texas (e.g., data centers and load growth, electrification of end-uses, electric distribution and transmission system planning, renewable generation, electricity market design, energy affordability etc.), and ability to substantively engage therewith.
Experience interfacing with a range of stakeholders, including community leaders, companies, industry trade associations, and policymakers with the ability to garner consensus between disparate groups.
Demonstrated experience in regulatory advocacy, litigation, and/or policy development at the state or federal level.
Excellent oral and written communication, with demonstrated ability to effectively communicate comprehensive subject matter expertise and technical and policy findings to colleagues, policymakers, other stakeholders and allies, journalists, and the general public.
Ability to deploy and integrate science, law, economics, and advocacy tools to initiate and win positive environmental change.
Ability to recognize and build on political opportunities for progress.
Strongpresentation, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities; attentive to detail, proactive, and highly organized.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team across multiple time zones.
Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
Commitment to EDF’s mission and values, and to advancing clean air and climate solutions.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.