Job Tag: Law/Policy

The Environment Section of the Environment, Health, and Human Services Division of the Utah Attorney General’s Office has two openings for attorneys to represent the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”).

The responsibilities for these positions include representing the DEQ in contested administrative hearings, civil litigation, appeals, rulemaking, government records, contracts, grants and general agency advice. The primary statutes administered by the DEQ are the Water Quality Act, the Air Conservation Act, the Radiation Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Solid and Hazardous Waste Act, and the Underground Storage Tank Act.

At least three years of relevant experience is required. A demonstrated interest in environmental, energy, and natural resources laws is important. Prior knowledge, experience or coursework in environmental compliance matters is preferred. Strong aptitude for employing negotiations to achieve administrative or judicial settlement is essential. The ability to work with scientists, engineers, enforcement specialists, and other professionals on interdisciplinary case teams is highly desirable. Applicants must have excellent written and oral communication skills.

All applicants must be a member of or eligible for membership in the Utah State Bar and be admitted or eligible for admission to practice in State courts, the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Qualifications

(includes knowledge, skills, and abilities required upon entry into position and trainable after entry into position)

agency and/or organizational program(s)
communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing
read, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures
speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to, and understand, information and ideas as presented verbally
legal processes and procedures
applicable laws, rules, regulations and/or policies and procedures
civil and criminal justice laws
understand and apply case and statutory law
evaluate information against a set of standards
use logic to analyze or identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data to draw conclusions
laws, legal codes, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, the democratic political process, and legislative history
perform legal research using case law and appropriate techniques
laws governing access to public and private records (Government Records Access and Management Act)
make a decision or solve a problem by using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions
deal with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism
provide consultation and/or expert advice or testimony
rules of evidence
interpret and apply legal decisions and identify current and emerging trends in interpretation
principles, theories, and practices of judicial or administrative law

Earthjustice seeks a full-time Senior Litigation Assistant to join the Clean Energy Program. The successful applicant will provide administrative and litigation support services to our team of lawyers who are working around the country to accelerate the essential transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Earthjustice is the nation’s leading environmental law organization. Wielding the power of law, Earthjustice partners with our clients to take on the most critical fights of our time — fights to protect the incredible biodiversity and wild places of the planet; to avert climate disaster by transitioning society away from fossil fuels toward clean energy; to safeguard the right of all people to a healthy environment. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Seattle, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.

Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program litigates and advocates in state and federal courts and before energy regulators across the country to advance an equitable clean energy transition. Our work includes expanding and increasing access to clean energy resources, including energy efficiency, solar, wind, demand response, and storage; advancing electrification; and opposing efforts to build new gas-fired power plants. We represent diverse clients individually and as part of coalitions.

This position can be performed from any Earthjustice office, with a preference for our primary program offices (New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, or San Francisco).

This is a full-time (37.5 hours/week), hybrid role. This role requires in-person attendance and is not a remote work position. Our ideal candidate would be available to start as soon as possible.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Two plus years of paralegal or legal assistant experience in a litigation setting.
Interest in and knowledge of environmental or social justice issues is a plus.
A can-do attitude, meticulous attention to detail, and an unrelenting commitment to high performance standards.
Excellent research, analytical, writing, and computer skills (word processing, databases and spreadsheets, Internet, etc.).
Knowledge of the entire Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
The ability to organize, set priorities among multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and function calmly under pressure.
The ability to work effectively with remote staff.
The ability to maintain confidential information.
The ability to coordinate workflow and assignments with fellow Litigation Assistants in the Clean Energy Program and to mentor peers.
Flexible, punctual, highly reliable, and available for occasional evening and weekend work.
Ability to work for extended periods on the computer as needed to meet filing deadlines.
A team player who will enthusiastically take on tasks that range from intellectually challenging to more mundane administrative work.
Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
Commits and contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

The Council of State Governments West (CSG West) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization serving the western state legislatures of Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, the Pacific islands of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.

Located in Sacramento, California, CSG West facilitates regional cooperation, exchange of information, and fosters the strengthening of western legislative institutions through a variety of programs and services. This includes policy forums, professional development training, international relations opportunities, research, publications, and institutional linkages with other regional or national entities.

CSG West is one of four regions of CSG, which was founded in 1933 and is our nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG’s unique regional and national structure invites focused participation from policymakers on a more intimate, regional level while also providing a national platform to exchange ideas and information. This structure also provides western lawmakers an opportunity to engage with state officials of all three branches of state government, access a myriad of national policy research, and stay abreast of national trends and developments in Washington, D.C. impacting state governments.

JOB SUMMARY

The policy analyst is responsible, through self-direction and in concert with the director of policy & international programs, for providing direction, staff support and research to assigned policy committees, programs, or working groups. Moreover, the position entails conducting outreach, member engagement, research and providing optimal customer service to Western legislatures through other responsibilities as assigned. This position will have a focus on natural resource committees and programs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as political science, public policy, public administration, international affairs/relations or related.
Minimum of three (3) years of relevant and progressive work experience in state government or with a public policy organization, membership association or public university.
Experience with natural resources issues, such as water, agriculture, and wildfires, a plus.
Demonstrated experience and knowledge of local, state and federal public policymaking and regulatory processes and state-federal relations.
Experience working as legislative staff a plus.

Sustainable Conservation (a leading non-profit in its field) advances the collaborative stewardship of California’s land, air, and water for the benefit of nature and people. Every day, we bring together businesses, landowners, scientists, community representatives, and government in some of the most productive yet economically disadvantaged parts of California, to steward the resources on which we all depend in ways that are just and make economic sense. Please visit www.suscon.org to learn more about our work.

Position Summary:

The Policy Director, in collaboration with program directors, leads Sustainable Conservation’s efforts whenever successful achievement of the organization’s goals would benefit from the creation or change of rules, regulations, or statutory law, or a substantive change in the interpretation of a public agency’s role or mission, or when policy negotiation, advising, or cooperation is required between Sustainable Conservation and private sector, NGO, and/or public agency stakeholders. The Policy Director tracks what is happening in Sacramento and across the state and thinks strategically about how to best position Sustainable Conservation’s programs to influence aspects of state policy relevant to work in achieving the organization’s goals (learn more about Sustainable Conservation’s programs here). As Sustainable Conservation embraces the essential role of equity in environmental policy, the Policy Director will play an influential role in leading the integration of equity into all of Sustainable Conservation’s policy work.

More specifically, the Policy Director will be representing Sustainable Conservation’s interests in the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, CV-SALTS, Irrigated Lands Regulatory Programs and the Dairy General Order among other policies, and actively communicating with a variety of state and regional agencies including the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Water Resources, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, the Natural Resources Agency, the Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Department of Food & Agriculture.

The Policy Director also provides advice and recommendations on policy positions and actions to the Chief Executive Officer, program staff, and the Board, and helps ensure that policy positions advocated by the organization with all government agencies, legislative bodies, and stakeholders are consistent with the positions approved by the organization.

Location: This position can be based at our San Francisco or Sacramento office but will collaborate with our Modesto team as well. Preference will be given to candidates based in or around the Sacramento region. Our teams work in a hybrid work environment with an option to work remotely a few days a week. Periodic travel throughout the state will be required.

Experience and Skills Required

At least 5-10 years of experience participating in policy efforts across California, at the local, state, and federal level.
Highly collaborative – ability to work proactively and collaboratively with Sustainable Conservation teams to develop policy goals and associated implementation strategies
Ability to inspire, be pragmatic, diplomatic, resourceful, strategic and demonstrate a strong commitment to practical policy solutions and the mission and vision of Sustainable Conservation
Deep understanding of the complex public policy issues at the state and regional level across California
Aptitude to strategically partner with stakeholders from multiple interest areas to find common ground and achieve collaborative goals
Knowledge of the California Legislative and Budget process
Knowledge of natural resource agencies’ policies and processes
Familiarity with statutes, regulations, and subject matter knowledge of California water supply, water quality, land use and sustainable agriculture issues
Curiosity and ability to learn new issue areas efficiently
Strong organization and time management skills, including demonstrated ability to plan and move forward multiple initiatives with multiple teams to meet deadlines.
Demonstrate Sustainable Conservation’s core values (Collaboration, Respect, Well-Being, Learning, Honesty and Results)
Commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Valid CA Driver’s License and a willingness to travel to frequently to Sacramento, Central /San Joaquin Valley and other bay area locations as needed, occasional overnight travel within CA may be required

Compensation: The compensation for this position will be in the range of $135,368 – $144,600 annually. Please note that the exact offered pay will be determined by factors including but not limited to education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

The Senior Policy Advisor leads and/or plays a key role in the development and implementation of one or more strategies to achieve the Conservancy’s goals through interaction with TNC teams, government officials and agencies, conservation partners and other external organizations.

We’re Looking for You:

The Senior Policy Advisor leads a team or works with an interdisciplinary team to serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex and strategic issues. They liaise with TNC’s New York and North America strategy teams, Conservation staff, other External Affairs departments and with TNC’s Operating Units to further conservation goals, policies and strategy. Duties may include daily contact with local, state and/or federal officials and external partners and contacts on matters pertaining to administrative/regulatory, legislative, and/or other policy actions related to the mission of The Nature Conservancy.

Responsibilities & Scope:

Applies a diversified knowledge of practices to support Conservancy strategies.

Supports program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment and works collaboratively within a cross-functional interdisciplinary team.

Develops relationships and works effectively with corporate, government, community, and non-governmental organization partners.

Acts independently and collaboratively within broad program goals.

Participates in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.

Manages project budgets and teams to meet objectives.

May supervise a team of staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.

May develop and implement multi-year fundraising strategies and goals.

What You’ll Bring:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of government relations or corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination education/experience.

Experience with the New York State legislative process including interpreting and drafting bills, and the regulatory/rulemaking process.

Experience successfully working with governmental and non-governmental organizations in New York State, including the Legislature and Executive agencies. Experience working in coalitions with other stakeholders on public policy issues or public appropriations.

Analytical and project management experience. Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.

Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.

Proven communication and presentation skills, including government officials and management-level individuals.

Supervisory experience

Proven negotiation skills.

Fluency in English.

Desired Qualifications:

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.

Master’s degree appreciated

Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, corporations, partners, donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff.

Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.

Experience working on environmental and/or conservation issues, with contacts at environmental agencies and organizations in New York State.

Conservation Colorado is seeking a Legislative Director to develop and lead the organization’s legislative strategies to leverage our power with decision makers at the capitol and in the regulatory agencies in order to win on our campaigns.

About Conservation Colorado
As the largest statewide environmental organization in Colorado, our mission is simple: we work to protect our state’s climate, air, land, water, and communities. We play a unique role in Colorado as our work focuses on organizing communities, influencing decision-makers, and electing conservation-minded leaders. We work for a Colorado where every community can breathe clean air, drink clean water, protect the landscapes we share and secure our climate future. And, where communities once burdened by environmental injustices lead the way forward.

What You’ll Do

This position reports to the Deputy VP of Programs and Politics and serves as a key architect of our legislative strategy. As the organization’s lead presence at the State Capitol, the Legislative Director builds and leverages relationships with decision-makers to advance our campaigns, shape policy outcomes, and grow our collective power.

Qualifications

This position is a great opportunity to deliver meaningful wins for Coloradans on the environmental issues that impact their daily lives. To be successful in this job, you will have the emotional intelligence, flexibility, and tenacity, to work well with our team. Fundamentally, we want someone who can thrive in a fast-paced & collaborative environment and loves the political fight. More specifically, you will have or be most or all of the following:

Experience as a Lobbyist: We do require that you have experience working directly as a lobbyist in some capacity to pass policies through various government venues. You’ll need to demonstrate the ability to develop and execute sophisticated legislative strategies to win on issue based campaigns.

Use an Equity Lens on Policy: You will need a clear understanding of racial equity & justice and the centrality of this analysis to the work we do. That means applying a structural lens to projects & decisions and asking “who benefits?” and “who is burdened?” Integrating equity into content and policy, including pushing partners & allies to incorporate this thinking into their work is also central to this work.

Policy Leadership: We are not usually the policy experts in the room, and you don’t have to be an expert on our issues; that can be learned. But you do need the ability to digest dense policy language into clear, compelling messages that are tailored to different audiences and communities and can connect our policy positions to broader narratives, lived experiences, and systemic change.

Build & Exercise Power Effectively: Fundamental to this role is being able to strategically organize people, relationships, and resources to influence decision-makers in service of winning on our policy priorities. It’s not just about access or persuasion, though that is critical—it’s about shifting who has voice, who sets the agenda, and whose interests are centered in policy and public life.

Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving: We’re looking for a leader who can see the big picture and connect the dots. This role requires someone who can anticipate challenges, analyze complex information, and design creative, equity-centered solutions that move our mission forward. You’ll be expected to navigate ambiguity, make sound decisions under pressure, and align tactics with long-term goals. Whether it’s shaping policy strategy, refining campaign plans, or troubleshooting organizational hurdles—you bring clarity, curiosity, and a bias toward action.

Strong Collaborator: This role requires a seasoned collaborator who thrives in complex, mission-driven environments. You’ll work across departments—programs, communications, development, and executive leadership—to align strategies, share information, and drive collective impact. You bring clarity to roles and decision-making, navigate tensions with empathy and purpose, and foster a culture of trust, accountability, and shared ownership. You know that real change happens when teams move in sync—and you make that possible.

This position does not have an undergraduate education requirement. Spanish/English bilingual is a skill we value, but it is not a requirement. This is a full-time job but there can be some flexibility in the exact schedule.

About the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES): Our mission is to secure a safe and stable climate by accelerating the transition to a thriving, just and resilient low-carbon economy. We are widely recognized as an influential voice on climate issues, a trusted convener, and a credible source of expertise and analysis. We work closely with international climate negotiators, federal, state, and local policymakers, executives of Fortune 500 businesses, and a wide range of other stakeholders to advance strong policy and action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. C2ES is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.

Position Summary: The Manager, Climate Resilience, will play a key role in supporting and delivering the Climate Resilient Communities Accelerator, a multi-year initiative to collaboratively address critical climate hazards, align public and private resources, and identify opportunities for policy innovation and economic development in target regions across the United States. The Manager will help shape, guide, and execute the Accelerator program by engaging a broad range of stakeholders, planning and facilitating events, developing stakeholder-informed policy recommendations, and collaborating with other experts at C2ES. The Manager will report to the Senior Manager of Resilience Programs and Policy, work closely with a second Manager, Climate Resilience, and collaborate with other colleagues across C2ES working on climate resilience, advocacy, business engagement, and communications.

Qualifications:

Interdisciplinary understanding of climate-related hazards, physical impacts, and adaptation strategies, and how U.S. communities and businesses can increase their resilience.
Excellent outreach, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills needed to navigate complex resilience challenges and work collaboratively across diverse stakeholders (e.g., local and Tribal governments, academia, nonprofits, businesses, state, and federal agencies).
Demonstrated research and policy analysis skills, including experience with U.S. Federal policy issues and opportunities related to climate action.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation skills and ability to distill complex information into clear presentation decks, documents, and other communication materials geared to non-expert audiences.
Project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, meet critical deadlines, and support event planning, logistics, and stakeholder involvement, including identifying key stakeholders and representatives who should be involved in the discussion or decision-making process.
Strong ability to think strategically, listen actively, problem-solve, and drive discussions toward actionable outcomes.
Team player, flexible, collaborative, and willing to pitch in at all levels.
BA and 4-7 years of relevant experience; Master’s/JD and 2-4 years of relevant experience; or equivalent experience. Degrees in policy, public administration, environmental science, earth science, climate science, sustainability, urban planning, engineering, design, social sciences, interdisciplinary programs, or related fields preferred but not required.

Starting Salary Base: Depending on experience and qualifications, the salary range for a Manager is $80,000 – $100,000.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading international conservation organizations, seeks an experienced policy advocate and government relations professional to join its Policy and Government Affairs team to help advance WWF policy and funding priorities with the United States government. The individual will be responsible for developing and leading lobbying and advocacy strategies around WWF priority issues of food system transformation and freshwater policy, working as part of a dynamic and transparent team environment and in close collaboration with relevant WWF substance experts from across the organization. The individual will also be responsible for building and managing strong and positive relationships with U.S. government stakeholders in both Congress and the Administration and for positively promoting WWF’s brand and reputation as well as its access to key decisionmakers and its ability to advance its overall priorities and policy objectives.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of experience in conservation, policy, or advocacy. Advanced degree preferred.
Strong existing working relationships preferred, including with relevant coalition players and Congressional, including Committee, and Executive branch staff. In particular, Agriculture Committees and USDA.
Must be willing to register as a federal lobbyist.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including effective public speaking and the ability to communicate complex issues both verbally and in written form.
Ability to effectively prioritize and produce high-quality work under time constraints
Excellent organizational and project leadership skills
Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
Familiarity with Microsoft office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.

Salary Range: $89,600 – $112,100

The Senior Policy Advisor, High Seas leads the MPA Designation Campaign workstream of TNC’s High Seas MPA strategy. This workstream focuses on supporting countries to accede to the BBNJ Agreement, support countries in developing High Seas MPA proposals, and supporting countries to advance proposals through the BBNJ Agreement process. They are responsible for delivering successful campaigns spanning Latin America, the Pacific, and Africa. They are also responsible for scoping out new geographies and fundraising opportunities in this space. The Senior Policy Advisor works with conservation partners, governments, multilateral agencies, and/or businesses focusing on policy, practice, and funding initiatives to advance High Seas MPAs. They identify high seas policy and funding opportunities, evaluate the potential for strategic partnerships, and develop and implement strategies to influence corporate practice, public policy, and public funding for high seas protection and sustainable use at a large scale, national and/or global level. They liaise with counterparts within the organization, especially colleagues working on marine protection issues in the Protect Ocean, Land and Freshwater, fisheries management issues in the Provide Food and Water Sustainably strategy team as well as colleagues in TNC’s regional and country programs, to provide and extract useful lessons and experience and to coordinate on joint policy/practice approaches. Together with the lead of the MPA Implementation workstream of the High Seas MPA Strategy and the Strategy Sponsor, they make up the leadership team of the strategy. The Senior Policy Advisor, High Seas reports to the Senior Director of Policy in the Policy and Public Funding Business Unit and may in time oversee the work of regional policy leads that are responsible for specific MPA sites.

What You’ll Bring:

Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, business or related field and 6 years of senior management level experience in government relations, corporate sector, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
Supervisory experience.
Fluency in English.
Direct experience working with partners and government agencies.
Project management experience including coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside an organization.
Proven experience in strategy development and implementation.
Demonstrated relationship building skills.
Experience negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements.
Proven written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

The Conservation Law Center (CLC) is the only public interest environmental law firm in Indiana. We address some of the most pressing conservation and environmental problems through public interest litigation, policy advocacy, and other legal tools. CLC’s staff of thirteen full-time professionals include seven attorneys experienced in the practice of environmental, conservation, and land use law and policy. CLC’s core mission is to provide pro bono representation to conservation organizations engaged in protecting clean water and natural habitat in the Great Lakes region, as well as to environmental nonprofits and community groups tackling environmental health issues in Indiana.

We are also committed to training the next generation of public interest lawyers through the Conservation Law Clinic at Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law. By working on active cases and matters under the supervision of CLC’s attorneys, law students develop essential lawyering skills needed to navigate complex environmental laws, regulatory, and legislative processes. The Clinic also exposes participating law students to the interplay between pervasive environmental problems and the broader socio-economic, political, and cultural contexts in which they occur.

Job Description

The Director of Policy and Government Affairs will be primarily responsible for leading CLC’s statewide policy initiatives, with a particular focus on Indiana’s water policies. The Director of Policy will work with the CLC team to develop and advance the organization’s policy objectives through legislative and regulatory education and advocacy at the Indiana Statehouse and before environmental rule-making boards. The Director of Policy will also closely collaborate with other environmental and conservation-focused organizations, lawmakers, and key stakeholders to build coalitions that support CLC’s water policy initiatives. Additionally, the Director of Policy will help teach law students enrolled in the Conservation Law Clinic together with CLC’s other attorneys.

Qualifications

J.D. preferred but exceptional candidates will be considered regardless of degree
At least 3 years of experience working in policy advocacy
Experience with and passion for environmental or conservation issues, particularly on environmental policy and water-related issues
Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills
The ability to develop work plans and implement strategies for achieving policy goals
Strong sense of personal initiative and work ethic, good judgment, creativity, and flexibility
Commitment and ability to be an exceptional teacher and mentor
Strong communication skills and the willingness to advocate for CLC’s mission with media, partners, and funders
Outstanding academic record
Demonstrated commitment to CLC’s core focus areas
Strong interpersonal skills and the desire to be a member of a supportive team
Ability and willingness to travel as necessary in support of CLC’s work