Environmental Review Analyst

The Environmental Review Analyst supports the implementation and maintenance of the Bank’s environmental policy standard through the evaluation of Real estate and Non-real estate collateral. Project manages all aspects of the environmental due diligence process throughout the bank footprint to determine real estate collateral risks. Ensures that environmental due diligence is prudent, within risk tolerance, and in compliance with ASTM Standards. Reviews environmental reports and data from independent sources to determine risks associated with real estate properties. Ensures that environmental due diligence is reasonable, within risk tolerance, and in compliance with applicable regulations. Serves as a subject matter expert and educational resource to field associates on environmental science and engineering principles (geology, hydrology, soil science, air quality, hazardous waste, etc.) and their applicable environmental laws and regulations and general real estate or collateral questions and provides support to related department projects as needed.

Responsibilities

Environmental Due Diligence Project Management – Management of environmental due diligence process to include order, review, and critique of environmental reports, data, sampling plans, and cost proposals. Communicates findings to appropriate parties.
Risk Management – Develops and maintains in-depth knowledge of environmental risk to include emerging issues. Develops, administers, and maintains Bank environmental policy. Assists with ensuring individual orders align with the department’s stated risk tolerance.
Environmental Expertise – Develops and maintains in-depth knowledge of environmental science and engineering principles (geology, hydrology, soil science, air quality, hazardous waste, etc.) and their applicable environmental laws and regulations. Assists associates with environmental questions, problems, or concerns. Addresses real estate and loan compliance issues within the context of the environmental policy.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 2 years of experience; Bachelor’s degree preferred with a major in natural science, physical science, environmental science, environmental engineering, or related field.

OR

High School Diploma or GED and 8 years of experience; Bachelor’s degree preferred with a major in natural science, physical science, environmental science, environmental engineering, or related field.

Preferred Education: Bachelor’s degree
Preferred Area of Experience: Geology, Hydrology, Soil Science, Air Quality, Hazardous Waste, Environmental Law, Policy, or Regulations, Environmental Review
License or Certification Type: Environmental industry certification (e.g., CHMM, CIH, CSP, PE) Preferred
Skill(s): Understanding of environmental science and engineering principles to include geology, soil science, hydrology, vapor intrusion and mitigation, historical research, hazardous materials management, and environmental compliance., Experience and knowledge of site characterization, environmental sampling techniques and methodologies, data analysis, and remediation technologies., In-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental law and regulation and how it relates to the risk review process., Knowledge and understanding of banking terms with an emphasis on environmental terminology, policies, and procedures.

Senior Policy Analyst (Energy)

Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is the bipartisan organization of Governors from the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA’s mission is to share best practices, address issues of national and state interest, and drive innovative solutions that improve state government and support the principles of federalism.

NGA’s Center for Best Practices is the policy and research arm that helps Governors develop and implement solutions to public policy challenges. NGA’s Government Relations group assists in ensuring the voice of Governors are heard in Congress, and the Executive Branch and NGA’s Communications team collaborates with Governors’ offices to amplify bipartisan messaging and strategy.

Throughout the year, NGA convenes Governors and senior advisors for meaningful discourse, problem-solving and thought leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SENIOR POLICY ANALYST (ENERGY)
The Center for Best Practices Senior Policy Analyst’s primary responsibilities will be to support Governors on a range of energy and environmental policy issues that may include energy planning and system modernization to meet clean energy, storage, and electrification goals, energy resilience planning and funding, federal energy regulation and energy markets, state and federal nuclear energy priorities, some environmental work primarily focused on water and air policies and conservation, and other issues that may evolve over time. This position will report to a Program Director overseeing energy policy issues.

Other important responsibilities of the Senior Policy Analyst include:

Lead the development of events (including in-person, hybrid, and virtual events) to include: workshops, seminars, meetings, and presentations. Develop session content, plan and facilitate panel discussions, state strategy sessions, and other events for Governors, senior state policy staff, and key stakeholders on program and policy issue areas;
Provide ‘best practice’ guidance and state technical assistance to Governors’ policy advisors, other state policymakers, NGA committees, task forces, and other work groups;
Manage multiple ongoing projects and facilitate new project development, including engaging with partners and funders, working with sub-contracts and consultants, ensuring the timely completion of deliverables, scoping and designing new projects, and drafting grant proposals.
Write reports, articles, issue briefs, case studies, guides, tools, and memoranda on program and policy issues and best practices of relevance to Governors and their policy staffs and other state policymakers; Establish and maintain relationships with key individuals and groups within and outside NGA;
Maintain topical experience in state and federal program and policy issues;
Demonstrate a commitment to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all
Governors; and
Other duties as assigned by supervisor, Deputy Director, and Director, Center for Best Practices.

QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in public policy, energy policy, or a related field. Five-plus years working in areas of policies and programs within the energy or environmental policy portfolio, including substantive knowledge and experience working on a wide range of state policy approaches to addressing energy and environmental policy areas. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of state environmental protection policies and programs in the air, land, and water space; familiarity with U.S. EPA, DOE, and other federal agency environmental initiatives; some knowledge of state energy planning, grid modernization and energy infrastructure development/new technology deployment; state clean energy and decarbonization strategies, including support of certain generation technologies such as solar, wind, and nuclear; and general knowledge of U.S. energy markets and how they are regulated at the state level.

Knowledge and expertise could include helping Governors, their staff and their executive branch appointees design and implement evidence-based policies focused on achieving specific outcomes. Experience working with Governors, working in federal or state agencies or in non-profit organizations is preferred. Candidates with commensurate lived experience will also be considered.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to:

Have foundational content knowledge and experience related to federal and state policy in policy issue area(s);
Understand state policy and policy making and the role of Governors in advancing specific policies;
Identify and track key issues of concern to Governors and develop initiatives to address those concerns;
Proven ability to communicate effectively in verbal forms and facilitate meetings, with particular emphasis on the ability to communicate with policy-making audiences;
Have strong research, analytical skills, including ability to synthesize complex issues into audience-appropriate policy considerations and recommendations;
Manage multiple projects, work with high-level state policymakers in a variety of settings, and respond effectively to their needs for information and technical assistance;
Customer-service orientation with strong interpersonal skills, including the skills necessary to effectively work with colleagues, partner organizations and a variety of high-ranking state policymakers as well as enthusiasm for collaboration with colleagues;
Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting and re-purposing research and best practices for policymakers in a timely and effective manner;
Ability and willingness to work independently and take a proactive approach to problem-solving;
Conduct qualitative evaluations of projects and produce subsequent reports;
Prepare grant applications and reports on grant progress;
Be flexible and adaptable to working in multiple programs and policy issues;
Have knowledge and understanding of MS Office suite and web tools; and
Travel, as necessary.

Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney

Join the fight against climate change and take advantage of a unique opportunity on the cutting edge of climate policy at the New York City Department of Buildings. DOB has an essential role in implementing and enforcing New York City’s ground-breaking climate policies, including Local Law 97, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the city’s largest buildings. In a city where buildings contribute nearly three-quarters of our greenhouse gas emissions, a focus on efficiency, building energy usage, and decarbonization is critical. DOB is committed to becoming the nation’s premier municipal building organization, enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers, and making our city a safer and healthier place to live. Become a member of DOB’s Bureau of Sustainability team and make a real difference.

Under supervision of the Deputy Director, Sustainability Legal Affairs, the Senior Sustainability Enforcement Attorney will supervise an enforcement team, and work on enforcement cases and projects with Sustainability Bureau staff, as well as other units in the agency.

Duties include but are not limited to:
– Working with Sustainability Bureau staff to promote effective enforcement and compliance, including reviewing procedures, developing enforcement policy, improving coordination and communication among the regulated community, and performing enforcement-related training.
– Performing all areas of case management, including initial and continuing research, designing an appropriate legal strategy, developing and overseeing a case tracking system, managing pre-trial settlement agreements, and preparing and prosecuting cases at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).
– Supervising an enforcement team of attorneys and paralegals.
– Preparing reports and related analyses on cases and/or enforcement processes.
– Supporting collection of penalties and fines assessed.
– Proposing new ideas for overall enforcement initiatives and programs.
– Managing special projects and assignments.
– Any other duties as assigned.

This position is Agency Attorney L3

Minimum Qualifications

1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and either “2” or “3” below.
2. One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
3. Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).
Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
In addition to meeting the minimum Qualification Requirements:
To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment. To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

Preferred Skills

– Experience with adjudication, prosecution, or defense, at OATH. – Excellent writing, legal research, and critical thinking and analytical skills. – Experience working with various stakeholders to achieve consensus. – Experience with supervising and/or training attorneys. – Demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, ability to work independently and as part of a team on multiple assignments with minimal supervision. – Experience with Building Code, building sustainability. – Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, West Law, etc.

Deputy Director, Environmental Compliance

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities to its employees.

Position Objective:

This position is to manage and monitor Metro-North’s environmental compliance activities to ensure adherence to all applicable environmental laws and regulations. This position will oversee all environmental disciplines and projects handled by the Environmental Compliance Unit under the Office of System Safety. This position is responsible for assuring compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements pertaining to hazardous and regulated wastes, spill prevention, air quality, and soil management associated with operations and capital projects, remediation activities, stormwater issues, and all regulatory permitting requirements.

Responsibilities:

Manage all aspects of MNR’s regulatory requirements and compliance obligations (Permits, SPEDES, SWPPP, SPCC, SPR, PBS, CBS, Air, Water, Hazardous and non-hazardous waste, Spills, Pollution Prevention, Remediation, etc.); mentor and direct environmental compliance unit staff; assign work, monitor performance, and provide coaching for performance improvement and personal development targets.
Manage Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) annual report submittal to the Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and stormwater management activities throughout the year, including preparation of annual forms, GIS mapping, construction site stormwater activity, illicit discharge tracking, attendance at hearing, environmental training and public outreach.
Oversee the management of threatened and endangered species concerns including the USFWS SPUT Migratory Bird Permit including renewal and annual reporting required for eagle strikes. Manage ongoing application process for Incidental Take Permit with USFWS and obtain NYSDEC nuisance animal permits for MNR Operations as needed.
Prepare the Annual Environmental Audit required under the NYS Environmental Conservation Law as well as the Environmental Audit memo required for the Metro-North Committee on an annual basis.
Manage all hazardous and petroleum spill occurrences, including regulatory notification and clean-up efforts, including continuing consultation with regulators and clean-up contractors. Must be available to those members of the Environmental Compliance Department who respond to spills to provide directions on spill response and clean-up.
Provide guidance for Capital Projects and MTA Real Estate to assure compliance with environmental requirements during acquisitions, construction, and once in operation. Direct environmental site assessments prior to property acquisitions by MNR to satisfy due diligence and communicate findings with MTA Legal and Real Estate.
Monitor wastewater treatment system compliance with regulatory requirements (, including preparation and submittal of monthly sampling reports and renewal and modification of permits.
Attend Quarterly CDOT Environmental meetings and assist CDOT in the preparation of Minutes and oversee follow-up on issues raised during the Quarterly Meetings.
Prepare the annual budget and monitor monthly spending and ensure invoices from contractors/consultants are processed in a timely manner.
Manage all aspects of Metro-North’s multiple (7) environmental contracts, including, assisting with the development of environmental specifications, review of work scopes, plans, and submissions for changes to the operation or building or demolition of structures, design drawings, conducting site assessments for Phase I and Phase II ESA.
Support Field Safety, Safety Engineering, Fire Life Safety, and Emergency Management with IAQ complaints, emergency evacuations, and safety and environmental concern investigations. Identify and assist the Capital Department in obtaining all required environmental permits, including those necessary from the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of State, United States Coast Guard, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and other regulatory agencies and assist in the preparation of State Environmental Quality Review Act and National Environmental Policy Act documentation.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Working knowledge of and the ability to understand and interpret federal and state environmental laws and regulations including Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, etc.
Familiarity with the integration of environmental and safety issues.
Strong leadership skills to motivate and foster teamwork, and experience managing staff.
Strong knowledge of waste management including familiarity with varied chemical and mechanical waste treatment techniques and technologies.
Working knowledge of wastewater treatment systems.
Working knowledge of MS4 system requirements.
Strong interpersonal skills to maintain positive working relationships with other departments and regulatory agencies.
Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
Demonstrated crisis management skills with the ability to respond to emergencies in a timely and proper manner.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adhere to deadlines and budgets.
Working knowledge of MS Office Suite and/or comparable applications.
Demonstrated planning and organizational skills.

The Following is/are preferred:

Familiarity with railroad operation.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or related field.
Minimum of nine (9) years of experience handling environmental issues for a major transportation facility.
Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience.
Experience in managing environmental contractors and reviewing work scopes as well as invoices.
MNR Roadway Worker Protection qualified or ability to become qualified within (6) months of hire and maintain the annual requalification thereafter.

The following is/are preferred, but other satisfactory combinations of relevant experience, education, and/or technical credentials will be considered:

Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or related field.
OSHA 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response training and petroleum spill training is a plus.
Knowledge of safety issues and established relationships with the System Safety Department.
MNR Operating Rules qualified or ability to become qualified within (6) months of hire and maintain the annual requalification thereafter.

Legislative Assistant

The National Association of Counties (NACo), a nonprofit in Washington, D.C., is the only organization that supports our nations’ counties’ elected officials through policy and advocacy work.

NACo is seeking a Legislative Assistant for Transportation and Environment, Energy and Land Use. This position focuses on analyzing legislation and regulatory activities, as well as administrative duties associated with preparing for and conducting meetings and educational sessions held in conjunction with NACo conferences. In this role, you will gain valuable exposure to lobbying strategies and perform supportive administrative duties such as providing answers, both oral and written to membership inquiries on legislative matters.
Position Responsibilities and Activities

Supporting Legislative and Associate Legislative Directors in their written work and meetings
Assisting with written department-wide products and analysis
Performing legislative research on issues important to county governments and county elected officials as they relate to transportation, environmental and energy policy
Assisting in tasks associated with the preparation and execution of major conferences and meetings—including legislative fact sheets, policy analysis and other various tasks as assigned
Assisting in scheduling appointments and setting up meetings
Performing various other duties that may be assigned from time to time based on the needs of the government affairs department.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Bachelor’s Degree
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Microsoft Office including Word, PowerPoint and Excel proficient
Solid understanding of the U.S political system, including local and regional government
Interest or previous experience in transportation, environmental and energy policy preferred
Capitol Hill experience as a Legislative Correspondent or in a similar position preferred
Detail oriented, organized and able to multi-task while meeting several deadlines
Able to work well under pressure
Self-motivated
Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, PowerPoint and Excel

Working Conditions

Hybrid work schedule is available
Some travel required

Alaska Policy Director

Trout Unlimited is looking for an experienced leader to help advance and grow our longstanding fish conservation work in Alaska. The ideal candidate is creative, solution oriented and skilled in assessing and advancing opportunities at the federal, state and local levels that benefit trout, salmon and steelhead. This position will be part of TU’s Alaska leadership team and responsible for leading our federal and state strategy, shaping TU’s involvement in land, water and fisheries management, developing strong relationships with decision-makers, and working with other staff and partners to develop proactive and collaborative solutions to issues affecting Alaska’s fish and their habitat. The ideal candidate will have experience navigating state and federal laws, policies and administrative processes, be creative and solution-oriented, and ready to develop innovative approaches to complex fisheries conservation issues. The Alaska policy director reports to the Alaska director and will collaborate closely with other members of the team. There is a preference to base the position in Anchorage or Juneau, but other locations in Alaska will be considered.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop annual conservation policy priorities in collaboration with TU staff.
Design and lead the implementation of policy advocacy strategies working closely with the engagement and communications team
Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, policy-makers, agency decision-makers, and community leaders.
Collaborate with conservation and fishing organizations, tribes and other potential partners to achieve common policy objectives and leverage TU resources.
Monitor federal and state policy developments and program activities of key government agencies and bodies relevant to TU’s mission and develop TU’s policy positions.
Advocate on behalf of TU in legislative and administrative matters in the state legislature, in agency proceedings and rulemakings, and occasionally in Washington, D.C., including preparing and delivering written comments and giving oral testimony and commentary.
Build and maintain relationships with TU’s staff, advisors and volunteer leaders.
Coordinate with TU’s Government Affairs Department on federal policy matters
Assist with fundraising.
Collaborate with TU communications and engagement staff to persuasively convey the value of TU’s work.
Assist Alaska director in developing and managing the program’s annual budget.
Manage TU’s work to achieve policy related grant deliverables in collaboration with the Alaska Communications and Engagement Director.

This is a non-supervisory position. This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in federal and/or state policy analysis and advocacy. A candidate with less than 7 years of experience may be considered if they have a law degree or similar academic credentials and substantial policy advocacy experience.
Understanding of natural resource policy and management issues relevant to the conservation of trout and salmon and their habitats in Alaska.
Familiarity with government structure and function and tracking natural resource issues at the state and federal levels.
Knowledge of state and national politics relevant to TU’s mission.
Demonstrated ability and desire to establish and cultivate strong working relationships with diverse stakeholders and partners with varying political viewpoints.
Ability to work independently, while staying coordinated with a team.
Excellent time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Outstanding oral and written communication skills; including public speaking.
Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and think creatively and strategically.
Ability and willingness to travel frequently in and out of Alaska, including in remote parts of the state and in inclement and unpredictable weather.
Valid driver’s license and own vehicle.
Commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion and working with a wide variety of partners, including Alaska Native Tribes, rural community leaders and fishing and hunting groups.
Passion for TU’s mission and conserving Alaska’s fish and wildlife.
Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Experience with fundraising and grant writing is helpful but not required.

Salary Description
$87,500-97,500 annually

Environmental Paralegal

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office Environmental Protection Unit is seeking highly motivated and detail-oriented environmental paralegal to play a vital role in addressing pressing environmental issues impacting Arizona’s communities and resources. In this dynamic role, you will directly support our attorneys in pursuing complex environmental litigation aimed at safeguarding Arizona’s environment.

A passion for environmental law and a strong desire to protect Arizona’s environment are essential. Experience and/or knowledge of environmental law and environmental issues is preferred.

Remote Options: This position may be eligible for partial Remote Work.

The responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to timely and accurate preparation of a wide variety of legal correspondence, briefs, pleadings, motions, legal notices and forms. Draft and review legal memoranda analyzing complex legal and factual issues and performing substantive legal research.

Prepares discovery documents and files appropriate discovery documentation and pleadings with the court.

Managing the disclosure process in complex cases involving voluminous documents, including organizing the documents and bates stamping, redacting, creating the disclosure index and conducting document review and preparation of discovery materials for trial cases. Prepare for filing with the court complex disclosure statements summary reports and exhibits under the supervision of the attorney.

The position will also maintain legal records, files, and case management system.

KNOWLEDGE
Concepts, terminology, principles and procedures of law; methods and techniques of legal research; use of statutes, codes and other legal resources; methods, techniques, and principles for legal writing.
Understanding of the attorney/client relationship including the need for confidentiality and discretion.
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong analytical and organizational skills.
Accurate and detail-oriented with sound judgment and integrity.

SKILLS
Skilled in researching and extracting information from statutes, codes, legal documents and court decisions.
Proper use and application of information from legal sources; ability to elicit information in a legal investigation; write complex legal documents; establish and maintain relationships with representatives of the courts and government entities.
Work well in a challenging and fast-paced environment, respond well to changing priorities and regularly demonstrate a professional, positive and supportive attitude.

ABILITIES
Ability to track court actions in various states.
Ability to utilize automated case management systems and follow office procedures for maintaining and tracking records.
Ability to organize, prioritize and perform varied tasks and track multiple deadlines simultaneously.

Policy Communications Intern

For over 30 years, it’s been CALSTART’s mission to develop, assess, and implement large-scale, zero-emission transportation solutions to mitigate climate change and support economic growth. CALSTART works with businesses, organizations, governments, and communities to create real-life impact toward clean air and equitable access to clean transportation for all. CALSTART provides scientific, technical and policy support for regulatory development and clean technology and infrastructure acceleration.

The Role:

CALSTART has an immediate 3-month paid internship opportunity for a highly motivated and organized individual to join our Policy Initiative. Our Policy Communications Intern will support the Policy team and report directly to the Director, Public Engagement and Media Relations. Our intern will play an important role in supporting the policy team by helping amplify our work across various digital platforms.
What you’ll do:

Collaborate with the policy and communications team to develop engaging written and visual content for diverse communication channels.
Draft media pitches and press releases (or advisories) in connection with breaking news and/or special events.
Assist in creating social media content that the team can uplift on our social channels and across various digital platforms.
Contribute to the planning and execution of advocacy campaigns by supporting our communication strategies to amplify our message to both traditional media and on social media platforms.
Assist in summarizing key findings of CALSTART’s research on the clean transportation sector for internal use and external communications.
Assist in promoting CALSTART’s events, webinars, and initiatives on social media platforms to maximize attendance and engagement.
Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between policy goals and communication strategies, providing support as needed.
Conduct research on suitable “beat” reporters and others interested in the issues we care about at CALSTART—and update media lists in Cision, a media database.
Perform other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring to the Table:

Currently enrolled in an accredited college/university level coursework pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
Passion for clean transportation, environmental sustainability, and policy advocacy through the lens of communication and storytelling.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with a creative flair.
High proficiency in communications project management across various stages of development and implementation (planning, execution, monitoring and completion) focusing on media campaigns and online strategy.
Familiarity with social media platforms and understanding of social media analytics.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of applications (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook).
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and project management abilities.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and multi-task in a fast-paced environment
Minimum commitment of 10hrs/week

Additional Desired Qualifications:
Graphic design skills or experience with design tools (Photoshop, Canva, Adobe InDesign, etc.) are a plus. Experience with creating graphics for social media platforms such as: LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

$16 – $18 an hour

Senior Land Protection Specialist

Founded in 1965, NCLC is the largest land trust in Connecticut, protecting 13,300 acres (and growing) of vast, connected natural areas. NCLC’s conserved lands include twenty-two public hiking preserves, forty-eight working farms, and over 3,000 acres of habitat for rare and endangered species. NCLC believes in connecting people to nature through public access to wildlands and free educational programming for all ages. NCLC is also a dedicated conservation partner and service provider, assisting the work of local land trusts and regional partners through funding and technical assistance for acquisitions and stewardship, as well as providing shared staff. To strengthen the region’s capacity to conserve high-quality conservation lands and ensure the permanence of those conserved lands for the future, NCLC merged with Brookfield Open Space Legacy in 2019 and Naromi Land Trust in 2020. NCLC is a nationally accredited land trust with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

Position Description

The senior land protection specialist is a key leader on NCLC’s acquisition team, responsible for overseeing new land acquisitions consistent with NCLC’s policies and conservation objectives. This is an exciting and rewarding role with a variety of duties and responsibilities:

Land Protection:

Identify and evaluate tracts of land primarily in Litchfield County and northern Fairfield County, based on ecological, recreational, and natural landscape significance according to NCLC’s conservation criteria.
Negotiate acquisitions with private landowners, public agencies, and other organizations concerning the acquisition of land and easements.
Draft legal documents, including purchase and sale agreements, option agreements, and conservation easements, in collaboration with counsel.
Plan and direct protection projects by obtaining NCLC committee and board approvals for land protection projects.
Oversee farmland conservation program by identifying farms eligible for Connecticut’s Farmland Protection Program, completing all relevant program, and funding applications, and serving as a staff liaison to the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture.
Transaction due diligence and recordkeeping to ensure compliance with NCLC’s policies and Land Trust Standards and Practices.
Utilize GPS, GIS, and technical data to analyze and document conservation values and create conservation maps.
Manage annual program budget to complete projects within budget, including negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
Identify funding opportunities including drafting grant proposals for financial support of acquisition projects, implementing, tracking, and reporting on awarded funding. Raising funds from individual, corporate, and foundation donors, in conjunction with other NCLC staff.
Conduct site visits and compile documentation to satisfy legal and Land Trust Accreditation Commission requirements, complete fee management plans and baseline documentation reports as needed.
Complete tax exemption applications for all fee land transactions and complete other corporate and tax filings as needed.
Program compliance ensuring adherence to internal policies and external requirements, including Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.

Outreach and Partnerships:

Public representation at public events, partner meetings, and trainings.
Participate in community engagement building a welcoming, successful, and respected community institution in partnership with colleagues, partner organizations, members, and the broader community.
Encourage philanthropic support by participating in member events, visits, communications, and gift solicitations to support the organization’s philanthropic efforts.
Assist in promotion and communication about conservation efforts through the creation of press releases, outreach, and development materials to promote land preservation projects.

Organizational Sustainability:

Recommend policy and procedure improvements.
Perform other duties as needed or assigned as part of NCLC’s close-knit team.
Maintain familiarity with governing documents, including mission, bylaws, strategic plan, policies, etc.
Keep current on all aspects of Land Trust Standards and Practices as they apply to the job function.
Some travel is required primarily within Connecticut, with some evening and weekend hours.

Reports to:

Executive Director

Salary:

Competitive salary: $80-95,000 depending on experience.

Legislative Assistant

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time, and bring about positive change. 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, Philadelphia, Seattle, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.

This position reports to the Legislative Director for Access to Justice and provides legislative and administrative support to Policy and Legislation (Climate and Energy and the Lands, Wildlife, and Oceans teams), and assists in the implementation of legislative and administrative strategies on environmental issue priorities for Earthjustice. This position is integral to maintaining coordination and collaboration between team members, supporting the implementation of policy and advocacy priorities, and acting as a one-stop resource for attentive assistance and research.

The Legislative Assistant will work from our Washington, D.C. office under a hybrid model, working from the office 3 days a week.

Responsibilities
Lobbyist Support (70-75%)

Researches, writes, proofreads and edits a variety of materials including but not limited to fact sheets, action alerts, memos, and blogs.
Attends, takes accurate notes and reports back on legislative and administration hearings and briefings as directed by PAL lobbyists.
Attends and takes accurate notes on coalition and internal conference/zoom calls as directed by PAL lobbyists.
Assists PAL staff in lobbying Congress as directed by PAL lobbyists (phone calls, individual emails, zoom meetings, community lobby days).
Manages Hill e-mail blasts.
Schedules and participates in Hill meetings as directed by PAL lobbyists and conducts follow-up if requested.
Monitors legislation and federal rules of interest to PAL.
Keeps apprised of issue areas assigned PAL teams work on.
Coordinates and organizes fly-ins and events (virtual and in-person), including budget management, travel, catering, meeting scheduling, and serves as the main contact for attendees.
Plans and staff events including Hill briefings, receptions, and meetings as requested by supported team lobbyists.
Creates and maintains Congressional activity trackers, spreadsheets, and databases as requested by PAL staff.
Conducts research, as requested, on Members of Congress and issues of interest to PAL.
Moderates listservs for lobbyists as requested.
Monitors media coverage of interest to PAL.
Assists in booking travel for clients and partners.
Assists PAL National Communications Strategist as requested.

Administrative Support/Internal Coordination (15%)

Stays apprised of technology of help to the department (such as bill tracking software).
Coordinates closely with legislative assistant colleague and provides help when needed.
Serves as liaison between PAL and Earthjustice WebMaster, e-mail alert team, and other Earthjustice departments as directed by internal teams.
Assists PAL National Communications Strategist/Social Media team with PAL twitter as requested.
Assists PAL Administrative Assistant regarding PAL administrative functions and needs as requested.

Supervision (15%)

Recruits, supervises, and manages projects of PAL interns as required

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required or 4+ years of relevant experience (2 years of experience for an Associate’s degree).
Experience with the legislative process and/ or environmental experience is a plus
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and Google Drive.
Strong organization skills, including the ability to work collaboratively in teams managing multiple projects with complex deliverables, and consistently meet deadlines.
Outstanding oral and written communications skills, including excellent command of spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Good judgment, professionalism, composure under pressure, and a sense of humor.
Willingness to be transparent and assertive regarding challenges, opportunities, and professional growth goals.
Proven ability to take initiative.
Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
Contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

Salary is based on location and experience.

Salary range in Washington, DC: $68,400 – $76,000