Job Tag: Law/Policy

Long Key State Park is looking for a self-motivated park service professional to fill a Park Ranger position, providing visitor services, maintenance, protection, administration, and resource management. The applicant must possess good visitor service and administrative skills, be able to work independently and have the ability to perform a variety of skilled trade functions using assorted equipment and tools. The applicant must be able to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Compliance with the processing requirements of Chapter 215.422, F.S. is mandatory. Persistent failure to comply with this section by any agency of the state shall constitute good cause for discharge of employees duly found responsible, or predominantly responsible, for failure to comply.

MAINTENANCE

Constructs, maintains and repairs small buildings, fences, trails, service roads, boardwalks, campsites, boat ramps, docks and all other necessary facilities. Maintains cleanliness of grounds and facilities. Operates a variety of equipment including chainsaws, lawn mowers, ATV’s, motor vehicles up to 2-ton class hauling debris, fill, etc.

VISITOR SERVICES

Explains the facilities and services provided for public use, enjoyment and education; meets visitors, answers questions, provides information and directions. Attempts to resolve visitor complaints while maintaining good public relations. Provides natural and cultural history interpretive programs and services via tours, walks and campfire programs. Operates point of sale computer system and cash register.

ADMINISTRATION

Prepares forms and reports on a wide range of subjects including fees, receipts, visitor use, visitor contacts, patrols, wildlife sightings and population counts, accidents, crisis and miscellaneous incidents, vehicle, boat and equipment operations, property records, purchase orders and requisitions, etc. Answers telephone, operates radio equipment and maintains logs.

PROTECTION

Ensures park rules are enforced pertaining to all natural, historical and archaeological facilities and resources and use thereof for the enjoyment of the visitor.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Recognizes plant communities. Implements vegetation and wildlife management plans, recognizes communities and maintains optimum species control via natural and chemical means. Implements site restoration projects such as reforestation and erosion control. Implements water resources management plan.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF, SKILL IN AND ABILITY TO:

perform house and grounds keeping duties and apply maintenance trades

KNOWLEDGE OF AND ABILITY TO:

perform routine inspections
identify and investigate problems and maintain facilities and equipment
prepare and keep accurate reports

SKILL IN AND ABILITY TO:

perform basic mechanical skills, including but not limited to, oil changes or troubleshooting a fuel system

perform basic equipment maintenance skills, including but not limited to, sharpen chainsaw or lawn mower blades or replacing lawn mower blades
tactfully and effectively enforce rules, policies and procedures
efficiently and accurately perform cash register transactions including cash handling and making correct change
perform basic carpentry skills, including but not limited to, boardwalk or fence repairs
perform basic building maintenance, including but not limited to, painting or changing air filters
utilize a computer and software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
perform basic facilities maintenance skills, including but not limited to, cleaning public restrooms, trash and litter removal or beach cleanup
perform physical labor utilizing power/electrical/gas tools and equipment, including but not limited to, lawn mowers, weed eaters and hedge trimmers

SKILL IN:

operating cash registers and point of sale computer systems
operating trucks, tractors, vehicles up to 2-ton level
operating mowers, chainsaws, standard power and manual tools

ABILITY TO:

successfully complete ranger academy

successfully complete background and fingerprint check
communicate verbally and in writing
deal with people and maintain good public relations
enforce rules and regulations
develop and conduct interpretive programs
work rotating shifts including nights, holidays and weekends
maintain a valid driver license
follow verbal and written instructions
establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
deal with visitor inquiries in a tactful, efficient and courteous manner
understand and apply rules, directives, policies, laws, and regulations
handle money and balance cash receipts
lift 40 pounds
work outside in extreme conditions, including but not limited to, heat, cold, wind, rain, etc., as well as continuously work outdoors in conditions of extremely high humidity, heat, sunlight and exposure to insects, snakes, etc.
participate in resource management activities, including but not limited to, reforestation, or non-native plant and/or animal removal

Other Job Related Requirements for This Position:

Valid driver license
Completion of ranger academy

SRPEDD’s Environmental Planning Department is seeking a proven project leader to advance our work program, contribute to agency goals, and engage in the work of enhancing environmental quality and resilience across Southeastern Massachusetts. More information about SRPEDD, the Regional Planning Agency serving 27 municipalities in Southeastern Massachusetts, can be found at srpedd.org.

Posted at the Principal Planner (PP1) level, this position is designed for a serious candidate with real-world project management experience in the environmental, sustainability or land use planning field, with specific expertise in natural resource assessment and management, after graduating with their MA/MS in the field of urban planning, regional planning, environmental science, urban ecology or a related field. SRPEDD’s office is located in Taunton, Massachusetts. Per our hybrid office policy, employees are physically in the office an average of two days per

week. The Environmental Department has a consistent group in-office day on Tuesday, during which we have our weekly staff meeting.

Under the supervision of the Environmental Planning Manager, with potential tasks also to be completed for the Transportation Planning Manager and/or the Comprehensive Planning Manager, the Principal Natural Resource Planner contributes to the diverse work program of a busy and growing Regional Planning Agency.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Principal Planner works with the Environmental Planning Manager and colleagues to design

projects, set deliverables and deadlines, and review work products. The Principal Environmental

Planner acts independently as creative and technical lead on numerous plans, civic engagement

efforts, and other work products. The position is responsible for acting as the main point of

contact for communities in one sub-watershed, but will be engaged in projects throughout the

SRPEDD region. The position’s work program requires an understanding of the principles,

practices, and methods of environmental planning and related technical assistance across the

Environmental Department’s seven main programmatic areas: (1) stormwater management; (2)

floodwater management; (3) open space & recreation planning; (4) air quality; (5) climate

change mitigation and climate change pollution reduction; (6) climate change adaptation; and

(7) brownfields cleanup.

POSITION-SPECIFIC ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Independently leading and managing several planning projects, including but not limited to Watershed Plans and studies, Open Space and Recreation Plans, targeted restoration studies, regional studies and plans and civic engagement efforts, among others. Creative and technical authorship on planning work products.
Collecting, organizing, interpreting, describing, and presenting various forms of data, acquired in the field or via desktop analysis (including but not limited to water quality and environmental/habitat assessment, land use, socioeconomic, climate projections, infrastructure, and various other data for plans, studies, and reports).
Providing technical support and training to municipal staff and volunteers related to the identification and prioritization of natural resources and landscapes, habitat and natural resource preservation, land protection strategies and methods, habitat restoration techniques, low impact development, green infrastructure and nature based solutions, land use planning, project development and grant writing, among other relevant topics.
Reviewing projects and environmental impact reports for consistency with local and state environmental protections and policy and preparing formal comment letters for regulatory review processes.
Preparing local, state and federal permit applications for habitat restoration and other related environmental projects.
Leading regional forest and farmland planning efforts and directing outreach and technical support to farmers and landowners to help protect and maintain natural and working lands.

OTHER GENERAL PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES

Assisting municipal staff and volunteers with local project management and program participation under the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Designation and Grant program.
Assisting on other Environmental Department projects, such as Brownfields community assessment and reuse planning; climate resilience and climate pollution reduction planning; SRPEDD’s Regional Resilience Plan; hazard mitigation planning; and other projects that may arise in the future.
Delegating tasks to junior staff in collaboration with the Environmental Planning Manager and the broader Environmental Planning team.
Developing project scopes and budgets, and preparing grant applications.
Collaborating and managing contracts with external partners, including state and federal agencies and local municipalities.
Independently scheduling and presenting work at public meetings.
Taking notes and assisting in setting agendas for project team meetings.
Constructing and updating web pages in WordPress.
Creating flyers, social media posts and press releases in support of public outreach efforts.
Completing frequent, high-quality GIS work within ESRI software (including ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, ArcGIS Online, the Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office products).
Providing data analysis, interpretation, and effective graphic and verbal data presentation. The preparation of effective PowerPoint presentations is a required skill.
Graphic production and design of maps, diagrams, icons, charts, and figures for a variety of projects using the Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign) and Microsoft Office products.
Responding to internal data requests on an as-needed basis.
Completing field work as required.
Assisting the Environmental Team in keeping up with major events in SREPDD’s jurisdictional area.
Frequent travel to events and meetings throughout the region is expected; therefore, candidate is expected to have a valid driver’s license and/or a means of transportation.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting on and monitoring project contracts as assigned.
Assisting with the preparation of invoices for specified contracts.
Assisting with reporting for state and federal grant programs.
Overseeing SRPEDD contractors and developing content for procurement documents.
Representing the Environmental Department at external meetings with project partners and at internal meetings with the SRPEDD Commission and its Committees.
Working collaboratively to arrive at constructive solutions as part of a team.
Communicating effectively with internal staff, including participation in weekly staff meetings and time blocking sessions.
Contributing to regular conversations about the Environmental Program’s work culture.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications: MA/MS in Urban or Regional Planning, Environmental Science, Sustainability, or a related field AND at least 3-5 years of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with or strong interest in natural resource management, environmental impact analyses, environmental policy, regulatory project reviews, ecology, habitat assessment, and/or environmental monitoring and data collection.

The nonprofit Green Infrastructure Center is seeking a community urban planner to work directly with cities and towns to launch tree planting plans and campaigns.

About: Founded in 2006, the nonprofit Green Infrastructure Center Inc. is a leading designer of landscape conservation modeling and creating community strategies for healthy landscapes that are green, clean and accessible. Green Infrastructure includes intact forests, urban tree canopy, wetlands, springs, parks and rivers and soils that provide clean water, air quality, wildlife habitat, recreation and food. The GIC’s mission is helping communities realize that nature is also “green infrastructure” to address climate change, urban heat islands, improved public health, and increased social and economic equity. GIC’s clients include federal, regional, state and local government agencies, land trusts and conservation groups. The GIC’s staff consists of planners, geographers, landscape architects, foresters and natural resource experts. GIC is dedicated to growing the field of green infrastructure planning and shares knowledge through workshops, courses, webinars and publications.

Position Responsibilities and Overview:

The CUFP uses canopy and plantable areas maps created by GIC’s GIS team to help communities plan to restore urban forests and build resiliency. They work with local governments, state agencies, land trusts and community groups to help them recognize the location and values of urban forests. They assist the public at workshops to learn about their urban canopy and help communities establish goals for the urban forest and to create urban forestry master plans. They also review codes and ordinances to determine improvements needed to better support tree planting and care. They assist with creating map graphics for reports or slide shows. The position requires coordinating work flows amongst multiple city projects. Most importantly, this position involves extensive community engagement and requires competency in public speaking, and strong communications skills to lead community discussions, tree planting events or workshops. Also includes organizing tree planting events alongside the community urban forester, assisting with planting trees, and helping cities establish master plans for urban forests.

Requirements:

Degrees and Experience: Bachelor of Planning or of Horticulture, Forestry or Natural Resources Management or Environmental Planning with a focus on environmental planning or urban forestry and two to three years’ experience in one or more of the following fields: planning, forestry, horticulture, or landscape ecology or landscape architecture. A Master’s degree in urban planning of horticulture is preferred, but not required. Experience may be substituted for master’s degree, but applicants should be familiar with urban and environmental planning, and have worked or have experience with environmental plans (e.g. watershed plans, urban forest master plants, site planning). AICP or ISA certification is desired, but not required and may be sought within the first two years of employment at GIC. GIC will support the obtaining of licensure.

Required Skills: Basic skills in MS office suite required (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Desired Skills: Urban planning, tree planting and care (if no tree planting experience, we will train).

Communications: Strong oral communication for teaching about trees at workshops, leading community discussions and working with laypersons and community members to establish goals and plans. Applicant must be comfortable leading volunteers in tree planting events or in site planning.

Logistical: Work location within state is flexible but position requires travel to cities, to planting sites and hosting workshops, two or more times per week to sites within state. Travel is planned in advance and is fully covered. Some overnight travel is required. Position offers diverse experiences with no week exactly the same – ideal for people who like challenges and change! Position is part of a team of two people (in-state) supported by GIC’s science and planning team out of VA (whose staff will also travel to and work with the state-based team).

Physical: This position requires physical activity to hike over rough terrain, plant trees (saplings and 1-2” caliper trees) and working upright for 8 hours at a time. Employee should be able to lift 40 pounds.

Compensation: Salary Range: $60,000 to $70,000 based on experience and level of education. This is a full time 40 hour week; salaried position. Benefits include paid leave for six federal holidays plus accrued leave @14 hours per month, and health care (reimbursement for a health plan for individual @ $550/month). GIC’s retirement plan is offered after first year of employment. This position follows state labor laws. This position is intended to be permanent, subject to continued grant funding supporting the position. GIC is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from diverse social, ethnic and racial backgrounds.

Supervisor: This position reports to the GIC’s Executive Director and Senior Community Forester.

Job Location: Employee must live within the state of MS and be able to travel 2-3 days per week (many trips can be day-trips). Flex hours are allowed as long as 40 hours work per week are completed. Includes some weekend work for planting events, but subsequent weekdays can be taken as compensatory leave. GIC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any basis.

Interested applications should submit their resume, work experience, work samples, three professional references, and indicate state applying for (SC, VA or RI) to: gi*****@****nc.org No calls please.

The United States is poised for a decade of supercharged clean energy growth, following new state and local commitments to renewable energy and the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Environment America is hiring an advocate to leverage this progress to develop new and stronger clean energy champions in Congress.
Representative Responsibilities
Our government relations manager for clean energy will develop relationships with clean energy champions in Congress on both sides of the aisle and work with our state and federal teams to advance renewable energy. This position requires excellent judgment and discretion and the ability to oversee significant projects. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Government relations: Develop and manage collaborative relationships with congressional targets and their staff, including Democrats and Republicans.
Coalition building: Recruit and work collaboratively with others who can support our campaign goals, including organizations in our Congressional targets’ home states and districts.
Communications and media outreach: Serve as a spokesperson for our clean energy campaigns. Write materials for lawmakers, the public, and the media including opinion editorials, press releases, campaign action emails, factsheets, bill summaries, regulatory comments and presentations.
Campaign strategy: Identify opportunities to deepen relationships and cultivate legislative champions through media and communications, events, grassroots organizing and VIP and coalition engagement.
Fundraise from individual donors and foundations to support Environment America’s work.
Recruit and train new staff, interns and volunteers.

Qualifications
A successful candidate will be:

A good lobbyist who can advocate, persuade and cultivate relationships (experience in a legislative office within Congress is preferred)
An effective communicator with excellent writing and public speaking skills
A creative and strategic thinker
Well-organized, able to work independently to achieve goals while balancing urgent and important needs
Experienced in campaign advocacy, grassroots organizing, coalition building and/or campaign politics for at least 2 years
Passionate about renewable energy

The Director of Land Protection oversees all aspects of Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast’s Land Protection Department. This person is a mission-driven, highly motivated team member who plays a key role in advancing the organization’s mission to protect the land and water of Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop comprehensive conservation plans in partnership with the President.
Direct the organizations conservation initiatives.
Implement and achieve the organization’s conservation priorities.
Represent the organization in relationships and negotiations with government agencies and partnerships.
Inspire, train, and manage Conservation and Stewardship staff.
Direct departmental coordination between Stewardship and Conservation staff as well as other organizational staff.
Provide strategic outreach to private landowners, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other resource managers and stakeholders, with an emphasis on priority conservation areas identified in the organization’s Strategic Conservation Plan.
In concert with the President and the Board of Trustees, develop public policy that strengthens conservation efforts.
Ensure appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place in the acquisition of conservation easements and fee land, utilizing appropriate legal and other outside professional advice.
Create and manage annual departmental work plans and budgets.
Liaise with the Board of Trustee’s Land Protection Committee.
Coordinate with the Development team on relationship management and tracking of landowner outreach and communication.
Work in concert with the Marketing team to ensure transparency to stakeholders through storytelling and sharing of statistics and data on the successes and benefits of land conservation.
Ensure compliance with Federal and State laws as well as Land Trust Alliance Standard and Practices as they relate to land protection activity.
Attend and participate in events as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

A four year college degree.
Five years of land protection management experience or equivalent.
Proven history of successfully managing others.
Friendly and diplomatic personality with the ability to quickly establish rapport and develop trust-based relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and world views.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability and personality to work collaboratively, accept responsibility, share credit and motivate partners and landowners.
Ability to understand the needs and perspectives of landowners and work to find mutually satisfying solutions.
Strong understanding of the power of language to advance or hinder progress. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with landowners, the public, media, professional colleagues and governmental entities.
Experience with grant writing.
Problem-solver who works to find creative yet practical solutions to conservation challenges.
Ability to work well independently, without close supervision as well as within a group.
Experience with real estate negotiations and closings.
Successful history of project management.
Poise, confidence, and an ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Knowledge of Federal and State regulations for non-profit organizations engaging in land protection and real estate transactions.
Proven mastery of MSOffice applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.
Physical ability to travel to remote and undeveloped property, hike and wade through a variety of environmental conditions, be outdoors for considerable periods, potentially interact with wildlife.
Ability to swim.
Valid Florida driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule.

The Town of Dennis seeks applicants for the full-time position (40 hours/week) of Conservation Agent, and is responsible for performing the necessary duties to the provisions of conservation and wetlands protection laws and regulations and providing technical assistance to the Town’s Conservation Commission.

The employee provides guidance and makes recommendations to the Conservation Commission, and participates in shellfish operations and land management. The position proposes, assists and directs environmental and ecological management activities. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties. This position issues citations and resolve wetland violations through corrective actions. The employee provides technical reports and develops potential solutions to resolve violations. This position requires the employee to present data in a public forum. Employee is required to respond to nuisance wild animal calls which may necessitate the capture and relocation of wild animals. This requires the use of special equipment and protective clothing. Employee is designated as a Special Police Officer with Powers Limited to MGL C. 130,131,90B &270.

Minimum Qualifications: Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree; and three to five (3-5) years of experience in environmental management, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Employee must successfully complete First Responder and CPR training, and have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license. Specialized training in hydraulic soil recognition and wetlands delineation preferred. 10-hour OSHA training course certification required.

The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

1. Inspects and examines sites during construction to ensure compliance with wetlands protection laws, regulations and orders of conditions; initiates enforcement actions during construction, and for wetlands infractions that occur without a filing having been made; delineates wetlands boundaries; patrols community for infractions of conservation laws; issues cease and desist orders; prepares evidence and assists in the prosecution of non-criminal citations and complaints.

2. Advises the Natural Resource Director and Commission of findings related to compliance; with the Wetlands Protection Act and Bylaw enforcement orders; to make recommendations to the Commission concerning certificates of compliance, Notice of Intent and determination of applicability filings.

3. Reviews proposed site plans for potential impacts on environment and wetlands; determines applicability of conservation regulations; prepares correspondence, documentation and reports in connection with regulatory and enforcement activities; prepares correspondence for the Conservation Commission; attends Commission meetings and hearings; performs follow up activities as directed; coordinates inspection and enforcement activities with other town departments, boards and inspectors.

4. Patrols all assigned areas to enforce statues, by-laws, directives and regulations relative to the taking of marine fish, shellfish and inland fish and taking all relevant actions to pursue said enforcement.

5. Pursues all actions to insure compliance with all-natural resource statues, by-laws and regulations such as checking licenses and examining take of hunters, fisherman, trappers, inspecting equipment, checking off road vehicles permits, maintaining proper conduct in conservation areas, and appearing at court appearances if necessary.

6. Assists Town Departments with project design and development, permit application process and permit compliance. Participates in Site Plan review process with other departments.

7. Assists in managing the Town’s conservation lands by providing input for land management plans, recommending and commenting on maintenance and development projects, and advising the Conservation Commission and other applicable departments or agencies of needed regulations and actions.

8. Informs and educates the public on issues and regulations related to conservation; promotes understanding of conservation objectives as well as regulatory requirements; explains procedural requirements and substantive regulations concerning orders of condition, notices of intent, certificates of compliance and other enforcement actions.

Starting salary range is $79,480 – $81,865, with comprehensive benefit package.

NYSERDA is seeking a motivated, dynamic and resourceful attorney in its Office of the General Counsel to manage a portfolio of programmatic matters. In this role, the attorney will be exposed to a wide range of issues across various NYSERDA programs, state policy initiatives and regulatory processes. The attorney will be a core team member on a number of high-profile programs.

The ideal candidate should have experience in energy, regulatory and/or procurement matters related to New York State, including renewable energy and energy efficiency market dynamics and be committed to NYSERDA’s mission and helping the organization continually improve and execute its work. The attorney should be a self-starter who acts independently, directs one’s own work and can handle diverse tasks quickly and accurately. The attorney should be comfortable with foreseeing and controlling for potential legal risks while still achieving business goals. The attorney will be an integral advisor to business leads and should be able to communicate legal requirements concisely and strategically to a non-legal audience in simple and clear language.

This role is a dynamic position using the attorney’s knowledge and experience to both advise clients and to propose and execute upon creative strategies in line with the policy goals of NYSERDA and the State of New York.

Primary Responsibilities

Serve as lead procurement counsel assisting internal clients in developing, planning and executing NYSERDA and State policy initiatives related to programs and strategies within the attorney’s portfolio
Ensure solicitations, selection processes and contracts are compliant with State procurement law as well as internal operations and procedures
Provide risk-management counsel to program staff, such as identifying the likelihood and consequences of legal risks and effectuating solutions
Preempt legal issues by providing trainings, regular check-ins and identifying key issues for internal clients while being mindful of priority deadlines
Work closely with other attorneys on a range of matters to ensure coordination among attorneys and with respect to the programs they advise
Draft, edit and coordinate contracts, regulatory filings, memoranda of understanding, and other documents needed to implement programs and initiatives within the attorney’s portfolio and advise and assist with respect to such matters
Drive projects forward by gathering and effectively organizing required information, communicating effectively and professionally with internal and external stakeholders, developing, and monitoring plans, and keeping track of responsibilities and commitments of the team members
Appropriately handle confidential and sensitive matters
Assist and advise on any of the legal affairs, including but not limited to: compliance with federal and state environmental and energy law and regulations, and all other applicable state laws; interactions with federal, state, and private sector stakeholders, partners, regulators and other interested parties; litigation involving the Authority
Manage expectations, timelines and priorities among competing demands from internal clients
Adapt communication styles for internal clients, regulators and external stakeholders that are passionate about achieving NYSERDA’s aggressive clean energy goals
Develop new governance protocols when required by a new or innovative program
Perform other responsibilities as assigned
For supervisory roles: Ability to perform all managerial and supervisory responsibilities with demonstrated experience fostering respect, diversity, equity and inclusion across the workforce.
For staff roles: Ability to demonstrate respect, equity and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar of New York State
Salary ranges:
Associate Counsel: $88,283-$123,761
Associate Counsel II: $108,665-$137,319
Sr. Counsel: $120,187-$151,674
Targeting between approximately 3 to 5-years’ experience for Associate Counsel, at least 5 years for Associate Counsel II and between approximately 6- and 8-years’ experience for Senior Counsel, in each case as legal counsel in one or more of the following subject areas:
Procurement negotiations in the design phase with internal clients as well as in the execution phase with external contractors
Renewable energy and energy efficiency project development, finance or legal affairs
Complex regulatory proceedings involving energy- and environment-related matters, such as those involving the NYS Department of Public Service, the New York Independent System Operator and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Business and commercial law
Government or commercial contracting involving sophisticated technologies, energy-related initiatives and data handling and rights
Demonstrated interest and expertise in energy or environmental law including implementation of statutory requirements or experience with public rulemaking
An articulate and persuasive communicator, in both verbal and written form, who expresses ideas effectively and fluently and recognizes the importance of listening
Resourceful problem-solver focused on pragmatic and effective solutions to complex issues, maintaining focus on the big picture while paying attention to detail
Strong diplomatic and discretion skills to navigate sensitive projects and negotiations among both NYSERDA and inter-agency teams with varied interests
Possession of a deep appreciation for the inter-relationship of the needs and perspectives of internal and external stakeholders
Resolute integrity
Able to handle highly sensitive matters with absolute integrity and discretion
Able to handle stressful situations with measured calmness and decisiveness

Since 1981, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (Parks Conservancy) has served as the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, collaborating with the Presidio Trust, partners, donors, and the community to support the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). The GGNRA stretches across three Bay Area counties north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge and includes iconic places such as Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site, Alcatraz Island, Crissy Field, Mori Point, Lands End, and the Presidio of San Francisco.

As a key member of the Operations team, the General Counsel provides legal counsel services and support in a broad variety of areas across the Parks Conservancy and as designated and assigned by the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Executive Officer: including, but not limited to: (a) 501(c)3 compliance and Board governance (b) federal, state and local, statutory and regulatory interpretation, analysis and guidance; (c) real property leasing and general contracting transactions; (d) administrative law and rule-making and inter-agency partnership agreements; (e) tort claims and litigation; (f) ethics and labor & employment law; (g) environmental compliance and historic preservation; and (h) other miscellaneous legal, policy and administrative matters.

Reports To: Chief Operations Officer

General Counsel Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Provide legal and risk management advice and judgment on a wide range of legal matters related to Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy operations, including but not limited to contract, intellectual property, employment, and tax. Provide counsel regarding compliance with requirements specific to 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
Work with Parks Conservancy’s staff to develop and negotiate partner agreements with National Park Service (NPS) and Presidio Trust, Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District, and other partners, fostering collaborative relationships and ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, values and strategic direction.
Review and negotiate purchase and sales and service agreements to ensure the organization’s legal interests are protected during transactions.
Work with staff to develop and establish a contracts and agreement database to summarize the terms and conditions of all current and future contracts, providing a central repository and contract templates for easy reference and ensuring compliance and accountability.
Work with the Executive Management Team to develop a streamlined contracting policy and process that coordinates contracting stakeholders; conduct internal training to help designated staff develop contract review and negotiating skills.
Advise the Board of Trustees with regards to internal governance policies and bylaws.
Oversee the handling of intellectual property matters, including trademarks and copyrights, to protect the organization’s assets and interests.
Draft and review Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) to protect the organization’s confidential information when engaging with partners, vendors, and other parties.
Oversee real property leasing and general contracting transactions, reviewing and drafting legal documents as necessary.
Manage and coordinate third-party counsel when needed for specialized legal needs, overseeing their work, and ensuring it aligns with the organization’s goals.
Manage General Counsel department budget.
Develop consistency in General Counsel philosophy, processes, and practices.
Provide legal counsel and guidance on local, state, federal statutory and regulatory matters, interpreting and analyzing relevant laws and regulations.
Provide legal guidance in administrative law and rule-making processes, ensuring compliance with government regulations and policies.
Manage tort claims and litigation, representing the organization in legal proceedings, and providing guidance on potential liability issues, sometimes in close coordination with counsel that may be provided by various business partners such as insurance providers. Review all settlement documents and associated documentation for protection of the Parks Conservancy’s interests.
Provide legal oversight and support in land use, environmental compliance, and compliance with historic preservation, making sure the organization adheres to applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Keep current on new and emerging laws, policy developments, and best practices related to compliance programs, with a focus on those relating to tax-exempt organizations.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list. The scope of the job may change as necessitated by business/operational demands.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The successful candidate must have the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform this job:

Ability to practice discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Commitment to, and an understanding of, concepts of equity, justice, and inclusion in the workplace and a demonstrated ability to effectively work and collaborate across differences; ability to identify and intervene in problematic dynamics across identity.
Knowledge and understanding of the ways implicit bias, personal identity, and power and privilege impact individuals, organizations, systems, policies, and structures.
Ability to operate in ambiguity and rapid change and to identify creative solutions to obstacles.
Ability to earn influence without authority and naturally seek to support both small projects and large strategic goals.
Aware of group identities and how they shape life and experiences at work.
Engaged in building relationships with individuals’ organization-wide through active and empathetic communication of listening, responding, understanding. Model a collegial and involved managerial style with a high level of internal awareness.
Skilled in customizing communication strategies for optimal understanding in large gatherings, small teams, and individual scenarios. Capable of evaluating and implementing alternative documentation approaches to ensure clarity and accessibility for diverse audiences.
Strong legal and research skills, including proficiency in nonprofit law, are highly valued. Experience collaborating with federal partners and navigating complex legal frameworks is essential for success in this unique position, where a deep understanding of both nonprofit law and federal regulations is desired.
Familiarity or willingness to learn legal substantive areas as applied to 501(c)(3) organizations, including governance, contract, employment, and other day-to-day matters to the extent not already conversant.
Demonstrated strong planning skills, including the ability to anticipate tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines, and function smoothly under concise deadlines and shifting priorities.
Curiosity, creativity, and initiative with a willingness to accept and take on new challenges.
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with staff, Board, donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
Computer proficient with a comprehensive working knowledge of MS Word and MS Excel.

Education and/or Experience:

Required Qualifications

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
Admission to the Bar of the State of California (preferred), or to the bar of another state and willingness to obtain registered in-house counsel status in California.

Desired Qualifications

Prior legal or in-house or general counsel experience with non-profit organization(s).
At least three (3) years of experience in non-profit law and seven (7) years total of legal or regulatory experience in one or more of the following areas of law: non-profit, transactional, contract, real estate, construction, land use, labor & employment, environmental, administrative, or federal or state public law
Familiarity with rules, regulations and funding instruments of government or public sector agencies, especially federal agencies.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision, acute attention to detail.

Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) is the network of 160+ partner organizations across the Commonwealth committed to building a powerful, diverse, and highly coordinated conservation movement. VCN works on a wide range of issues including fighting climate change; restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay; creating access to parks, trails, and walkable/bikeable communities; ensuring environmental justice for all; and more.

The VCN team includes eight staff throughout the state. Each staff member works both independently and as part of the team. As a staff, we prioritize meeting up throughout the year for in-person planning meetings and an annual retreat. Our team meetings and retreat include diving into policy and organizational projects as well as getting outdoors together. Outings have included tree planting, rafting down the James River, and visiting state parks. During the General Assembly, VCN’s Richmond office is a hub office for the environmental community.

VCN is committed to building a more equitable and diverse organization and Network. VCN’s staff works collaboratively to update and implement an annual diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) work plan. You can learn more about this work at https://vcnva.org/deij-commitment/

POSITION SUMMARY

VCN seeks a committed and motivated individual to lead its land use and transportation policy work.

The Campaign & Policy Manager for Land Use & Transportation will work with VCN’s Network Partners to develop and implement strategic advocacy campaigns, improve coordination among allies, and advance Virginia’s sustainable land use and transportation policy. VCN’s Land Use & Transportation workgroup is composed of the leading environment non-profit advocates working on policy in the Commonwealth on issues including: public transportation, electric vehicles, walkable communities, bike lanes, smart growth, and more.

The role focuses on:

Policy Creation and Coordination

Coordinating Network Partners through the annual Our Common Agenda process to identify shared policy objectives through the creation of VCN’s Environmental Briefing Book;
Working with our Partners to ensure land use and transportation policy priorities are equitable in their approach;
Tracking state policy changes and their impacts on land use and transportation by participating and engaging in agency decision-making and working groups.

Strategic Campaign Facilitation

Working with partners to develop multiple state-based campaigns to advance state-based land use and transportation policy; this can include regulatory, administrative, and legislative strategies;
Facilitating VCN’s Land Use & Transportation workgroup and associated campaign teams. This includes working with partners to set agendas for calls, identifying and empowering partners to take on campaign leadership, sharing regular updates on priority issues, and meeting one-on-one with partners;
Providing support to Network Partners to implement campaign strategies and tactics, including specialized campaign plans, issue briefings, talking points, and action alerts;
Organizing and providing a driving force behind campaign implementation, including opinion editorials, educational briefings, and other outreach;
Recruiting new partner groups to join VCN by engaging them in land use and transportation campaigns;
Communicating and coordinating with non-partner strategic allies with shared land use and transportation priorities.

Education & Advocacy

Acting as VCN’s lead advocate in the General Assembly building on land use and transportation issues;
Supporting VCN’s Legislative Committee, including tracking legislation, developing positions for and against bills each Legislative Session, and communicating those positions to stakeholders and elected leaders;
Developing and maintaining strong relationships with policymakers year-round, including state elected officials, state agency staff, and Administration leadership;
Being a vocal advocate and spokesperson for Virginia’s environment, for VCN, and its Network Partners

In addition, the Campaign and Policy Manager will work with the rest of the VCN team toward our shared organizational goals around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

Qualifications:

Candidates should have a commitment to sustainable transportation and land-use goals as well as working collaboratively and growing the voice of the environmental community. VCN is looking for candidates with experience in leading the strategy and the execution for advocacy, grassroots organizing, campaigning, and/or community outreach on issues such as transportation, housing, climate change, conservation, public health, and/or social justice. Candidates must bring humility and emotional intelligence to their work.

Candidates should have a proven track record of bringing a diverse set of individuals together through coalition coordination, multi-stakeholder facilitation, and/or strategic campaign development. We’re looking for candidates with the experience and commitment to work with individuals with different racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds. Candidates must be committed to VCN’s goals around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and a culture of excellence. If you meet more than 75% of the qualifications of this description and are excited about the role, we support your application and encourage you to apply.

Details:

This is a full-time, salaried position based in Richmond, Virginia. The position reports to VCN’s Executive Director and is viewed as a leadership position within the broader environmental movement in VA. The position requires working outside of the typical business days a few times a month and regularly when the General Assembly is in session. This position includes travel throughout the state on average 2 – 5 days a month for partner meetings, conferences, and retreats. Drivers License is required, but owning a car is not. The hybrid work option (outside of the General Assembly session) requires high-speed internet capable of video meetings.

Compensation and benefits:

The salary range for this position is $55,000 – $60,000 based on relevant experience. In addition, VCN offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes:

Paid time off every year: 4 weeks (20 days) of vacation, 5 sick and wellness days for physical and mental health, 14 paid holidays.
Employer contribution of 100% of monthly premium cost towards a healthcare plan for employees including dental and vision coverage (50% for spouses, domestic partners & dependents).
4% employer match towards a 503b retirement savings account
12 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child
Commuter benefit of up to $150 / month which can either be used towards a parking spot downtown, reimbursement towards driving / daily parking; and/or green commuter credits for walking / biking / or bussing into the office.
$50 monthly cell phone reimbursement

In addition, staff are given a yearly allotment towards professional development and participate in an annual staff retreat to a different scenic region of the state each year.

The Climate Governance Fellow is part of the Energy, Environment and Land Use (EELU) Program in the Law School at Vanderbilt University and is responsible for supporting faculty and EELU staff in the running of the Private Climate Governance Lab. The fellow will engage in research, data collection, and data policy analysis of private climate governance, including community benefit agreements, private certification standards, and private adaptation.

The Vanderbilt Energy, Environment and Land Use Program (EELU Program) provides an extensive and rigorous curriculum and extracurricular opportunities for students with an interest in practicing in these intersecting areas of the law. Our faculty work across disciplines to teach about, research, and address the most challenging energy, environment, and land use issues of the day. The EELU Program’s new Private Climate Governance Lab will provide resources to the public, scholars, and students about the ways in which the private sector can respond to the challenges of climate change. In the last decade, private sector action on climate change has exploded in response to public demands for corporate action that bypasses political polarization and government gridlock. On climate change mitigation and other environmental issues, private environmental governance (PEG) is now an accepted and powerful policy tool, and PEG initiatives range from corporate sustainability and ESG goals to seafood and forest certification systems, and from net zero emissions to land trusts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Support the execution of Private Climate Governance Lab research and policy analysis

Perform research and policy analysis independently and in some cases under the direction of the faculty director.
Work with other team members to ensure a quick turnaround on some tasks as required.
Assist with the convening of experts to develop model or sample documents.
Compile data for research reports, assist with summary and analysis tasks.
Design and/or develop data tracking mechanisms or database platforms.
Write white papers, blog posts, and op-eds.
Assist, with supervision, in developing and maintaining the Private Climate Governance Lab website.

Support research of the Energy, Environment, and Land Use Program

Compile and draft, under supervision, an annual report on the state of the environment in Tennessee and the Southeast region.
Assist in the development and completion of EELU Program white papers.
Present and assist in publicizing the State of the Environment Report at the annual State of the Environment Conference at the law school.

Supervisory Relationships
This position does not have supervisory responsibility. The position reports to the Faculty Co-Directors of the EELU Program and the EELU Program Director.

Qualifications

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to environmental law and policy is required.
Candidates should have an interest in environmental policy and/or law.
Ability to demonstrate maturity, creativity and initiative is required.
Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects is required.
Relocation to Nashville is required.