Job Tag: Law/Policy

The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for an Ocean Policy Associate to join the Conservation Programs and Partnerships team. The position will have the opportunity to work directly on policy and advocacy related to the 2024 Washington state legislative session, which runs from January until March, as well as work on federal policy priorities. The work accomplished during this period will help the Seattle Aquarium realize our vision to emerge as a pro-active leader in conservation, both in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Issues of focus are likely to include plastic pollution, protections for wildlife (including salmon and orcas) and ecosystems (including kelp forests, nearshore habitats, and riparian areas), and environmental justice.

Work carried out by the person in this role is anticipated to include tracking bills as they move through the legislature; working on multi-faceted advocacy campaigns with various written communications products; and supporting the organization and delivery of policy trainings. We work within a short, fast-paced legislative session, in which bills move quickly and the window for influencing decisions can be extremely narrow.

Key functions:

Work on multi-faceted policy campaigns. Tasks are likely to include writing letters, email action alerts, blogs, content for government correspondence, and developing public outreach materials, website content, and social media messages and graphics.
Track evolving legislation as it moves through the Washington state legislature; identify opportunities for action or influence and monitor changes that are proposed through amendments.
Support the organization of policy trainings for Seattle Aquarium volunteers, and possibly also support coordination of an Olympia lobby trip.
Participate in meetings and phone calls with our partners in the policy arena. This may include representing the Aquarium on a coalition or working group with regular weekly or monthly calls.
Develop presentations and talking points on ocean policy issues for internal and external audiences.
Provide policy updates for Seattle Aquarium board, staff and volunteers through presentations, handouts, intranet posts, and other channels.
Assist with organizing press conferences and other events on policy topics and bills.
Depending on availability, may have the opportunity to visit Olympia to attend hearings, deliver testimony or participate in meetings and/or Environmental Lobby Day.

Knowledge, skills, abilities:

The sciences, policy processes, and the conservation movement have historically marginalized many communities from taking on leadership roles. Our team actively seeks to dismantle this practice and to broaden participation in marine and environmental policy professions, making them more inclusive of the full diversity of our communities and responsive to their needs and perspectives. Candidates passionate about anti-racism, social justice, environmental justice, and other intersections will be an asset to our work. Personal and cultural ties to diverse multicultural and multilingual communities in the region as well as to diverse networks and organizations make us stronger as an organization and support our values of inclusive community and honoring place.

Required skills and experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent

The skills and abilities listed below may be demonstrated through a combination of relevant cultural and community programs, jobs, internships, volunteer experience, and/or formal or informal education.

Familiarity with policy processes at the state or federal level; passion for using policy processes to make change.
Dedication to inspiring conservation of the Salish Sea and the broader marine environment and familiarity with some of the current environmental policy issues in the Salish Sea.
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
Experience translating science and policy into written communications in a variety of formats for different audiences (which could include, for example, legislators, the media, and diverse communities).
Interest and ability to synthesize findings from scientific papers as well as other available sources of knowledge to develop communications products.
Ability to track numerous fast-moving pieces of legislation; adaptable and able to organize work and re-prioritize as needed to meet the kinds of structured deadlines that are common in current public policy processes.
Experience with or willingness to learn PC software, videoconferencing tools, and internet browsers (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Zoom).
Experience with or willingness to learn to develop social media messaging and to do layout/design of slide presentations, fact sheets, social media graphics, and other materials (e.g., could include using programs like PowerPoint, Canva, and others).
A history of cultural and community involvement is a desired experience for strong candidates.
Ability to take initiative and advance projects without direct daily supervision, and to be proactive in seeking guidance whenever needed.
Willingness to both request and aid others on the team and to help create a collegial, inclusive, and healthy work environment; willingness to seek and incorporate feedback as you grow your knowledge base and skills, and to offer feedback to your supervisor and colleagues.

Working conditions:

Majority of work is performed in a normal office setting at a computer workstation for the duration of your shift. On-site work is performed at a computer workstation in an open office environment.
Be comfortable using a computer for up to four hours at a time.
May be a hybrid position with some days working remotely from home, to be agreed with supervisor, but some on-site meetings will be required. Staff working remotely are subject to the Seattle Aquarium’s telecommuting policy.
Flexibility for occasional evening, early morning, or weekend hours (e.g., to work on volunteer trainings, legislative testimony, press conferences), and infrequent travel to Olympia and potentially other destinations (not anticipated to exceed 5-10%).

Salary and benefits: $21-25 per hour, Dependent on experience. Seasonal staff are not eligible for benefits but accrue paid sick time and are paid an additional $0.75/hour to assist with transportation costs.

Clean Water Action is a national, grassroots environmental organization that works to protect the environment and safeguard public health, promote passage of strong environmental laws, and help communities address local environmental problems. Clean Water Action has nearly one million members nationally. Clean Water Fund provides research, education, organizing, and technical assistance to strengthen grassroots environmental efforts around the country, promoting the public interest on issues related to water, natural resources, health, and a clean economy. Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund work together on selected campaigns and programs.

Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund are searching for a Co-Director to oversee Massachusetts programs. This role involves developing and managing campaigns at local and state levels, supporting national initiatives like protecting the federal Clean Water Act, and creating fundraising strategies. The Co-Director will be responsible for staff management, including recruitment and training, and for providing programmatic support to field and phone canvass programs. Additionally, the role contributes to Clean Water’s diversity efforts, represents the organization externally, and requires regular travel within Massachusetts and occasional national engagements.

Responsibilities
• Develop and oversee campaigns at the local and state levels in Massachusetts, including legislative and electoral campaigns, coalition building, research/policy development, and public education.
• Assist in the implementation of national campaigns in Massachusetts, particularly protecting the federal Clean Water Act.
• Develop and implement fundraising plans, raising funds from foundations, individual donors, events, and other sources.
• Hire, train and supervise program staff, administrative staff, and contractors.
• Provide programmatic direction and support for field and phone canvass programs. Work in partnership with canvass leadership to build and maintain strong canvass programs.
• Support Clean Water’s efforts to become an anti-racist organization and expand our work with BIPOC leaders and within BIPOC communities.
• Represent Clean Water in work with other organizations, public officials, funders, and the media.
• Regular travel throughout Massachusetts and occasional national gatherings is required.

Qualifications

•Five to seven years of experience in campaign organizing. Non-profit and/or environmental experience preferred though not required. Experience with electoral campaigns, lobbying, research, policy, and coalition organizing is desirable.
•Cultural competence, commitment to racial justice and equity, and experience working with diverse communities and staff are required.
•Successful fundraising experience with foundations, individual donors, and events.
•Ability to provide strategic leadership to build the organization and its programs.
•Demonstrated experience supervising, supporting, and developing staff and volunteers, including people working remotely.
•Experience developing and working with leadership bodies such as boards of directors, campaign or coalition steering committees.
•Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; computer literacy, ability to multi-task in dynamic work environment.
•Experience with professional field and phone canvass programs is highly desirable.
•Multilingual and BIPOC candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location

Boston or Northampton, MA

The Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science is recruiting a lecturer.

The core responsibilities include 1) directorship of our environmental science and policy undergraduate program in marine affairs, 2) instruction in spatial analysis courses central to undergraduate and professional master’s (MPS) programs across the school, and 3) support for MPS tracks, especially coastal zone management and marine conservation.

The Department’s mission is solutions-oriented, policy-relevant research and scholarship, training the next generations of environmental managers, practitioners, and research scientists (https://environmental-science-policy.earth.miami.edu/). Our faculty are leading scholars in the applied environmental social sciences dedicated to addressing pressing ocean, coastal, and climate challenges central to long-term sustainability and resilience. We are the hub at the Rosenstiel School for connecting the natural sciences with society and policy. Our work is supported by major university-wide interdisciplinary initiatives, such as the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy and the University Laboratory for Integrative Knowledge (U-LINK).

We particularly seek candidates with experiences, skills, and vision relevant to overseeing a thriving undergraduate program and effectively engaging with students in and out of the classroom. Successful candidates may draw from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to environmental governance and justice, geography, data science, planning, public health, anthropology, or the behavioral, decision, and economic sciences. Applicants must have a J.D. or Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Policy or related field by the expected start date of January 2024.

The Environmental Coordinator plans and executes activities related to environmental and natural resource management on land, air and water under the jurisdiction of Elk Valley Rancheria, California a sovereign Native American Tribe. The Environmental Coordinator communicates with outside agencies on issues, actions, or proposals which may affect the Tribe’s natural resources or Tribal environmental goals. Areas of environmental sensitivity include raw water, waste water, drinking water, air quality, flora, fauna, land use, timber resources, and fire management. The Environmental Coordinator will plan, implement, monitor, evaluate, redefine and rewrite the Tribal Environmental Programs, activities and services as necessary and appropriate within Tribal guidance documents (i.e., Tribal Environmental Plans, Solid Waste Management Plan, Quality Assurance Program Plans, Fiscal and Procurement Policies Plan). The Environmental Coordinator will work effectively to develop Tribal environmental and natural resource inventories and maintain databases that are responsive to the Tribe’s environmental needs. The Environmental Coordinator will supervise the Environmental Specialist. These duties may also include the delivery of innovative Tribal programs and services including those related to IHS, OSHA, and EPA programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates and implements the Tribe’s USEPA General Assistance Program grant and USEPA Clean Water Act 106 grant.
• Identifies, facilitates and develops processes that enable the Tribe to determine its environmental needs and goals.
• Supports and helps facilitate financial, technical and professional assistance from available outside resources such as BIA, EPA, USDA, USFWS, NPS, USFS, and other Local, State and Federal Agencies as necessary and appropriate under the direction of the Director of Natural Resources and Environmental Services.
• Responds when directed to inquiries and prepares informational literature on Tribal Environmental Programs, ordinances, and regulations. Provides education and outreach materials to representatives of Tribe, Tribal Administration, and Natural Resources Committee.
• Examines permits, licenses, applications, and records to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
• Conducts studies on hazardous waste management projects and provide information on treatment and containment of hazardous waste.
• Develops and coordinates Tribal Environmental Programs in the areas of Water Quality Monitoring, Air Quality Monitoring, Land Management, Forest Management, Wildlife Management, Waste Management and Watershed Stewardship in coordination with the Director of Natural Resources and Environmental Services and the Tribe’s Natural Resources Committee.
• Designs, implements, and assists with the development and maintenance of a hazardous communications program to protect the employees, tribal members and tribal properties.
• Audits facilities to determine corrective action for treatment, storage, and/or disposal of hazardous waste.
• Assesses available hazardous waste treatment and disposal alternatives, including costs involved to compare economic impact of alternative methods.
• Answers inquiries and prepares informational literature to provide technical assistance to representatives of, government agencies, Tribal Council, Tribal departments and the Tribal community.
• Investigates complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticide misuse and other reported environmental issues that occur on Tribal properties and lands adjacent to Tribal property. Provides technical assistance in event of hazardous chemical spill, and identifies pollutant, determines hazardous impact, and recommends corrective action.
• Maintains working knowledge of new technologies developed by the environmental industry to meet Tribal Environmental Program goals.
• Collects soil, silt, mud, or sediment samples to determine chemical composition and nature of pollutants.
• Prepares samples for testing, records data, prepares summaries and charts for review, and develops a report detailing activities performed and results received. Information will be summarized and tracked in a data base.
• Trains employees on safety and health requirements to ensure compliance with EPA and OSHA regulations. Enforces use of safety equipment.
• Evaluates current and proposed industry codes, standards, regulations, and guidelines to determine the impact on current and future programs and activities.
• Develops and monitors emergency action plans.
• Identifies potential environmental hazards for accidents and recommends changes in policies and procedures to prevent accidents and illnesses.
• Assists Director in order to prepare safety and health budget, grant management, and implementation of grants.
• Participates as necessary and appropriate in the development of inter-departmental, legal and enforcement infrastructure as they relate to Tribal Environmental Programs and goals.
• Works with the Director of Natural Resources and Environmental Services to develop Tribal capacity to perform inventories, reviews and inspections to ensure compliance with Tribal or federal environmental policies and best management practices.
• Monitors and implements activities that develop Tribal technical skills for environmental management such as monitoring, analysis, baseline assessment, data management and database creation, quality assurance, and best management practice.
• Develops Tribal capacity and procedures for managing and accounting for program funds.
• Develops communications with Tribal departments and entities on environmental programs, procedures and practices.
• Works as staff liaison to elected or appointed Tribal committees, and at the discretion of the Director, participate on outside boards, commissions, committees or workgroups that support the Tribal environmental goals as outlined in the GAP Work Plan.
• Develops and administers budget(s) for Tribal Environmental Programs and grants in coordination with the Director.
• Develops project contract documents, request for proposals, and relevant portions of Funding Applications in cooperation and coordination with the Tribal Attorney.
• Coordinates the Tribe’s recycling program.
• Develops and maintains material safety data sheets for chemicals on Tribal properties.
• Creates and manages the Tribal Geospatial Information Systems database through the collection and inventory of Tribal properties, infrastructure and resources.
• Compiles geographic data from a variety of sources including censuses, field observation, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
• Creates GIS maps utilizing GIS software and related equipment.
• Analyzes spatial data for information to incorporate into documents and reports.
COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions.
Customer Service – Responds to requests for service and assistance.
Interpersonal Skills – Maintains confidentiality.
Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively.
Oral Communication: Speaks in a clear and concise manner.
Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; Supports organization’s goals and values.
Judgment – Includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Environmental Coordinator position will supervise the Environmental Specialist as needed to meet the Tribe’s Clean Water Act 106 Program Grant, Tribal environmental goals and Environmental Service Department needs as necessary and appropriate to build capacity within the Department’s Programs. In addition, the Environmental Coordinator may supervise seasonal and part time laborers.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High School Diploma. B.A or B.S in Biology, Natural Resources or Environmental Education.

Looking to join our team and help conserve, enhance, restore, and enjoy our Deep Home Place? Our team is dedicated to protecting the Northern Inner Coast Ranges and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument region in particular.

Current open positions:

Policy Director: Tuleyome is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to serve as Policy Director to advance our expansion, protection and engagement efforts for lands in the region. The Policy Director will monitor, evaluate, research, develop and respond to local, state and federal policy, including legislative and regulatory proposals. The Policy Director will oversee community and stakeholder engagement, collaborating with local, state and federal governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, businesses and tribal partners. The position is responsible for campaign planning and advocacy. The Policy Director is an essential part of the Tuleyome team and works closely with the Executive Director.

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is seeking highly engaged talent to assist us in our mission to protect and restore the environment and foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for present and future generations. Come be a part of our great team for change! Learn more at: https://www.env.nm.gov/

As a valued new employee to NMED, you will receive five (5) full days of leave in your leave balances right from your start date.
Why does the job exist?
Position will oversee the legal cases and attorneys for the department in federal and state court and in administrative hearings, responsible for numerous state and federal laws such as: Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Open Meeting Act, State Procurement Code, State Personnel Act, Per Diem and Mileage Act. Additionally, this position involves reviewing potential legislation, civil litigation and drafting/editing agency rules.
How does it get done?
– Provide comprehensive legal services as assigned by the General Counsel. The legal services are comprehensive as determined to be necessary to carry out the functions of the Office of General Counsel.
– Provide advice to the Secretary and senior management regarding complex legal and management issues. Advice is provided in the context of formal and informal meetings, telephonic and electronic interactions, review of documents, and written memoranda.
– Perform legal research that is defensible and that supports advice given or opinions/advice stated in any number of legal documents, forms and letters.
– Prepare legal documents, including letters, litigation pleadings, reports, memoranda, NMED rules and related documents, responses to charges and complaints, and joint powers agreements.
– Supervise and evaluate attorneys in the Office of General Counsel, assigns legal cases in consultation with the General Counsel, and manages the staff and budget of the office.
Who are the customers?
– New Mexicans to protect and restore the environment.
– Occasional contact with external Federal, State and Local regulatory bodies as well as contractors and environmental not for profit organizations.
– Internal staff.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have experience in the following:
– Practice of law
– Supervisory experience directing attorneys, including law office management
– Complex environmental issues including interaction with diverse stakeholders
Minimum Qualification
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law and eight (8) years of experience in the practice of law. Licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license (Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).

Greenpeace USA is hiring a Climate Policy Lead (California) to join our California campaign team. This highly experienced campaigner will help Greenpeace develop and implement bold campaigns that build independent political power alongside our partners to stop the expansion of the fossil fuel industry and create real solutions commensurate with the urgency of this planetary crisis. The Climate Policy Lead (California) will lead an ambitious campaign centered on people power, developing strategies based on informed analyses of power with an eye toward harnessing people power at all levels – online and offline – to move targets and reach diverse audiences to ensure politicians, agencies, and companies in California demonstrate real climate leadership.

This campaign will work to build public pressure for California to be a “first mover.â€ Stopping oil and gas expansion and implementing a phase-out, starting in the most impacted communities, in one of the largest oil-producing states in the country and fifth biggest economy in the world can redefine what is seen as possible and create political momentum for a broader fossil fuel phase-out, while Greenpeace continues to call for a responsibly managed fossil fuel phase-out, and an equitable transition nationally.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate familiarity with local or state-level issues in California and a proven track record of developing and delivering high impact, people-powered campaigns, sound political analysis and understanding of the policy and political landscape in California. The Climate Policy Lead (California) will also exhibit strong strategic campaign planning and team leadership skills, and will exhibit exceptional project management, relationship-building and coalition-building skills.

This Climate Policy Lead (California) is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible, hybrid position, based in California and will report directly to our Policy & Legislative Director.

The Climate Policy Lead (California) will:

Oversee development of strategy and work plans for ambitious, high impact, and well-researched campaigns that center justice and engage and inspire millions of people to take action to build long-term power for the organization and the California climate justice movement
Maintain clear and sustainable timelines, clear roles and responsibilities, and task manage cross-departmental team of up to 6 members to develop and implement key pieces of work
Lead a high functioning team of individual contributors through ongoing training, coaching and mentoring and attention to career development.
Directly line manage people, including staff development and performance reviews
Manage allocation of budget and staff resources and suggest shifts as needed to maximize impact
Serve as spokesperson with media and external audiences to advance our campaigns and enhance organizational profile
Lead big-picture strategic planning with an organizer’s mindset, informed by expert knowledge of state level policy issues and opportunities, including climate issues, and ongoing analysis of the progressive movement, politics, allies and opponents
Develop mutually beneficial internal and external relationships between the GP team, our global colleagues, our allies, and other stakeholders; including proactively communicating successes and learnings to the national and global organization
Collect and incorporate feedback that models an orientation toward learning and growth as an individual and in teams
Represent Greenpeace and the CA Climate campaign in funding proposals, funder reports, presentations to staff, donors, volunteers, and in coalitions, including the Last Chance Alliance, as well as key constituencies in California, including grassroots organizations, impacted communities, labor unions, and others
Develop and maintain an understanding of California climate, energy and related policy issues
Demonstrate unwavering commitment to advancing racial equity and economic justice both internally and in our external campaign work
Perform other job related duties as requested or assigned by program management

Minimum requirements for the Climate Policy Lead (California) include:

Minimum 7 years of environmental campaign experience; climate or energy advocacy strongly preferred
Ability and willingness to travel as needed
Knowledge of California climate, energy and related public health issues, or desire and ability to learn quickly
Experience directly managing individual staff and task managing teams virtually
Proven experience building people power in campaigning contexts. Some digital marketing, engagement, grassroots or distributed organizing experience (at least familiarity) preferred
Excellent working relationships in California climate and/or progressive movement, especially with environmental justice, climate justice and labor groups and communities

Additional qualifications for the Climate Policy Lead (California) include, but are not limited to the following:

Fluency in a non-English language, especially Spanish, a plus
Understanding of and commitment to human rights, especially the rights of Indigenous Peoples and climate-affected communities
Excellent communication skills, including both written and public speaking skills
A strong collaborative mindset and ability to work closely with cross functional teams include communications, organizing, fundraising, legal and policy experts from across the organization
Familiarity and experience with the progressive social change sector, including having successfully collaborated with a range of civil society actors (issue groups, base building community organizations, labor, social justice, etc.)
Strong project planning, management, and leadership skills to enable the delivery of projects to deadline, to budget and in-line with clear objectives
Proven ability to manage professional priorities, manage time and meet deadlines
Ability to identify, assess and mitigate risk
Commitment to non-violent direct action
Experience running successful direct action campaigns is a plus.

Valley Water’s Office of District Counsel (ODC) is seeking a mid-level attorney to advise on environmental regulatory and permitting matters. The Assistant District Counsel will function as one of four assistant counsels reporting to a Senior Assistant District Counsel and is designated as unclassified/at-will. ODC advises on a significant number of Valley Water capital, operations, and maintenance projects. In particular, Valley Water’s capital improvement program contains several major public works projects in various stages of development. The Assistant District Counsel will be expected to jump in, review environmental documents and advise staff on projects, and may be called on to interface with regulators in short order. The ideal candidate has a solid background in environmental law, especially permitting and compliance. Experience with the water industry and water law, public works contracting, design and engineering contracts, and federal and state funding obligations would all be a plus. The selected candidate must be or agree to become a signatory to the Santa Clara County Bar Association’s Code of Professionalism (viewable here: https://www.sccba.com/code-of-professional-conduct/)

The demands and expectations of this role will require a commitment to public service, a passion for the mission of the agency, and a tremendous work ethic. An energetic, proactive, self-initiating, multitasker will be a perfect fit for this assignment. A sense of humor is essential.

About Valley Water:
Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) is a public agency with a current operating and capital budget of $838 million, an $8.021 billion 2022-26 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program, and a staff of over 880 employees. Valley Water is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors, each elected by their district to serve overlapping four-year terms.

Valley Water manages 10 dams and surface water reservoirs, three water treatment plants, an advanced recycled water purification center, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, nearly 400 acres of groundwater recharge ponds, and more than 275 miles of streams to serve nearly two million people in Santa Clara County, which stretches 1,300 square miles and encompasses 15 cities and unincorporated areas.

Valley Water’s mission is to provide Silicon Valley safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment, and economy. With headquarters in San José, California, Valley Water delivers water supply; enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection; provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses, and roadways; and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Providing timely, accurate, and politically neutral advice to the Board of Directors, executives, and front-line staff with respect to environmental regulatory and permitting matters.
Preparing, drafting, and reviewing a variety of legal documents including environmental review documents, permit applications, contracts, resolutions, ordinances, and pleadings.
Represent Valley Water before external parties such as regulators, legislators, partners, adverse parties, and in dispute resolution fora.
Review new and proposed State and Federal legislation and administrative regulations affecting District interests and analyze them for impact on Valley Water.

Ideal Candidate’s Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

Two (2) years of recent experience (five or more years is ideal) in the active practice of law in the State of California focusing on environmental law.
Experience with the California Environmental Quality Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental laws/regulations, Porter-Cologne, and federal and state Endangered Species Acts is ideal.
Litigation experience is also valuable.
Prior public agency experience is helpful but not required.
Experience with federal, state, and local agencies and their related regulatory environments is also preferred.

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

A can-do, solutions-oriented mindset is a must, as is a sense of humor.
Maintains effective relationships with federal, state, regional, municipal, and local agencies, and with Silicon Valley’s major stakeholders.
Comfortable operating in complex legal and regulatory environments,
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and adversaries.
Analyze and apply principles of law.
Present statements of law and fact clearly, succinctly, and logically, both orally and in writing.
Prepare legally sufficient transactional documents.
Prepare a variety of reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
Collect, interpret, and evaluate varied information and data and provide recommendations.

Ideal Knowledge:

Knowledge of the water industry, water law, public works contracting, design and engineering contracts, and federal and state funding obligations would all be a plus.
Principles and procedures of law, particularly as related to public agency activities.
Basic principles of law related to flood control and water resources management.
Research resources and techniques.
Trial procedure and rules of evidence.
Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
Pleadings and practices and effective techniques in the presentation of court cases.
Principles of governmental organization.
Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
State and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting District operations.
Ethical responsibilities of California attorneys.

Ideal Training and Education:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, and graduation from an accredited law school.

Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS), a national leader in environmental law and restorative justice, invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Professor with expertise in environmental law. The position will start in Spring 2024; the precise start date is flexible. VLGS will consider entry-level, junior, and senior lateral candidates. The law school’s curricular needs include required JD courses and various upper-level JD, LLM, and Master’s courses. The selected candidate will have a background in water law, and perhaps ocean and coastal law; however, VLGS will consider applications with broadly defined expertise in environmental law. Candidates should demonstrate evidence of or potential for outstanding scholarly achievement and strong, innovative, and engaged teaching in both residential and online classrooms.

In addition to teaching, faculty provide service to VLGS and engage with other professionals and the public to contribute to the intellectual exchange of ideas, improve the law, and educate the public about the law, with an eye towards social justice. VLGS is in South Royalton, Vermont, a small town on the bank of the beautiful White River. Less than thirty minutes away lie the amenities of the adjacent communities of Hanover, NH (home to Dartmouth College) and Lebanon, NH. Burlington, VT, Boston, MA, and Montreal, QC, are all within a three-hour drive.
Requirements

To apply, please visit our website at https://www.vermontlaw.edu/community/about-vls/employment-opportunities. Applicants must complete an online application and electronically submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a research agenda, and (4) the names and contact information of three references. VLGS will only contact references for finalists. VLGS strongly encourages applications from those who would increase our community’s diversity. Direct inquiries about the position to jr******@********aw.edu. The position will remain open until filled.
Salary Description
$85,000-$110,000

Oceans 5 is an international funders’ collaborative dedicated to stopping overfishing, establishing protected areas, and constraining offshore oil and gas development – three of the highest priorities identified by marine scientists. Founded in 2011, the organization has provided over $150 million in grants, involving more than 130 organizations in 90 regions and countries. Its activities are directed by its Board of Advisors, a group of 22 of the world’s leading marine philanthropic institutions. It also houses two directed funds, each dedicated to grant-making in complementary areas of marine conservation. It is staffed by a small group of seasoned professionals in seven countries that speak a dozen languages. Oceans 5 is a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

Oceans 5 prefers policy-oriented projects involving multiple organizations working toward common objectives to improve ocean health. Our projects are designed and selected through a deliberative process involving our Partners and Members. We also support members of our collaborative to strengthen ocean conservation philanthropy. Our website includes descriptions of current projectsand grantmaking criteria.

Our Partners and Members represent a diversity of philanthropic interests, with strong ties to the international ocean conservation community. Our staff is small but extremely knowledgeable and experienced. The organization has a unique ability to respond quickly to time-sensitive opportunities. It is managed with low overhead, efficient administrative procedures, and streamlined decision-making processes.

Ocean and Climate Diplomacy Director:

The Ocean and Climate Diplomacy Director will be a collaborative leader and strategic partner, responsible for a range of activities including project scoping, development, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as providing support to Oceans 5 Partners and Members. The Diplomacy Director will oversee implementation of what is expected to be a significant new restricted fund and will serve on the Oceans 5 senior leadership team. A key focus of the position is developing and resourcing a portfolio of projects, campaigns, and advocates to amplify and elevate the political and diplomatic objectives of international civil society organizations working on ocean and climate issues, including decarbonizing shipping, expanding offshore renewables, implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework, nature/ocean finance, and strengthening the resiliency of the world’s ocean and coastal waters.

Adept at international political strategy, the Director will oversee a grantmaking program that supports collaborative activities with leading civil society organizations and campaigns, helping to advance a series of specific policy objectives from international institutions and national governments. Grantmaking priorities will include activities to:

· Strengthen and support ocean and climate campaigns with unbranded communications, grassroots capacity, and high-level political consultants;

· Support specific policy outcomes on shipping, offshore renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, seabed mining, and offshore oil and gas development;

· Influence the outcomes of key international institutions and events; and,

· Strengthen equitable implementation of the new Global Biodiversity Framework, with a focus on finance and durability.

The Diplomacy Director will interact regularly with a global team of program managers with geographic responsibilities for Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and the high seas and manage a number of high-level consultants. The global team also includes staff responsible for the Bloomberg Ocean Fundand the Bloomberg-Arcadia funding initiative. Collectively, the team implements a global strategy that is rooted firmly in local knowledge and respect.

The Ocean and Climate Diplomacy Director is a full-time position that will also assist in preparing proposals, writing progress reports, and helping with other organizational priorities. The position reports to the Oceans 5 Executive Director and is based out of this person’s home office. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Deliverables, Responsibilities:

· Develop and execute a global grantmaking strategy to advance a series of ocean and climate policy outcomes to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.

· Manage a new dedicated fund, coordinating strategy and investments with the other funds managed in Oceans 5.

· Identify ocean and climate grantmaking opportunities, in collaboration with prospective grantees, donors, government officials, and other stakeholders.

· Build and maintain professional and collegial relationships with senior government officials, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.

· Conduct oversight and monitoring of current and future grants.

· Assist grantees in meeting their goals and objectives.

· Develop a portfolio of unbranded communications including traditional, digital and other media initiatives targeting policy outcomes.

· Develop reports and presentations for Board meetings and donors to Oceans 5.

· Support other donors as necessary, including accompanying them on site visits.

· Develop and maintain broad knowledge, as well as subject matter expertise, of the science, policies, and politics of marine conservation and climate issues globally.

· Understand and support Oceans 5 policies and approaches, including assistance with media outreach, confidentiality, conflict of interests, security, ethics, and maintaining organizational health.

Requirements:

· Bachelor’s degree required. Graduate degree in law, public affairs, public policy, or environmental science preferred.

· A minimum of ten years of directly related professional experience in the environment, conservation, natural resource, or public policy arena. Experience with ocean conservation and climate issues, campaign development and coordination, and professional advocacy preferred.

· Proven project-management skills, including ability to handle several projects at different stages simultaneously and a strong capacity to set priorities and identify resources.

· Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills with an ability to write clearly and cogently for internal audiences, policy makers, the media, and the public.

· Proficiency in English. Proficiency in at least one other position-related language preferred.

· Strong interpersonal skills, ability to develop and manage productive relationships with colleagues, consultants, and coalition partners. Excellent listening skills.

· Exhibit strong skills of diplomacy with seasoned and sound judgment. Ability to work productively with a wide array of different people, including senior level officials, and institutions that frequently disagree with or are in competition with one another.

· Knowledge and demonstrated proficiency in use of software (Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and ability to learn or use technology for reports, meetings, and grants management (Google Suite, Zoom, Fluxx, Monday.com, Slack, etc.).

· International and domestic travel will be expected.

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA): Oceans 5 is a sponsored project of RPA, an equal opportunities employer that values diversity at the organization. RPA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and accomplishment. For prospective candidates from the United States, the salary range will be $190,000 to $240,000, plus a competitive compensation and benefits package including health coverage, retirement benefits, paid sick leave, vacation and holidays. For candidates from outside the United States, comparable local market factors will be considered. RPA often uses employers of records for foreign hires that provide comparable benefits.

How to Apply: To be considered, please submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample to in**@*****s5.org. Oceans 5 will accept applications via email until the position is filled.