Monday, December 18, 2017

Resident Attorney - Pittsburgh & Akron

Call for Applications for a Resident Attorney
Fair Shake is looking for bright, motivated, and entrepreneurial attorneys who want to build or join small or solo environmental law practices for modest means clients in the Appalachian Basin region. We are hiring attorneys interested in increasing access to justice in environmental matters and public participation in environmental decision-making.

Deadline to apply: January 12, 2018

Essential Functions of Resident Attorneys
Working under the direct supervision of a Supervising Attorney, the Resident Attorney represents and counsels modest means clients in the Appalachian Basin. While practicing law at Fair Shake, Resident Attorneys spend a substantial amount of time training in advanced lawyering skills, business planning, and alternative practice areas to prepare the attorney for a sliding scale law practice outside of Fair Shake. The Resident Attorney position involves client interviewing and counseling, legal analysis, factual investigation, trial preparation, collaborative case theory development, and problem-solving. The Resident Attorney will handle matters covering the full reach of environmental law practice.
Resident Attorneys will be part of a legal team in either Pennsylvania or Ohio dedicated to providing environmental legal services to modest means clients. Residents will build a client base geared toward their own environmental practice goals while training in the business of a law practice serving modest means clients. Resident Attorneys will spend time every week on both case development and business planning. Resident Attorneys are expected to work to start-up or join an environmental practice within the Appalachian Basin to serve sliding-scale clients in at least 50% of their practice after spending 2 years at Fair Shake ELS. Options will exist for continued support from the Fair Shake after their 2-year residency period.
Resident Attorneys will work on a diverse scope of environmental matters, but may focus in areas of desired practice development. Anticipated case matters include permit appeals, civil litigation, citizen suits, permit and rule comments, administrative petitions, land use hearings, gas lease reviews and negotiations, compliance counseling, community educational presentations, and opinion letter development.

Desired Skills and Qualities

  • Training and experience in the full spectrum of environmental and administrative legal issues;
  • Training in client interviewing and counseling, administrative procedure, and trial advocacy;
  • Experience and training in legal drafting, research, and effective communication;
  • A strong interest in starting a small environmental legal practice in the tri-state region;
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in both collaboratively- and independently-produced work product and performances; and
  • A commitment to Fair Shake’s mission.
To Apply
To apply, please submit a letter of interest, your CV or résumé, and a writing sample to:
Emily A. Collins
Executive Director and Managing Attorney

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Agriculture Reporter

POLITICO Pro is looking for a versatile beat reporter to dig into the politics and policy of agriculture. This is one of the most dynamic and exciting policy areas in Washington — nothing less than the food we eat and the future of the world’s food supply is at stake. It is an ideal job for someone interested in breaking news on Trump administration policy, the farm bill, food tech, Big Ag companies’ lobbying efforts and the challenges faced by the American farmer. You may have to go deep into pesticide exposure risks one day and explain government regulation over the meatpacking sector the next.
You should be someone who is never content with just getting a canned quote and never satisfied with conventional wisdom or a politician’s non-answers.
What You'll Have:
  • Writing chops: The ability to write fast and analytically is a must. Flair and style are required; people should want to pay to read your writing.
  • Initiative and integrity: The ability to develop a network of sources both in and out of Washington is necessary, and you should be comfortable playing an important role in engaging on social media. You should write with authority and never with bias or opinion, and you should understand the difference. You should demonstrate the core journalistic values of integrity and compassion.
  • Versatility: Our best journalists produce a smart, savvy blend of scoops, analysis and smart aggregation. They also write breaking news items and can naturally turn leads or quick hits into deeper-dive pieces when the news warrants.
  • Team spirit: You must be able to work as part of a team and collaborate on beat coverage and in-depth pieces. You will be paired with reporters who cover all aspects of farm and food policy and editors who will give your stories shape and polish. You will also be expected to contribute original items to our daily newsletter to give readers the news behind the news.
What You'll Need: 
  • At least three-plus years of professional journalism experience covering a daily beat is required.
  • Journalistic experience in covering the farm bill, federal policy and/or agribusiness is helpful but not essential.
  • Experience with contributing to or writing newsletters is a plus.
  • This is an ideal position for a journalist who wants to develop from a beat reporter into a policy-scoop machine.
Please send a resume, a cover letter summarizing your interest and qualifications for the beat, and five writing samples (web links are fine). 
Come help us build the story. We check our comfort zones at the door each day to foster innovation, and because we believe in each other’s ambitions, we come together to create something meaningful.
We value our people. We offer a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package, including health and wellness benefits, commuter benefits, retirement plans, as well as work-life balance flexibility and opportunities for career development.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Nature Conservancy: Corporate Services Attorney

Job Description
The Corporate Services Attorney provides legal services under the direction of a more experienced Conservancy attorney to advance Conservancy priorities and appropriately manage risk.  
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS    
  • Provides legal services for assigned programs focusing on U.S. government relations, lobbying regulatory compliance, campaign finance compliance, and public policy advocacy. 
  • Ensures that the Conservancy complies with its obligations to report and conduct lobbying and policy advocacy activities in accordance with U.S. and international laws. 
  • Ensures that transactions and activities are legally sound and consistent with the Conservancy’s mission, authority, policies, and procedures. 
  • Clearly articulates legal concepts and options to assigned programs. 
  • Counsels clients in other programmatic work to assure compliance with domestic and international laws, particularly those that apply to public charities.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE        
  • Reviews organizational documents and prepares and examines contracts which may involve government grants, leases, licenses, purchases, sales, insurance, easements, etc. 
  • May supervise and/or provide guidance to paralegals and other support staff.
  • Assists in special projects as requested by department management.
  • Provides support to primary legal contacts for various clients.
  • Travels occasionally; works long or flexible hours as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS        
  • Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or equivalent and license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE         
  • A minimum of two (2) years of practice as an attorney.
  • Experience in a legal or other capacity with government ethics, campaign finance regulations, lobbying and/or federal election rules.
  • Experience drafting and negotiating contracts for services and grant agreements.
  • Experience in developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals. 
  • Experience with non-profit organization regulations.
  • Excellent legal research skills.
  • Exemplary public speaking and presentation skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams of legal and non-legal professionals.
  • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
SALARY INFORMATION
The target salary range for this position is $92,000 - $97,000 per year, based on qualifications and experience.

Friday, December 8, 2017

Food Systems and Food Safety Program Associate - Little Rock, AR

Summary

The Food Systems and Food Safety Program Associate provides outreach, education and technical assistance to Arkansas produce growers, community stakeholders and county extension agents for the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations and community food system development. Identifies, enrolls, and trains produce growers, stakeholders, and county agents in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, community food systems, other related food safety training. The Program Associate will support, develop, and implement training and technical assistance with stakeholders working to support community food systems development across the value chain.

Job Duties

  • Plan coordination of and host PSA Grower Training and Food System Development training workshops. 
  • Implement the goals and objectives of projects and direct day-to-day project operation, including managing implementation of project activities, coordination with other agencies, and ensuring that reports and documentation are submitted. 
  • Serve as a liaison to Lead Instructors for public FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food courses with respect to gathering attendance numbers and info. Provide input on development of Southern Center add-on curricula related to produce safety for both PSA (i.e. commodity-specific training, production type-specific training, etc.) and FSPCA (produce-specific food safety plan examples). Assist with technical assistance management, tracking, and evaluation. 
  • Prepare educational materials and develop web content, promotional materials, press releases, etc. Monitor program implementation, assist collaborators and county extension agents, coordinate activities with team. 
  • Travel to Southern Center for FSMA Training meetings, sustainable agriculture, or local foods conferences. Takes initiative, self-directed as well as the ability to work effectively in a team.


Job posted by The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service
See full job description HERE

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Analyst in Environmental Policy - DC

Summary

The Environmental Policy Section in the Resources, Science and Industry Division (RSI) of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) is seeking an Analyst in Environmental Policy. The analyst will conduct analyses that inform congressional deliberations on environmental policy and science related to environmental remediation and mine reclamation policy. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the history, trends, and current status of environmental policy with an emphasis on environmental remediation and mine reclamation policy, as well as interrelationships with other key disciplines such as the physical or biological sciences, engineering, administrative law, public finance and financial assurance, and/or policy disciplines.

This position requires the ability to utilize analytical methods and techniques to analyze policy issues for the U.S. Congress. Applicants should be comfortable with quantitative approaches in research and familiar with environmental policy and science related to environmental remediation and mine reclamation policies. Strong writing and presentation skills, including the ability to synthesize complex analyses into easy-to-understand language for a non-technical audience, are required.

Analyst duties include preparing objective, non-partisan analytical studies and descriptive background reports on issues of national significance; providing personal consultation and assistance to congressional committees, Members, and staff on public policy issues throughout the legislative process; and participating in or coordinating team research projects and seminars.

CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century.

CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.

Responsibilities 

  • Prepares a variety of descriptive and background reports, memoranda, and written materials on subjects or public policy issues within the employee's area of professional knowledge to support congressional decision making. 
  • Through personal consultation, assists committees, Members, and staff with consideration of legislative issues by providing information and analysis, and applying professional subject-area knowledge.
  • Participates in CRS seminars, workshops, and/or outreach programs for committees, Members, and staff. 
  • Locates and provides information requested by Members and committees of Congress or their staff.

Job Posted by USAJOBS.gov
See full job description HERE

Friday, November 24, 2017

Analyst in Agricultural Policy - DC

Duties

Summary

The Resources, Science and Industry Division (RSI) of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) is seeking an Analyst in Agricultural Policy. The analyst will conduct analyses that inform congressional deliberations on agricultural policy including U.S. international food assistance efforts and alternative approaches employed by other entities. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the programs, initiatives, and broad objectives of agricultural policy, agricultural markets, and the interplay between domestic agricultural and international food assistance interests.
This position requires the ability to utilize analytical methods and techniques to analyze policy issues for the U.S. Congress. Applicants should be comfortable with quantitative approaches in research and familiar with current agricultural policy and related issues with an emphasis on U.S. international food assistance efforts and alternative approaches employed by other entities. Strong writing and presentation skills, including the ability to synthesize complex analyses into easy-to-understand language for a non-technical audience, are required.

Analyst duties include preparing objective, non-partisan analytical studies and descriptive background reports on issues of national significance; providing personal consultation and assistance to congressional committees, Members, and staff on public policy issues throughout the legislative process; and participating in or coordinating team research projects and seminars. The employee is also expected to develop over time the skills necessary to provide public policy and legislative analysis and consultation to congressional committees, Members, and staff at increasingly sophisticated levels.
CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century.
CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.

Responsibilities

  • Participates in CRS seminars, workshops, and/or outreach programs for committees, Members, and staff.
  • Locates and provides information requested by Members and committees of Congress or their staff.
  • Participates in planning, organizing, and coordinating group research efforts.
  • Through personal consultation, assists committees, Members, and staff with consideration of legislative issues by providing information and analysis, and applying professional subject-area knowledge.
  • Prepares a variety of descriptive and background reports, memoranda, and written materials on subjects or public policy issues within the employee's area of professional knowledge to support congressional decision making.


Tuesday, November 21, 2017

American Farmland Trust



Working Lands Alliance Project Director 

Description
Requirements
American Farmland Trust seeks an energetic self-starter to lead Connecticut’s Working Lands Alliance (WLA). The WLA Project Director is responsible for directing all WLA activities, which include research and education, policy development, grassroots and direct advocacy, outreach and communications, member and public events, budgeting and administration, and fundraising. The Project Director works with a 19-person Steering Committee to develop an annual WLA policy agenda, work plan and budget that will guide WLA activities for the year in furtherance of the vision that has been adopted by the Committee. In addition to WLA duties, the WLA Director participates in additional projects within the scope of American Farmland Trust national and regional initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have a background in agriculture and public policy, familiarity with Connecticut, and experience in managing collaborative projects involving multiple partners. Excellent communication skills, a willingness to manage all aspects of coalition activities, and the vision to lead are essential. Experience in fundraising is desirable.

The WLA Project Director reports to the New England Director of American Farmland Trust, and coordinates his/her activities closely with those of the WLA Chair and the contracted WLA lobbyist. The Project Director is a full time (37.5 hours/week) position. This is a telework position and requires extensive travel throughout Connecticut and occasional travel elsewhere in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Maintain and develop working relationships with the WLA Steering Committee
• Schedule, develop agendas and record minutes for WLA Steering Committee monthly meetings
• Working with the Administrative Subcommittee and the AFT New England Director, develop annual work plans and budgets to be approved by the Steering Committee
• Working with the Development Subcommittee and the AFT New England Director, raise the funds needed to meet WLA revenue targets
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with federal, state and local policy makers and thought leaders whose work may impact AFT, WLA and their shared vision
• Direct advocacy and legislative activities for WLA based on annual strategic agenda
• Maintain WLA website, member database and communications activities, including overseeing WLA’s social media presence, press relations, and direct communications with WLA membership via e-newsletter, etc.
• Help develop, raise funds for and participate in projects supporting American Farmland Trust regional and national initiatives.

The WLA Project Director must have direct professional experience working with a wide variety of people, organizations and interests on programing and public policy in land conservation and agriculture. These include agriculture and conservation organizations and trade associations, land trusts, state and local elected officials, public agencies, individual donors and foundations, planners and planning commissions, and academic institutions. S/he must have knowledge of Connecticut’s agriculture and farmland protection. Excellent communication skills and creativity are essential. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite is required; additional computer skills preferred.

• A BA or BS degree and a minimum of 4 years of work experience in related fields, such as farmland conservation, agriculture, public policy, land use or natural resource planning.
• Demonstrated experience with legislative and/or policy development and advocacy.
• Demonstrated project and budget management experience.
• Experience managing complex projects and multiple partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fundraising experience strongly preferred.


American Farmland Trust provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Pesticide Action Network

PAN Communications Director

Pesticide Action Network (PAN) is seeking a passionate, pragmatic and innovative Communications Director. The ideal candidate is deeply rooted in the discipline of strategic communications for social change, has a flair for crafting compelling narratives to mobilize target audiences, and is well-versed in online organizing best practices. The Communications Director leads — and collaborates closely with — a small and mighty team that includes the Communications Associate and Digital Production Manager.


S/he is responsible for cultivating the organizational “voice,” developing message platforms, and ensuring consistency across all branded materials and channels. Additionally, the Communication Director oversees the creation and implementation of digital engagement and online fundraising strategies, and collaborates with staff across the organization as part of the program leadership team.
We’re looking for an experienced professional with exceptional writing skills and a deep understanding of and commitment to PAN’s mission to transform the food and farming system. Personal or professional knowledge of relevant social and environmental justice issues like pesticide policy, genetic engineering and sustainable agriculture are highly desirable. Self-direction, flexibility and a collaborative approach are also key, as is a sense of humor.

This is an 80% position — 4 days/week —  located in either PAN’s Berkeley or Minneapolis office.

The Organization

Pesticide Action Network (PAN) North America works to create a just, thriving food system, working with those on the frontlines — farmers, farmworkers, families with young children, Native people and rural communities — to tackle the health, economic and environmental problems created by our industrialized system of food and farming. We are part of a global network that works to reclaim the future of food and farming from corporate interests. Our organizational values are here: http://www.panna.org/about-us/mission-values.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

The Communications Director collaborates closely with other members of the Communications Team and staff across the organization. Primary areas of responsibility for this role include:  
  • Leading the Communications Team, including setting team meetings and agendas, supervising staff and interns, and managing the department budget.
  • Driving the creation, implementation and evaluation of the annual strategic communications plan to maximize the organization’s impact and reach.
  • Supervising the creation and implementation of digital engagement strategies through PAN’s online channels, including our advocacy email list, social media and websites. 
  • Crafting values-based, audience-specific message memos & talking points in support of specific advocacy campaigns.
  • Drafting compelling action alerts, fundraising appeals, blogs, website content and campaign resources.
  • Ensuring that quality, branding and messaging are consistent in all internal and external communications. This includes being an expert “vetter,” copy editor and writing coach for others on staff.
  • Driving online fundraising strategies, implementation and evaluation.
  • With other members of the program leadership team, supporting strategic planning, fundraising, board engagement and capacity building across the organization.
  • Collaborating with partners to strengthen shared campaigns and build the larger food and agricultural justice movements.

Required qualifications include:

  • 3+ years of demonstrated success as a results-driven communications leader, including deep understanding of the role strategic communications plays in achieving policy changes and political wins.
  • Proven experience with audience research and message development to mobilize civic engagement.
  • Exceptional writing, editing, verbal and analytical skills.
  • Experience supervising staff, leading a team and managing a department budget.
  • Knowledge of online analytical tools, including Google Analytics.
  • Experience with website platforms like Drupal or Wordpress, as well as advocacy tools like Action Network or Salsa. Familiarity with Salesforce and Smartsheet is a plus, as is familiarity with Google Apps and HTML.
A "can-do" attitude, flexibility, grace under pressure and a sense of humor are key to success in this position. Ability to prioritize tasks, make sound decisions, and meet deadlines are also critical. Top candidates will have a deep commitment to social justice, environmental health and food system reform, with political savvy and passion around these issues.

Compensation

Competitive salary, depending on qualifications, experience and location. PAN offers an extensive benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, vacation and sick leave, and flexible scheduling.

Application Process

Submit a letter of application describing your specific interest in and qualifications for this position, your resume and salary requirements, and three brief writing samples intended for different audiences to jobpost@panna.org (link sends e-mail), including “Communications Director Application” in the subject line. The position is open until filled. Ideally, the new Communications Director will begin on February 1, 2018. Selection of candidates for interview is ongoing. If you have questions about this position, please email jobpost@panna.org (link sends e-mail).


PAN embraces diversity and is actively committed to increasing diversity among our staff, board and volunteers. We are seeking individuals from a wide variety of ethnic, racial and social backgrounds for this position. We strongly encourage people of color or with roots in other countries or cultures to apply. PAN does not discriminate against applicants or employees for reasons of race, color, disability, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, prior convictions, incarceration or age.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Center for Food Safety

SUMMER 2018 LAW CLERK ANNOUNCEMENT

Portland, OR
Overview: Center for Food Safety (CFS) is a nonprofit public interest and environmental advocacy organization that works to empower people, support farmers, and protect the environment from harmful industrial agriculture. CFS also works to promote and protect truly sustainable forms of food production, like organic and ecological farming. CFS represents over 900,000 farmer and consumer members nationwide. CFS works to achieve its goals through litigation, legislation, scientific reports, public education, grassroots campaigns, market pressure, and media outreach. CFS’s legal team manages an active docket of impact litigation and high-profile cases on issues related to genetic engineering, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs or factory farms), aquaculture, food safety, food labeling, pollinators and pesticides, soil and climate, and organics. Learn more at centerforfoodsafety.org.
Position Description: CFS is seeking motivated law clerks interested in doing meaningful litigation and policy work on behalf of the public and the environment. Clerks’ responsibilities vary each year but typically include performing legal research, drafting pleadings, attending hearings, drafting comments and petitions to administrative agencies, and supporting attorneys in litigation. Clerks are also expected to do minor administrative tasks as needed. Law clerks work closely with attorneys and staff, and are able to gain practical litigation and policy experience in a small nonprofit setting. A stipend may be available, but we strongly encourage students to seek outside funding or school credit.
Qualifications: Clerks must have completed at least one year of law school and be available to work full-time in our Portland, OR office for ten weeks. Demonstrated commitment to practicing public interest law related to food, agriculture, or the environment is a plus. Relevant coursework in administrative and environmental law are strongly preferred but not required.
To Apply: Email a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references to avansaun@centerforfoodsafety.org. Please indicate “Summer 2018 Clerkship” in the subject line. Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis.

NRDC - Project Advocate Canada

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is one of the most effective international environmental action groups, combining the power of more than two million members and online activists with the expertise of nearly 500 scientists, lawyers, policy advocates, and other professionals across the globe ensure the rights of all people to the air, the water, and the wild.  NRDC was founded in 1970 and our staff helped secure environmental victories in the U.S. and around the world. NRDC works on projects in the United States, Canada, Latin America, India, and China, as well as on global initiatives addressing issues such as climate change, energy, toxic waste, oceans, water, air and health. Today, our staff – a force for nature - work out of offices in New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Bozeman, Montana and Beijing.

Position Summary:
NRDC seeks a Project Advocate to work with the International program’s Canada project in it's Washington, D.C. office. The Advocate will help implement the project’s strategy to protect Canada’s Boreal Forest, which include a corporate campaign to secure protection of intact forest areas and policies that support the recovery of threatened boreal species, efforts to highlight the climate impacts of forestry and support the project’s efforts to constrain the development of tar sands and other dirty fuels. The Advocate will work closely with NRDC staff and with other nongovernmental organizations and First Nations allies throughout Canada and the United States. The successful candidate must have strong research skills, excellent communication and problem solving skills and the ability to write effectively for audiences in the government, media, business community and general public. 

Responsibilities

  • Research and writing on a variety of boreal forest issues including wildlife conservation policy, climate, indigenous rights and the forestry industry;
  • Provide outreach to policy makers, industry leaders and other stakeholders in Canada and the United States; 

  • Share and advocate for policy solutions that address unsustainable industrial practices in Canada’s boreal forest; 

  • Be responsible for the production of blogs, fact sheets, issue papers, and other written material;
  • Represent NRDC before NGO partners and First Nations allies;
  • Represent NRDC positions before media and leading policymakers;
  • Support NRDC’s priorities on energy, dirty fuels development and climate in Canada.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required;
  • Masters or Law degree in environmental law/policy or another relevant field preferred; 

  • 3 - 4 years work/intern experience in a relevant and/or related field; 

  • Demonstrated advocacy skills; 

  • Robust interpersonal skills to interact with leading decision-makers in government, other non-profits, business community;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; 

  • Ability to participate on teams that work collaboratively toward shared outcomes across programs and organizations;
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to handle multiple work streams;
  • Must possess a high degree of proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook. 

  • Proficiency in French is preferred but not required;
  • GIS knowledge is preferred but not required.

NRDC is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion.  We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment.  Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience.

To apply, please visit www.nrdc.org/jobs and upload your resume and cover letter through our online portal. Please no phone calls, emails, faxes or in-person resume drop-offs. Please reference where you saw this posting. NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

NSAC Policy Intern

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is currently seeking a Policy Intern for the spring term beginning in early January 2018 and lasting until mid-May 2018.  This position is paid, full-time, and is located at NSAC’s Washington, D.C. office on Capitol Hill. Please see the Spring 2018 Policy Intern position posting for more information and instructions on how to apply.

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Summer Internships: Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic

Summer interns in the Food Law and Policy Clinic have the unique opportunity to engage in action-based learning to gain a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing our current food system. Interns get hands-on experience conducting legal and policy research for individuals, community groups, and government agencies on a wide range of food law and policy issues, and are challenged to develop creative legal and policy solutions to pressing food issues. FLPC interns apply their knowledge from the law school classroom to real-world situations.

Examples of projects include: providing policy guidance and advocacy training to state and local food policy councils, assessing how food safety regulations could be amended to increase economic opportunities for small local producers, recommending policies to increase access to healthy food for low-income communities, identifying and breaking down legal barriers inhibiting small-scale and sustainable food production, and drafting state and federal legislation to reduce the amount of wasted food.



Fellowship Position in Sustainable Food Systems Announcement



Stetson University invites applications from highly-motivated and energetic emerging leaders for the Brown Teacher-Scholar Fellow in Sustainable Food Systems.
This two-year residency fellowship involves undergraduate teaching, research, and community involvement related to sustainable food systems. 

Candidates with expertise in food policy, food justice, community health and/or urban and innovative food production systems are encouraged to apply. The Fellow will join a dynamic interdisciplinary team of faculty engaged with the Central Florida regional food system.
Download the job description for details and application instructions.


Sunday, October 22, 2017

Looking for Your Dream Fellowship?

Find it here.

ProFellow is a site that provides information and community around academic fellowships. Its promise:

Find your dream fellowship

Search more than 900 professional and academic fellowship programs


Keep us posted on your endeavors, either by email (LLM @uark.edu) or on Twitter @agfoodlaw.



SENIOR ATTORNEY – SUSTAINABLE FERC PROJECT

Natural Resources Defense Council

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is the nation's most effective environmental action organization. We use law, science and the support of 1.4 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our staff helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, and many of the implementing regulations; our water enforcement cases played a major role shaping current water policy throughout the country. Today, our staff of more than 500 lawyers, scientists, economists, policy and communications experts, and others, work out of offices in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Bozeman and Beijing. Position Summary: NRDC is a seeking Senior Attorney to work with the Sustainable FERC Project team in our Washington, DC office. The Sustainable FERC Project is an initiative housed in NRDC’s Energy and Transportation Program that represents many national and regional environmental organizations on transmission grid regulations and policies related to the deployment of renewable energy, demand response, energy efficiency, distributed generation and energy storage. The Project serves as a voice of the environmental and clean energy community at FERC and in FERC-jurisdictional grid market and planning regions on electric system policies and regional transmission grid planning processes. The Project’s current priorities include removing market barriers in the RTOs/ISOs to ensure a level playing field for renewable energy and demand-side resources, improving FERC’s Order 1000 on transmission planning and cost allocation, navigating a successful legal and policy course through the blurred lines of federal and state electricity regulatory jurisdiction, and ensuring comparable treatment for non-wires options like demand response and energy efficiency in grid planning and markets. Find out more at www.sustainableferc.org. The successful applicant will help to manage the Sustainable FERC Project’s advocacy to integrate wind, solar, energy efficiency, demand response, energy storage, and similar clean, low-carbon energy resources into the electric grid through reforms to FERC-jurisdictional markets, operations, and planning. Position includes leading advocacy at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, identifying key regulatory grid issues and developing strategies to address those issues, advocating for changes in line with those strategies, and supporting litigation in support of the Project’s mission. The role calls for the combination of leadership and advocacy skills with the flexibility, diplomatic, organizational and communication skills necessary to facilitate coalitions of many organizations and allies around different issues. Successful candidates will have demonstrated both strong independent initiative and the ability to contribute effectively as a member of a team and collaborate across organizations.
Conceive and advocate for FERC-jurisdictional solutions to achieve the Sustainable FERC Project’s mission and goals for clean energy development and a low-carbon electricity future, including solutions for wholesale electricity market design and performance, transmission planning and cost allocation.Advocate for other federal and state regulatory and legislative reforms to power grid policies necessary to accelerate the transformation of our nation’s energy to a mix of low-carbon renewable energy and demand side resources.Provide counsel and guidance to coalition members on FERC-related energy policy issues, including issues impacting both federal and state authority over electricity.Represent our coalition and NRDC at FERC and FERC-jurisdictional planning and market regions, Congress, state commissions, and other forums and proceedings.Identify allies and build coalitions of clean energy and public interest organizations across the country.
Minimum 5 years experience and a graduate level degree; JD strongly preferred. A degree in a related discipline such as energy, public policy, finance, economics, or engineering will be considered, preferably in combination with a JD.Significant experience in FERC, RTO/ISO and/or state utility commission rulemakings and/or other related proceedings.Excellent legal writing skills and the ability to grasp and translate technical transmission grid issues into plain English.Oral advocacy experience and comfort speaking in varied settings, ranging from working groups to conferences.Strategic thinking ability.Strong interpersonal skills.Willingness to travel (estimated 25% of the time).Able to lead and participate on teams that work collaboratively toward shared outcomes. NRDC is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. 
We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience. T
o apply, please create a profile and upload your resume and cover letter. Please no phone calls, emails, faxes or in-person resume drop-offs. Please reference where you saw this posting. If you are having technical difficulty while applying, please email us at hr@nrdc.org. For further information about NRDC, please visit www.nrdc.org

Impossible Foods

Assistant General Counsel

Do you want to be part of an exciting company dedicated to solving the greatest challenge humanity faces? Then Impossible Foods is the place for you.
Impossible Foods was founded 5 years ago to solve this problem by inventing an efficient, sustainable way to transform plants into irresistibly delicious, nutritious foods that deliver all the pleasures and nutritional benefits consumers demand without the destructive environmental impact. Our first product, the Impossible Burger, was introduced by top chefs to the world is currently available at various restaurants across the United States.
The Legal Department at Impossible Foods is seeking an experienced midlevel attorney to join our team as Assistant General Counsel.  This attorney will support Impossible Foods’ growing sales and marketing departments. The ideal candidate must be capable of (i) developing relationships with key stakeholders across functions; (ii) collaborating on and implementing compliant solutions to issues arising as we grow our sales and marketing departments; (iii) handling day-to-day review of contracts and providing advice in real time; (iv) implementing appropriate processes and training so that our growing sales and marketing teams understand and operate legally. The person should be a highly organized, energetic, detail-oriented, creative problem-solver with sound judgment.

You Will:

Draft and negotiate a variety of sales, marketing and advertising agreements, including distribution agreements, standard terms, and conditions for the sale of goods and master services agreements.
Handle US and global copyright and trademark issues relating to marketing and sales initiatives.
Manage multiple deals and support colleagues to ensure business initiatives are executed timely and accurately.
Advise the sales and marketing teams on legal issues and risks and company policies.
Exercise sound judgment when negotiating key business and legal terms.
Collaborate with outside counsel on commercial matters.
Collaborate with the rest of the Legal Department in handling the various issues faced by a high-growth, well-funded startup.
You Have:
Excellent written and oral communication skills and attention to detail.
Ability to successfully set priorities, perform tasks in an orderly fashion and meet deadlines.
Extensive experience with nuanced commercial legal issues, ideally within the food supply chain and food procurement.
The desire and ability to meet the needs of a high-growth, fast-paced, pre-IPO Silicon Valley startup company.
Outstanding analytical, communication, negotiation, and drafting skills.
Excellent legal and business judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously.
Excellent follow-up and organizational skills.
Ability to accommodate tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
A strong work ethic, ability to operate well independently and without close supervision.
Team player and fun to work with.

Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance

Office of the Secretary - Washington D.C.

The Office of the General Counsel is looking for an energetic, innovative legal officer who will enjoy working in a dynamic and mission driven organization as the Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance in the Office of the General Counsel.

The Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance is the principal advisor to the General Counsel on legal aspects of the Department’s activities in the field of Enforcement and Compliance. As Chief Counsel, the incumbent serves as the legal advisor to the Under Secretary for International Trade with respect to Enforcement and Compliance-related matters. The incumbent is responsible for providing legal advice and legal counsel and services to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance. The incumbent is also responsible for providing sound legal advice on a broad and complex range of issues arising from the administration of the antidumping and countervailing duty laws and various other laws affecting imports into the United States. The incumbent provides counsel in connection with other U.S. or international trade dispute mechanisms,operates at a senior policymaking level, and integrates legal knowledge with a sophisticated grasp of domestic and foreign trade and economic policy concerns. Additionally, the incumbent deals regularly with high level officials outside the Department and will often be the International Trade Administration or Enforcement and Compliance representative in dealing with the public, other agencies, Congress, foreign governments, and international bodies.
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

The Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance will be responsible for planning, carrying out and directing the performance of work and activities as outlined below:
  • Provides legal support to the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance for all matters relating to the administration of the antidumping law (19 U.S.C. §1671, et seq) and the countervailing duty law (19 U.S.C. §1673, et seq), including: 1) providing advice during all administrative proceedings and concurring on all preliminary and final administrative determinations; 2) handling related litigation pursuant to Chapter 19 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); 3) handling related litigation in the Federal Courts and the World Trade Organization (WTO), in coordination with the Department of Justice or the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), as appropriate; 4) providing legal advice and assistance in connection with other WTO proceedings, including multilateral and bilateral negotiations, and the activities of the Committees on Antidumping and Subsidies and Countervailing Measures; 5) drafting and providing legal advice concerning amendments to the relevant statutes and regulations, in close coordination with other relevant offices within the Department, including the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Regulation; 6) providing legal advice assistance in connection with related bi-lateral and multi-lateral negotiations, including those for suspension of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations; and 7)providing analyses and advice with respect to other legal issues concerning imports into the United States.
  • When appropriate, in coordination with USTR, provides advice on questions concerning the consistency with U.S. law and the WTO Agreements of benefits provided by the federal, state, or local governments.
  • Provides legal support with respect to the negotiation and implementation of free trade agreements, to the extend government subsidization or unfair private pricing practices are involved. Advises on the interpretation and application of WTO and other Agreements, to the extent that they relate to government subsidization, private pricing practices, or other matters within the jurisdiction of the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance.
  • Provides appropriate legal support to the Under Secretary for International Trade and Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance, including providing legal advice, litigation support, drafting statutory amendments and regulations, and coordination with other agencies as appropriate, in connection with programs and statutes.
  • Responsible for bringing to the attention of the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel all matters that have significant policy or legal implications.
  • Coordinates with Chief Counsels for the Bureau of Industry and Security and International Commerce on all trade-related legal matters that raise issues within their respective jurisdictions. Provides referrals and assistance to the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation, Regulation and Oversight concerning legislation, Congressional testimony, and regulatory issues for client offices. Provides referrals and assistance to the Assistant General Counsel for Administration and Transactions and the Assistant General Counsel for Employment, Litigation, and Information on personnel and other administrative law matters for client offices.
  • Provides first level or second level supervision for attorneys, paralegal specialists and support staff, including recruiting, assigning work, evaluation performance, resolving personnel problems and recommending promotions and awards.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Snell & Wilmer LLP - Natural Resources Attorney

The Salt Lake City office seeks to expand its Natural Resources practice.  The ideal candidate will have ten or more years of experience in natural resources development, environmental permitting and water rights.  Preferably the candidate will bring some portable work, but will also be expected to service existing needs at the firm. Utah Bar, or the ability to gain access to the Utah Bar is required.

More information here.

NRDC - Spring Legal Externs

Overview

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is the nation's most effective environmental action group, combining the power of more than two million members and online activists with the expertise of nearly 500 scientists, lawyers, policy advocates, and other professionals across the globe ensure the rights of all people to the air, the water, and the wild. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our staff helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, and many of the implementing regulations; our water enforcement cases played a major role shaping current water policy throughout the country. Today, our staff – a force for nature - work out of offices in New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Bozeman, Montana and Beijing.

NRDC is seeking 3 legal externs to work with the Environmental Justice, Marine Mammals, Water and Air teams in our Santa Monica office. NRDC’s spring legal externs may participate in writing briefs, drafting complaints, preparing legal analyses, obtaining affidavits, investigating violations of environmental laws, developing policy advocacy campaigns, and drafting white papers and comments for submission to administrative agencies. NRDC hires passionate students who possess the intelligence, skill, self-confidence, and maturity to take on substantial responsibility. Our externs play an active role on the frontlines of the environmental movement. An NRDC extern will typically work on a variety of projects and amass experience that he or she could not obtain anywhere else. This is an unpaid externship to take place over the course of the spring academic term.

Responsibilities

  • Research legal, factual and policy issues relevant to NRDC’s environmental work in Los Angeles
  • Draft, proofread, and edit documents (e.g., research memoranda)
  • Generally assist the Santa Monica attorneys with various projects
Contribute minimum 20 hours/week over the course of the spring academic term

Qualifications

Required
  • Enrollment in law school;
  • Must receive school credit in exchange for externship work;
  • Outstanding academic record;
  • Local to the Santa Monica office;
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment on multiple demanding tasks;
  • Ability to work both on a team and independently, prioritize multiple projects, and meet deadlines;
  • Exceptional research, writing and communication skills;
  • Strong interest in environmental issues in the Los Angeles region; and
  • Enthusiasm for NRDC’s mission
To apply, please visit www.nrdc.org/jobs and upload your resume and cover letter through our online portal. Please no phone calls, emails, faxes or in-person resume drop-offs. Please reference where you saw this posting. NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

NRDC - Program Advocate or Attorney - Alaska

Overview

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a U.S. and international environmental action organization. We use law, science, and the support of 3 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things.  NRDC was founded in 1970 and our staff has helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, and many implementing regulations.  Our cases enforcing and defending federal and state environmental laws have played a major role shaping current environmental policy throughout the country.  Our staff of more than 600 lawyers, scientists, economists, policy and communications experts, and others, work out of offices in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Bozeman, and Beijing.

Position Summary:

NRDC is seeking an experienced attorney or policy advocate for our Alaska Project, working in NRDC’s office in Washington, DC or San Francisco with periodic travel to Alaska and elsewhere, providing highly effective advocacy, collaboration, and leadership in challenging, high stakes conservation campaigns across a spectrum of forums, focusing principally on federal public lands and waters in Alaska.

Responsibilities

  • Conducting successful advocacy related to conservation of natural areas and wildlife in and offshore Alaska, preferably including legal advocacy;
  • Coordinating with and enhancing the advocacy efforts of other groups working to conserve natural values and places in Alaska, including local and regional partners and Alaska Natives;
  • Developing strong substantive expertise in scientific, technical, and legal issues relevant to Alaska conservation;
  • Collaborating with and providing expertise and strategic assistance to NRDC staff in other projects and programs;
  • Drafting briefing papers, formal comments, testimony, and other advocacy documents;
  • Communicating effectively with media professionals about Alaska conservation issues;
  • Contributing to NRDC public communications, including social media;
  • Assisting with outreach to NRDC members, donors, and funders;
  • Staffing NRDC leadership for high level meetings; and
  • Contributing to making NRDC’s work more relevant to diverse communities and interest groups;

Qualifications

  • Either (i) a law degree or advanced degree in the natural sciences and a minimum of 3 years’ professional experience related to federal policy advocacy (including time in a policy-related congressional or agency staff position), or (ii) a relevant bachelor’s degree and 5 years’ such experience;
  • Demonstrated success both (i) working collegially on and (ii) providing leadership in, policy advocacy;
  • Strong aptitude for mastering scientific and technical background for policy debates; and
  • Highly developed writing skills.
  • Experience with Geographic Information Systems is desirable but not required.
  • Ability to travel to other NRDC offices and Alaska on a monthly basis.

To apply, please visit www.nrdc.org/jobs and upload your resume and cover letter through our online portal.  Please no phone calls, emails, faxes or in-person resume drop-offs.  Please reference where you saw this posting.  NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

NRDC - Staff Attorney or Policy Analyst

Water Program

Overview
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is the nation's most effective environmental action group, combining the power of more than two million members and online activists with the expertise of nearly 500 scientists, lawyers, policy advocates, and other professionals across the globe ensure the rights of all people to the air, the water, and the wild. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our staff helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, and many of the implementing regulations; our water enforcement cases played a major role shaping current water policy throughout the country. Today, our staff – a force for nature - work out of offices in New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Bozeman, Montana and Beijing.

NRDC is seeking a Staff Attorney or Policy Analyst to work with the Water Program in our Santa Monica or San Francisco offices. The successful candidate will be expected to play an important role in formulating and implementing NRDC’s efforts to improve agricultural water use efficiency, protect threatened aquatic wildlife and ecosystems, and advance more sustainable water policies in California and nationwide. The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of attorneys, policy analysts, and other staff engaged on these issues within the Water Program as well as across the organization and with key partners.

Responsibilities

  • Reviewing and analyzing current federal, state, and local water policies; and promoting relevant innovations
  • Advocating at the state and federal level on California water policy, especially relating to agriculture, fisheries, water quality and water supply
  • Building alliances with environmental, environmental justice, and sustainable agriculture-focused groups, and other relevant stakeholders to support sustainable water policies in California and nationwide
  • Pursuing and/or supporting litigation in state and federal court, where necessary, to achieve our programmatic objectives
  • Supervising the work of contractors and interns
  • Travel necessary to implement work plan objectives in national, state, and local areas of focus

Qualifications

  • Law degree or advanced degree in public policy, water resources, agriculture, engineering, or a related subject
  • Minimum of 1-3 years work experience in a related field
  • Knowledge of California water policies, especially as they relate to agriculture, fisheries and the Bay-Delta
  • Strong advocacy experience on environmental issues; experience working with underrepresented communities a plus
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills; proficiency in Spanish preferred
  • Experience in building collaborations with non-traditional allies and in working with local, state, or federal water agencies
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a member of a team to build upon strengths of the program
 To apply, please visit www.nrdc.org/jobs and upload your resume and cover letter through our online portal. Please no phone calls, emails, faxes or in-person resume drop-offs. Please reference where you saw this posting. NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.