Sunday, January 28, 2018

National Family Farm Coalition - Executive Director

Following the unexpected passing in January 2017 of the Coalition’s longtime executive director, Katherine Ozer, the executive committee of the board has been highly engaged to sustain the organization during the leadership transition. 
The organizational assessment process has raised a number of key priorities for NFFC and its new leadership to address in the near term:
  • Developing a strategic plan:  While the organization should remain responsive and adaptable, a clear strategic plan for the next 3-5 years to guide the organization, staff commitments and priorities will be critical to its success;
  • Restructuring organizational systems:  During the transition, NFFC has focused on strengthening systems for its administrative functions and internal infrastructure;
  • Diversifying and strengthening its funding:  While long-time supporters have stepped up to see NFFC through this unexpected transition, its overall funding base must continue to diversify to further stabilize the organization;
  • Building new leadership:  Several NFFC board representatives are cycling off the executive committee, and those who took on additional responsibilities during this time of transition are ready to return to their normal board duties.
  • Ongoing presence as a collective effort:  No one person is or carries the Coalition, and the Coalition’s success depends on effectual collaboration between its staff and membership.
The Ideal Candidate
The new executive director of the Coalition must be a courageous risk-taker grounded in deep integrity and social justice values, and passionately committed to NFFC’s mission as informed by its members.
Specifically, the ideal candidate will have skills and experience in the following areas:
  • Facilitative leadership and management that is inclusive, consensus-building, empowering and supportive of staff and other stakeholders’ growth, efficacy and ownership of the work;
  • Cultivating, engaging and maintaining healthy relationships with a diverse (largely rural) membership and executive committee, allies and potential allies;
  • Being an ally or member of the movements engaged in family farmer or fisherman, food, economic, and/or environmental justice work with an understanding of racial, gender and economic justice issues;
  • Managing or supporting a member-driven organization;
  • Poised and confident enough to tell a compelling story yet comfortable learning from and lifting up traditionally marginalized voices;
  • Creative problem-solving with sometimes limited resources;
  • Balancing “roll-up-the-sleeves,” on-the-ground organizational management, leadership and program work with big-picture thinking and strategy;
  • Familiarity with efforts to effect change in policy and legislation, preferably in a leadership role with farmers and/or fishermen, coalitions, or movements;
  • Developing and managing a multi-faceted, innovative fundraising plan, including experience cultivating donors, soliciting major gifts and writing grants.
Candidate Guidelines
This search is being led by transition consultant Jeremy Phillips. Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief cover letter describing how their qualifications and experiences match the needs of the National Family Farm Coalition, their salary requirements, the source from which they learned of the position, and any informational questions to jeremy.kp@jeremyphillipsconsulting.org.
NFFC has a generous benefits package, including savings plan, health and life insurance, and unemployment contributions.
Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, but the search will remain open until the position is filled.

Good Food Institute - Summer Policy Legal Intern

Summer 2018 Legal Intern: Policy Department


Duration: 35-40 hours per week for 10 weeks

Start date: May or June 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this internship will be to support the work of GFI’s Policy Department to promote a healthy, humane, and sustainable food supply through regulatory and legislative reform. Specifically, the legal intern will support GFI’s policy initiatives to level the playing field for plant-based meat and ensure a clear and efficient regulatory pathway for clean meat.

Activities: The main activities of this internship are: 1) legal research to support GFI’s regulatory strategy in the United States and abroad; and 2) creation of materials to support legislative advocacy.

Deliverables: By the end of the summer, the intern will have produced a variety of written products, including legal memoranda addressing legal issues pertaining to food labeling and regulation in the United States and abroad.

Learning Objectives: The primary learning objective is for the intern to develop expertise in how food is regulated in the United States. You may also learn about the U.S. legislative process and administrative law in other countries.

What We’re Looking For: We are looking for a smart, highly motivated law student to help us make a difference. We’re flexible about geographic location—you’ll work from home. As with all our positions, women, people of color, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation: This position is unpaid.

Apply here.

Nature Conservancy - Agriculture Strategy Manager

The Nature Conservancy has multiple job openings. This description is for an Agriculture Strategy Manger position located in Minneapolis, MN. To apply, or for more details on other jobs, please click here.


Agriculture Strategy Manger 

The Agriculture Strategy Manager will lead The Nature Conservancy’s agricultural initiatives in the State of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota working closely with the agriculture sector on issues related to water quality, wildlife habitat, soil health, air quality and climate change. The Manager will work closely with the Freshwater Program Director to define and implement the Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota Chapter’s agriculture strategy through high-level engagement with members of the agricultural sector. They will help to facilitate strategic alignment and integration by working with TNC’s conservation, science, government relations, marketing, North America Agriculture, Mississippi Basin Project and other teams that interact with agriculture sector stakeholders. As the Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota lead, the Manager will also help shape TNC’s regional and global strategy for agriculture.  While in time the position will be active within all three states, the focus initially is in Minnesota. This position will be located in Minneapolis or other location in Minnesota to be determined.
Areas of Responsibility 
Work with private and public-sector partners to understand and address the challenges of adopting conservation practices in agriculture, and build a shared vision and direction to advance sustainable agriculture practices across the State of Minnesota and beyond. Spearhead development of effective messaging and outreach to Minnesota farmers, agribusiness and other members of the agriculture sector to provide accurate and relevant information about conservation practices. Build innovative partnerships with farm service providers such as seed, chemical and fertilizer retailers, land improvement contractors, producer groups, crop consultants, farm managers, agricultural lenders, and non-profits interested in agriculture to develop programs and provide products and services that lead to improved water quality, soil health and agricultural sustainability. With TNC’s Government Relations team, influence and promote a strong state and federal agricultural and conservation policy. Cooperate with state and federal agency staff to target funds and administer programs with the aim of increasing participation and achieving high priority conservation outcomes. Represent TNC on work groups and at conferences and field days to convey the importance of soil health to water quality, greenhouse gas mitigation, and agricultural productivity. Act as TNC’s liaison to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Businesses. Function as the Minnesota lead for the 4R Nutrient Certification Program and the Soil Health Partnership.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE 
  • Advance existing relationships with members of the agriculture sector, including producer groups and supply chain corporations, and develop partnerships to engage the sector to promote and increase the adoption of sustainable practices, including soil health and nutrient load reduction management.
  • Facilitate and navigate external partnerships to scale up adoption of sustainable agriculture practices. 
  • In keeping with the outward nature of the role, work in partnership with producer groups, agribusinesses, agencies, academic institutions and other non-profits in a collaborative capacity.
  • Position the Conservancy as a respected voice in Minnesota agriculture.
  • Facilitate meetings, trainings, and outreach efforts.
  • Design, implement and direct multiple complex projects, setting and meeting deadlines, and ensuring program accountability.                                                                                                      
  • Work closely with other programs throughout the Conservancy (including North America Agriculture) for synergy, ensuring that Minnesota’s efforts support and complement the broader goals of the organization.          
  • Establish ambitious and realistic goals for the program while controlling costs and administering budgets.

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Ohio State Research Associate

Research Associate, Agriculture & Resource Law


Join Ohio State University to:

  • collaborate with the partners in the Agricultural and Food Law Consortium through the National Agricultural Law Center to help identify and develop legal and policy research projects on issues in agricultural law; 
  • analyze research results and identify conclusions and implications for research results, and communicate research results through written and web-based materials; 
  • present research results and legal information at state, regional and national conferences and educational programs, and
  • provide information and presentations for state and national outreach meetings and educational programs.

This is a one-year Term appointment that may be extended. If you would like to apply, details are here.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

USDA - Summer Legal Interns 2018

Multiple Positions

SUMMER 2018 LEGAL INTERN

Atlanta, GA
Harrisburg, PA
Milwaukee, WI
Kansas City, MO
Little Rock, AR
Albuquerque, NM
San Francisco, CA
Portland, OR
Juneau, AK
Application Deadline: 02/02/2018

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL

http://www.usda.gov
Date Posted: 01/04/2018
Job Type: Internship
Schedule: Internship (Summer)
Experience: Student
Bar membership required: No
Practice Areas: Administrative Law, Health, Litigation, Policy

Job Description

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is an independent legal agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). OGC provides legal advice and services to the Secretary of Agriculture and to all other officials and agencies of the Department with respect to all USDA programs and activities. All legal services are centralized within OGC and the General Counsel reports directly to the Secretary of Agriculture. USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.
The General Counsel is the chief law officer of USDA and is responsible for providing legal services for all programs, operations, and activities of USDA. OGC provides legal services and legal oversight required by the Secretary of Agriculture and USDA to achieve the Department's mission and deliver programs and services to the American People.
This summer, we have unpaid legal intern opportunities available in two of our D.C.-based Divisions:
  • The Natural Resources and Environment Division (NRED) provides legal services to the Secretary of Agriculture, the Forest Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other USDA agencies.  The Division works on issues nationally, including litigation; a wide array of environmental and administrative statutes; land management planning; property; minerals; and special use permits. Legal interns work one-on-one with agency lawyers engaged in the full range of legal research, drafting and litigation activities. NRED is open to intern applicants interested in part-time work.
  • The Marketing, Regulatory and Food Safety Programs (MRFSP) Division provides legal support to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).  AMS administers programs that facilitate the efficient and fair marketing of U.S. agricultural products, including food, fiber, grain, and specialty crops.  The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is a multi-faceted Agency with a broad mission area that includes protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare and Horse Protection Acts, and carrying out wildlife damage management activities. FSIS is the Department's public health agency that administers the Department's food safety regulatory programs. Interns in the Division will assist with work related to the full range of legal services we provide to all of these agencies and programs, including the drafting and review of legislation, regulations, and other documents, the provision of both formal and informal legal advice, managing and conducting administrative litigation, and assisting the Department of Justice with the prosecution and defense of Federal cases.
OGC also has internship opportunities available in our Field Office Locations around the country. For more information on these positions, please contact Sara Gras (sara.gras@ogc.usda.gov).
Atlanta, GA Harrisburg, PA Milwaukee, WI Kansas City, MO Temple, TX Little Rock, AR Albuquerque, NM San Francisco, CA Portland, OR Juneau, AK
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled in law schoolExcellent legal research and writing skills Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities effectively; andStrong interpersonal and organizational skills; detail-oriented Should be available to start internship by June 1, 2018.

Salary

Unpaid

Application Instructions:

All application packages should indicate the Division to which you are applying. Please include a resume, unofficial transcript, and cover letter that includes a narrative statement indicating the applicant’s specific interest in USDA and the type of legal work performed by OGC. Applications should be submitted electronically to Angela Ervin (angela.ervin@ogc.usda.gov). Deadline for submission is February 2, 2018.
Application Deadline: 02/02/2018

Earthjustice Healthy Communities Associate

Earthjustice is seeking qualified applicants for a Healthy Communities Associate Attorney position to begin work in 2018. The position will be based in Earthjustice’s offices in New York, NY.
The Associate Attorney program is a three-year position designed to help early-career attorneys to develop into thoughtful, professional, and effective advocates skilled in the various phases of public interest litigation. As Associate Attorneys gain experience, they gradually take on more independent responsibility for their cases, but they work throughout their tenure under the supervision of a Staff Attorney or the Managing Attorney. Many Associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice or with other public interest organizations. The attorney selected for this position will focus on litigation and advocacy centered around our Healthy Communities program. The Healthy Communities program is at the heart of Earthjustice’s mission to defend the right of all people to a healthy environment and encompasses Earthjustice’s work on clean air, clean water, toxic chemicals, waste facilities, pesticides, and sustainable agriculture. We are building our capacity to promote improved public health and to support and defend communities against the disproportionate impact of environmental harms.
The Northeast Office handles a range of Healthy Communities cases involving, among other things, fighting for stronger federal protections against toxic substances; holding government agencies accountable for actions that subject already overburdened communities to further environmental injustices; and developing strategies that significantly reduce health, environmental, and climate harms in the production of our food and make healthy food more available and affordable for all. Our goal is to produce the highest quality legal work in a diverse, inclusive, supportive, and collegial environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work closely with Staff Attorneys and clients to investigate, develop, and prosecute cases.
  • Participate in the full range of tasks involved in complex litigation, including factual investigation, legal research and analysis, development of legal theories for advocacy and litigation, discovery, briefing, and oral advocacy.
  • Assume increasing levels of responsibility for case management and client relations, as skills grow. Conduct and participate in outreach and strategic visioning with local community groups.
  • Participate in communications strategies around Healthy Communities campaigns.
  • Help to build productive legal teams and to foster an inclusive, supportive, and collegial environment.
  • Join efforts to recruit, hire, and retain a diverse staff, including legal clerks and full-time employees.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Law school graduate with up to two years of legal experience and strong interest in litigation. Admitted to, or willing to apply for admission to, the New York State Bar.
  • Excellent research, analytic, writing and communication skills.
  • Strong work ethic, initiative, sound yet creative judgment.
  • Strong desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy and sustainable environment.
  • Ability to work well in a team-oriented atmosphere.
  • Commitment to serving the public interest.
  • Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.
  • Contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a:
  • Resume.
  • One- or two-page cover letter that addresses at least the following subjects: (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and whether there are particular legal, environmental or justice issues that inspire you; and (2) aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with diverse clients and colleagues.
  • Writing sample, preferably a legal brief or memorandum that primarily reflects your work.
  • Law school transcript.
  • List of three references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.

Food Studies & Food Systems

POSITION SUMMARY
Culinary Institute of America faculty members are responsible for teaching students, developing curriculum, conducting research and serving on committees in service to the Institute. The responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to: preparing lesson plans, teaching and evaluating students, preparing and revising course guides and other educational materials, and developing intellectual property in one’s area of expertise. Faculty members also provide professional and career advice for students pursuing careers in food-related organizations, maintain office hours, assist students who are having difficulty with studies, and honor college policies. Faculty are also expected to contribute to the overall operation of the college and support the mission of the Institute.
The CIA does not have a traditional faculty tenure track, however following a successful 3-year probationary period all full-time faculty at the Hyde Park campus become full members of the faculty, are eligible to apply for promotions for academic rank, and are subject to the benefits and protections of the faculty collective bargaining agreement.
Please include in your application a letter describing your teaching philosophy and vision for teaching, service and research along with your curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and the anticipated start date is May 2018.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Prepare daily lesson plans for classes and teach classes as requested and scheduled, in a manner consistent with the philosophy, policies, and guidelines of the institute.
  • Work individually as an advisor for students who may need extra help, who have questions about course information, who want career guidance, or who need assistance in their studies.
  • Provide regular and constructive feedback to students in an objective, consistent, and timely manner; evaluates and documents student performance using established methods and criteria; files course grades consistently and without prejudice.
  • Evaluate and document student performance using established methods and criteria.
  • File course grades promptly within the specific time-frame allowed.
  • Compile and present instructional material at scheduled times and places in accordance with the College Catalog descriptions, course syllabi and outlines and class schedules as assigned.
  • Utilize the established syllabus and textbook(s) for the course being taught, as applicable.
  • Maintain record of student attendance, student progress, and grade distributions.
  • Manage the classroom appropriately.
  • Collaborates with colleagues, prepare, review, and revise course guides, syllabi, and appropriate curriculum materials for courses offered at the Institute, and any other educational materials required.
  • Contributes to the growth of the college by serving on committees or task forces, assisting with visitors, recommending students and potential employees, and displaying hospitality.
  • Communicate through appropriate channels.
  • Enforces sanitation principles (appropriate to particular teaching assignment), attendance policies, Institute’s Professionalism, Uniform, and Hygiene Policy, and other academic policies.
  • Stays abreast of new developments in liberal arts and food studies and the foodservice and hospitality industries; plans on an annual basis, professional development; and strives to accomplish the goals set out in the formal annual evaluation.
  • Supports the mission and policies of the Institute as well as the overall strategic direction of the School of Liberal Arts and Food Studies.
  • Assume responsibility for equipment and facilities of the classroom.
  • Performs duties common to all Culinary Institute employees and other duties as assigned.
 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
 Education:
  • Masters Degree in a related field.
Experience:
  • Experience with Moodle or other course management systems.
  PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • PhD in area specialization.
  • One (1) year college level teaching experience
 REQUIRED SKILLS
  • Strong interpersonal skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively work with multiple teams across the organization.
  • Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive student issues with confidentiality and discretion.
  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and professional presentation skills required.
  • Strong computer experience, which must include abilities to work effectively with MS Office suite products, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
  • Moderate to strong organizational skills, detail oriented and thorough.
  • Ability to work independently or in a team environment, and maintain collaborative relationships with all members of faculty and administration.
  • Must have an excellent and welcoming presence in front of guests and employees.  Moderate to strong presentation skills are required.
 WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Must be available to work a flexible work schedule based on business needs.

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

NextGen - Attorney

San Francisco - Attorney

SUMMARY:
The in-house attorney is responsible for providing legal advice to the staff of NextGen Climate Action’s Super PAC, 501(c)(3), and 501(c)(4).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Advise NextGen staff on issues related to federal and state campaign finance law, voting rights, lobbying law, gift rules, and related topics
  • Review and revise NextGen’s public communications (including broadcast, digital, and print advertisements) to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations
  • Review and coordinate the filing of campaign finance and lobbying reports
  • Draft, negotiate, and review contracts with consultants, contractors, and vendors; leases for field offices; and related documents
  • Advise NextGen’s 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations on IRS regulations, corporate compliance, and other issues related to corporate and non-profit law
  • Work with outside counsel as necessary
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 
  • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and California bar admission
  • At least 1-3 years of legal experience, preferably at a law firm or non-profit organization
  • Strong research and writing skills, including ability to clearly communicate complex legal issues to a non-legal audience
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • Other duties as assigned
BONUS POINTS FOR:
  • Experience with election law, tax-exempt organizations, and/or other compliance work
  • Experience with electoral politics and policy advocacy
COMPENSATION:
NextGen America offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a very comprehensive benefits package.
ABOUT NEXTGEN AMERICA:
NextGen America acts politically to prevent climate disaster, promote prosperity, and protect the fundamental rights of every American.
Since our founding as NextGen Climate in 2013, we’ve worked to fight climate change by advancing the transition to a clean energy economy. We’ve supported candidates who support climate action. We’ve fought to halt the Keystone XL pipeline and registered more than 1 million voters nationwide.
Now, the same values that drive our work on climate are under unprecedented attack from all directions.
We’re proud to step up the fight for immigrant rights, affordable health care, prosperity, and equality.
NextGen America is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP - Attorney

Experienced Environmental Law Attorneys (Seattle)

Miller Nash Graham & Dunn (“MNG&D”) is seeking environmental law attorneys to join its team in Seattle. Successful candidates will have experience handling matters involving most major environmental statutes including Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, NEPA and CERCLA. Both candidates with significant litigation experience and candidates who have significant experience in permitting and compliance with little or no litigation experience are sought. Particularly strong litigation candidates will be able to demonstrate a strong record of litigating citizen suits, toxic torts, cleanup site contribution actions, and/or advocating on behalf of industry trade groups. Candidates with permitting and regulatory experience will be able to demonstrate a strong record of advising clients on state and federal statutes including Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. Preference will be given to those with experience working with the aquaculture, petroleum, maritime, mining, and timber industries.
To apply, please upload as one PDF: A cover letter and résumé and send by e-mail to Michelle Baird-Johnson, Director of Recruiting and Professional Development, at MNRecruiting@millernash.com. For record-keeping, please include the ad source in the subject line of your e-mail (e.g. WSBA ad, firm website, etc.).

Center for Food Safety - Law Clerk

SUMMER 2018 LAW CLERK ANNOUNCEMENT

Portland, OR
January 03, 2018
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.

Center for Food Safety - Attorney

STAFF ATTORNEY

San Francisco, CA or Portland, OR
January 02, 2018
Position: Staff Attorney
Location: San Francisco, CA or Portland, OR.
Status: Full-time
Center for Food Safety (CFS), one of the nation’s top food and environmental advocacy non-profits, is seeking applications to fill a staff attorney position.  The position will be based in either the CFS San Francisco, CA office or the CFS Portland, OR office, with San Francisco preferred.
About CFS
CFS empowers people, supports farmers, and protects the earth from the adverse impacts of industrial food and farming production, and promotes organic and sustainable food systems. CFS uses legal actions, policy initiatives, scientific and policy reports, and corporate and grassroots campaigns to reduce the impacts of industrial agriculture on the environment and human health. CFS has an integrated suite of issue areas, including: GMOs, organic foods, climate change, factory farming, pesticides, pollinators, food labeling, food safety, nanotechnology, and more.
About the Position
CFS staff attorneys are responsible for developing, coordinating, and pursuing strategic litigation in federal and state courts on an ever-expanding variety of cutting-edge food and environmental issues, in support of CFS’s overall mission and its specific program areas, including:
·         Aquaculture
·         Climate Change
·         Food Labeling
·         Food Safety
·         Genetically Engineered Organisms
·         Industrial Animal Agriculture
·         Organic Integrity
·         Pesticides
·         Pollinators
·         Soil Protection
·         Water Privatization

Responsibilities
Other responsibilities of legal staff include:
·         State and federal rule-making and administrative work
·         Participating in agency, Congressional, and other meetings
·         Representing CFS and other clients at hearings and policy events
·         Maintaining and developing organizational partnerships
·         Working collaboratively with policy staff
·         Law clerk supervision.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications:
·         At least 3 years litigation experience (administrative/environmental/health law or related area preferred)

·         A passion for enforcing and strengthening environmental laws

·         The ability to independently manage an impact litigation docket

·         Excellent legal research and writing skills

·         Self-motivation and willingness to do administrative tasks

·         The ability to work closely with others in small, team-oriented environment

·         Timely admission to the California or Oregon bar  

·         Interest or a background in food and agriculture issues a plus

To Apply:
 For consideration, apply to Russell Howze, CFS Legal Assistant, jobs@centerforfoodsafety.org Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.  Please include a cover letter explaining your interest, a resume, a legal writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages), and three references.

Good Food Institute - Attorney

Staff Attorney Position

Use Your Legal Training to Transform the Meat Industry Globally

  • Working with the Policy Director to ensure a clear and viable regulatory path for clean meat in the United States and globally.
  • Advising the Director of International Engagement on policy reforms needed to ensure clean and plant-based meat can compete against meat from conventional animal agriculture.
  • Recruiting and managing pro bono attorneys and legal interns as necessary.
  • Conducting legal research and writing journal articles, white papers, and policy briefs.
  • Speaking clearly and persuasively on clean and plant-based meat to legal and nonlegal audiences, building alliances and cultivating support for shared goals with other nonprofit organizations, including those focused on environmentalism, global hunger, consumer protection, and food safety issues.
  • Experience communicating with federal or state policymakers.
  • Experience building coalitions and working in a team environment.
  • An international outlook, as demonstrated by, e.g., the ability to speak a second language or experience living outside of the United States.
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • The ability to work independently under pressure and use sound judgment in decision making, including setting and managing priorities and meeting competing deadlines.
  • Exceptional attention to detail. 
  • Support for GFI’s philosophy and ability to professionally advocate GFI’s positions.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2018

The Good Food Institute (GFI) is on the forefront of the movement to use food technology and markets to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, from climate change and global hunger to antibiotic resistance and the exploitation of billions of animals annually. GFI’s Staff Attorney will usher in an future free of factory farms by developing clear regulatory pathways for clean meat in the United States and abroad, building partnerships with other NGOs, and ensuring that clean meat and plant-based alternatives to factory-farmed products do not face undue regulatory burdens.

How You Will Make a Difference
GFI’s Staff Attorney will minimize legal and regulatory barriers to the success of plant-based and clean meat, eggs, and dairy by:

Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking smart, thoughtful, and creative self-starters who want to push back against climate change, transform industrial animal agriculture, and develop healthy and humane foods that are accessible to everyone. GFI staff enjoy high levels of autonomy and must be self-motivated, work well both independently and in concert with a larger group, and be comfortable working with a rapidly evolving and growing team.

The Staff Attorney must also have:
We are considering candidates who possess a law degree from a top law school in the United States or another country, a minimum three years of professional experience, preferably at a federal agency or NGO working on policy or regulatory matters, and experience or relevant coursework in administrative law. Bar admission and residence in the Washington D.C. metro area are strongly preferred but not required.
Enjoy working from home, full medical coverage, optional dental and vision packages, a 401(k) retirement plan, flexible holiday and vacation plans, room for advancement, respectful managers, and supportive colleagues at The Good Food Institute!