EPA Policy Specialist
Washington DCClosing: December 31, 2017
At the Center for Biological Diversity, we believe that the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature – to the existence in our world of a vast diversity of wild animals and plants. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that species need to survive.
We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive.
The Center is currently looking for a full-time EPA Policy Specialist. This position is located in Washington, D.C.
General position overview:
The Center seeks a dynamic individual to defend the Environmental Protection Agency and the core pollution-control laws it implements from attacks by Congress and the incoming Trump administration. We seek an energetic and creative advocate with strong analytic, oral and written communication skills to fight back against legislative threats and administrative and regulatory efforts by the Trump administration to roll back the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, pesticide regulations and other pollution-focused laws. The policy specialist will analyze and respond to congressional legislation, budget proposals, and administrative actions that would weaken safeguards designed to protect the environment. In particular, the position will focus on toxic pollutants, and their impacts to human health, endangered species, and the environment. The policy specialist will communicate these analyses to the media and public through high-impact written materials and other means. This position will play an important role in elevating the Center’s work to defend our nation’s core environmental laws.
Primary duties:
Track and analyze legislative attacks seeking to weaken safeguards under pollution-control laws or otherwise undercut the Environmental Protection Agency, with a particular emphasis on the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act and pesticide law.
Lobby Congress to defend the EPA and pollution-control laws from harmful legislation.
Develop rapid-response press releases, reports and other materials to educate the public on these legislative attacks.
Engage the public through action alerts and other tools to ensure that political leaders hear constituent voices in support of the EPA and a healthy environment.
Conduct oversight and watchdog activities of the EPA and Trump administration political appointees, including through use of the Freedom of Information Act.
Develop opposition research and other written materials to respond and rebut harmful congressional hearings. Assist with congressional briefings to further positive narratives about protecting the EPA.
Engage environmental groups, religious organizations and other nontraditional allies to defeat legislative and administrative attacks.
Assist with organizing people for congressional hearings and events in Washington, D.C., to defend key environmental priorities.
Essential qualities, qualifications and skills:
Advanced degree required, law degree preferred.
One to four years of demonstrated experience preferred.
Knowledge of pollution-control laws that are administered by the EPA required. General knowledge of environmental laws, including the Endangered Species Act and other environmental laws, preferred.
A demonstrated commitment to environmental protections.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated analytic abilities.
Experience lobbying at the federal or state level preferred.
Background in conservation or environmental issues preferred.
A passion for and knowledge of the natural world, biodiversity, wildlife and waters.
Experience in conducting research, including database work, highly desirable.
A good sense of humor in the face of the Trump administration a plus.
Benefits Package:
Paid generous medical, dental and vision plan.
Paid Short term and Long Term Disability
403(b) plan with opportunity for match.
Generous time off policies.
Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code.
Application process:
Please apply online by submitting a cover letter, resume, and reference list. The position will remain open until filled. No telephone calls, please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
https://biologicaldiversity.applicantpro.com/jobs/
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Posted December 13, 2017