Reporting to: Director of Environmental Advocacy, Government Relations & Public Policy
Our Mission: To sustain and enhance the Hudson Valley’s inspirational beauty and health for generations to come.
Mission of Position:
The Advocacy Attorney will collaborate with a team of attorneys, policy analysts, land use planners and other Scenic Hudson staff as well as outside contractors to advance key Scenic Hudson environmental goals and objectives. The Advocacy Attorney will advance Scenic Hudson’s mission through a combination of litigation, advocacy, public education and consensus building. Current major campaigns include stopping fossil fuel infrastructure, working to transition the Hudson Valley to a renewable energy future, securing cleanup and restoration of the Hudson River Superfund site as well as advancement of the federal farm bill.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree
- License to practice law in New York State
- At least two years of experience practicing environmental law; Relevant experience and outstanding work prior to bar admission will be considered
- Knowledge of federal and New York State administrative and environmental law; Familiarity with energy law and policy
- Experience with local land use law
- Knowledge of policies and programs related to natural climate solutions and climate-smart agriculture
- Superb research, writing and communication skills
- Must be able to work with diverse stakeholders and in a coalition setting
- Ability to contribute effectively as a member of a team and collaborate across the organization
- Commitment to Scenic Hudson’s mission and environmental justice
- Must be a self-starter and effective time manager experienced at balancing multiple projects and shifting priorities
- Flexibility, creativity and a good sense of humor
Principal responsibilities may include:
- Conduct legal research and recommend strategies for intervention to advance campaign goals
- Review and draft comments on administrative matters, including proposed rulemakings, permit applications and environmental review documents
- Advance and/or support litigation in state and federal court and before administrative agencies, where necessary to achieve programmatic objectives
- Participate in administrative proceedings before state and federal agencies
- Represent Scenic Hudson publicly in coalition meetings, hearings, and panel presentations
- Play a leadership role in Scenic Hudson’s natural climate solutions work
- File information requests
- Engage in legal analysis and issue-spotting in a variety of contexts
- Maintain contact with other environmental and community organizations and appropriate federal, state and local officials on specific projects
- Build organizational and public support for advocacy initiatives
- Monitor Environmental Notice Bulletin and Federal and State Registers
- Review and analyze federal, state, and local environmental and energy policies
- Occasional travel within the Hudson Valley and to New York City and Albany may be required.
Compensation:
Full Time, Salary $80,000 – $84,000 with competitive salary and benefits
Contact:
Applications should be e-mailed to: jobs@scenichudson.org. Send resume and brief writing sample. Further information can be found on our website: www.scenichudson.org. No phone calls please.
Scenic Hudson defines Environmental Justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people regardless of their ability, culture, education, gender, heritage, income, or race in efforts, decisions, and actions that impact their environment, health and livelihoods.
Scenic Hudson is an Equal Opportunity Employer promoting and celebrating excellence and cultural diversity. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, representation, and inclusion, and strive to serve all people in the Hudson Valley by evaluating all our projects, strategic initiatives, and outcomes through that lens.
