Background
Established in 1966, Riverkeeper is an independent, member supported environmental organization whose mission is to protect and restore the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguard drinking water supplies, through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science and law. Read more at www.riverkeeper.org.
Position Overview
Riverkeeper is seeking a Staff Attorney or Senior Attorney to join our well-respected legal team and contribute to Riverkeeper’s presence and effectiveness in the Hudson River, its tributaries, and the watershed that provides New York City’s drinking water. As part of the legal team, the Attorney will advance Riverkeeper’s policy goals of fishable, swimmable waterways, and clean drinking water through litigation, advocacy, public education, and public outreach. This position is part Riverkeeper’s Legal Program and reports to the Legal Program Director. The geographic work area is the Hudson River watershed and the watersheds surrounding New York City (the “watersheds”).
Specific Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Legal Work & Enforcement
- Enforce Environmental Laws:
- Manage a docket of active cases that may include environmental citizen suit litigation, permit challenges, challenges to environmental reviews, etc.
- Conduct legal research and formulate strategies for citizen enforcement, including supervising factual investigations and compliance sweeps of facilities subject to the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws.
- Research, secure, and obtain opinions from expert witnesses.
- Commence and advance enforcement lawsuits with partners and outside counsel.
- Formulate settlement positions and monitor post settlement compliance.
- Advise the Watchdog Program.
- Policy Development and Strategic Planning
- Maximize Riverkeeper efficiency and achievement in the watersheds.
- Establish and enhance Riverkeeper presence and effectiveness in the region by:
- Leading Legal Program efforts on campaigns and policy initiatives to protect and restore the environment, such as work on the GE PCB Superfund cleanup.
- Reviewing bills, proposed rules, lobbying, testifying at public hearings, developing policy papers, etc.
- Administrative
- Monitor Environmental Notice Bulletin and other relevant notices.
- Coordinate with the Boat and Water Quality Programs, as well as managing attorneys and students at the Pace Environmental Law Clinic to conduct investigations and develop cases.
- Attend PACE Case Review Clinic when in session.
- Review and draft comments on administrative matters, including proposed rulemakings, Superfund milestones, permit applications, and environmental review documents.
- Review site specific legal documents
- File local, state and federal information requests.
- Coordinate with the Program Director and President to brief and explain legal actions to the Board for approval.
The listed responsibilities are intended to describe the essential functions of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
Qualifications
Did you know that research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications? Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply. This might be the right next role for you if you are:
An experienced environmental attorney with an exceptional commitment to the environment and a strong academic and experiential-learning record. Exceptional candidates with more experience will also be considered for a Senior Attorney position. You should be either admitted to practice law in New York State, or qualified to be admitted upon motion, or, if necessary, qualified to sit for the next administration of the New York State bar exam. We expect that this position will involve considerable liaison with federal and state agencies; therefore, experience working with or within governmental agencies would be desirable.
This position also requires:
- a strong commitment to Riverkeeper’s mission and goals and possess a general familiarity with non-profit environmental organizations;
- familiarity with New York State and federal administrative and environmental law;
- at least 3-6 years of litigation and advocacy experience for Staff Attorney;
- excellent writing, research and communication skills;
- someone who is energetic, creative, well organized, independent, hard-working, personable, with a sense of humor; and
- a flexible work schedule, must be willing to work some evenings, and frequently travel throughout the Hudson Valley and New York City for meetings.
Riverkeeper prefers to hire Attorneys with:
- training or experience in environmental policy;
- training or experience in public oral advocacy and working with media;
- training or experience with the Clean Water Act, RCRA, NEPA, NY SEQRA, CERCLA, and/or the Atomic Energy Act.
Location
This position will be a hybrid position, located in Ossining, NY. Currently, most staff are primarily working remotely with a few days per month in the office.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation is commensurate with experience, dependent on whether Staff Attorney or Senior Attorney, ranging from $80,000 to $100,000. This exempt position is full time (37.5 hours/week). Occasional evenings and weekend work will be required, and flex time encouraged. Riverkeeper offers health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, 403B, vacation, sick, personal days, as well as parental leave and other benefits.
Application Procedure:
Please submit your resume, writing sample, and cover letter as well as a list of at least 3 professional references to humanresources@riverkeeper.org. Please write ‘Staff Attorney’ in the subject line. The position will be open until filled. Phone calls will not be accepted.
Riverkeeper is an AA/EEO employer. Riverkeeper is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. Our work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law.
People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. |
