Jobs

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We offer paid positions and internships that provide strong experience in policy, litigation, development, and communications.

Riverkeeper is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage women and people of color to apply and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, military status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran.

• Legislative Advocacy Internship – Fall 2020

  Download Legislative Advocacy Internship Description >

  Riverkeeper is looking for an exceptionally qualified law or graduate student to join our team for the fall semester, ahead of the 2021 New York State legislative session. The Legislative Advocacy Intern will partner with the Legislative Advocacy Manager on legislative affairs, public affairs, research, communications and administrative support. The intern will gain firsthand experience in state-level legislative advocacy at an internationally recognized environmental non-profit, working closely with Riverkeeper’s program team of scientists, advocates, and lawyers.. The 2020 New York State legislative session included groundbreaking environmental and climate legislation including expanding protections for 41,000 small streams, closing the hazardous fracking waste loophole and increasing penalties on hazardous waste and construction and demolition waste dumping. Expectations are high that the 2021 New York State legislative session will be another breakthrough year for environmental policy in New York. This is an exciting opportunity for an emerging environmental leader seeking a fast-paced internship.

  We seek independent and motivated students with a commitment to environmental protection and an ability to handle multiple, diverse assignments at the same time. Strong research and writing skills and organized work habits are a must.

  • Training: The intern should expect training and onboarding the first week of the internship followed by ongoing mentorship and supervision from the Legislative Advocacy Manager. The intern should also expect regular check-ins with their supervisor and the Advocacy & Engagement team. The intern will receive training and relevant written materials to become versed about and comfortable with the range of Riverkeeper’s campaigns, initiatives, and mission.
  • Commitment: Sept – Dec 2020. A commitment of 20 hours per week minimum.
  • Location: Remote
  • Compensation: Unpaid internship, university credit or externally funded, strongly encouraged

  Internship Duties

  • The intern will work remotely and develop an understanding of the Hudson River Estuary, pollution threats, environmental policies, and local governmental agencies
  • Lobby legislators and their staff on Riverkeeper’s legislative priorities
  • Assist in reviewing, analyzing and tracking legislation, and drafting memos and testimony on budget priorities and legislation
  • Assist in the distribution of memos and factsheets to public officials and their staff
  • Assist in monitoring committee hearings and meeting
  • Assist in drafting testimony
  • Coordinate coalition meetings and communication
  • Possible participation in hearings, meetings with government officials, trainings, and investigations
  • Assist in organizing and participating in advocacy events such a webinars and roundtables via zoom
  • Attend various meetings with Riverkeeper staff or independently on behalf of Riverkeeper
  • Draft blogs, letters to the editor and op-eds supporting Riverkeeper’s campaigns

  Qualifications

  • Graduate level or law student a plus
  • Available on a regular schedule for the entire duration of the internship
  • Skilled in working with computers, websites, online databases, and complex research topics
  • Familiarity with google drive software such as Google sheets and docs
  • Resourceful, self-starter, excellent problem solver;
  • Online research experience
  • Enthusiasm for the Riverkeeper mission and for helping the Legislative Advocacy Manager reach annual goals

  How to Apply
  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and 1-page resume to: Robin Meadows, Director of Human Resources and Operations via email at rmeadows@riverkeeper.org. Please write “2020 Fall Legislative Advocacy Internship Application” in the subject line.

  Riverkeeper is an equal opportunity employer and provides opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, and military status.