Jobs

Photo by Leila Kilion

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.

• Staff Attorney

  Download PDF >
  Position Overview
  Riverkeeper seeks a mid-level attorney for its Legal Program, reporting to the Legal Program Director. The Staff Attorney will 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. The position requires significant travel throughout the Hudson River Valley, and a commitment to attend meetings and appointments that may be outside of normal business hours.Riverkeeper is looking for a qualified environmental attorney with an exceptional commitment to the environment and a strong academic and experiential-learning record. Riverkeeper is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity.Detailed Description of Tasks:

  • 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.
      • 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 case review Clinic when in session.
      • 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.
      • Draft comments on administrative matters, including proposed rulemakings, Superfund
        milestones, permit applications, and environmental review documents.
      • Monitor Environmental Notice Bulletin and other relevant notices.
      • File local, state and federal information requests.
  • 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 GE PCBs.
      • Reviewing bills, lobbying, testifying at public hearings, developing policy papers, etc.
      • Initiating, maintaining and expanding strategic relationships with constituency groups,
        environmental organizations, private advocates and funders.
      • Participating in government and administrative process to develop an awareness of
        issues and advocate and advance Riverkeeper priorities.
      • Reaching and actively engaging the public through meetings, public events, and public
        speaking.
      • Extensively traveling within the Hudson Valley and beyond to organize and attend
        meetings with elected officials, law enforcement, regulators and the public.
    • Work with development department to create and expand relationships with donors and
      foundations.
    • Work with communications department to develop content for the website, respond to press
      inquiries, and maintain relationships with the public and reporters.
    • Serve as spokesperson for campaigns, represent Riverkeeper at regional and national
      conferences, forums.
    • Coordinate with the Program Director and President to brief and explain legal actions to the
      Board for approval.
    • Oversee interns and volunteers.

   

  Requirements
  All candidates must:

  • Be admitted to practice law in New York State, or be qualified to be admitted upon motion, or sit for the next administration of the New York State bar exam if necessary;
  • Have a strong commitment to Riverkeeper’s mission and goals and possess a general familiarity with non-profit environmental organizations;
  • Demonstrate familiarity with federal administrative and environmental law;
  • Have at least 3-6 years of relevant legal experience;
  • Have excellent writing, research and communication skills;
  • Be energetic, creative, well organized, independent, hard-working, personable, and have a sense of humor; and
  • Be able to maintain a flexible work schedule, be willing to work some evenings, and frequently travel throughout the Hudson Valley for meetings. The geographic working area for this position is the Hudson River watershed and the watersheds supplying New York City drinking water (the
    “Watersheds”).

   

  Candidates will be preferred who also have:

  • Training or experience in environmental policy and/or litigation;
  • Training or experience in public oral advocacy;
  • Training or experience with the Clean Water Act, RCRA, NEPA, NY SEQRA, CERCLA, and/or the Atomic Energy Act.

   

  Compensation and Benefits:
  This is a band 6 position. Compensation is commensurate with experience ranging from $55,000 to $75,000.

  How to Apply:
  Please submit your résumé, cover letter and writing sample, not to exceed ten pages, to
  humanresources@riverkeeper.org. Please write STAFF ATTORNEY in the subject line. Phone calls will not be accepted.

  Riverkeeper is AA/EEO employer.

  People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

• Summer 2020 Legal Program Internships

  Download PDF >

  Riverkeeper’s Legal Program is seeking two summer 2020 legal interns to work in our offices in either Ossining or White Plains, New York. Our legal interns are involved in every aspect of our program and gain hands-on experience conducting legal research and drafting litigation filings, participating in legislative and administrative advocacy, reviewing proposed development projects, and investigating pollution reports. Legal interns participate in weekly team meetings and case review sessions and often present orally at meetings and public hearings with government agencies, elected officials, and/or local community groups. While beginning and end dates are flexible, the term of the internship is ten weeks.

  Qualifications
  Riverkeeper welcomes applications from first and second year law students. We seek independent and motivated students with a commitment to environmental protection and an ability to handle a diverse caseload. Familiarity with environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act is a plus, as is a background in science or environmental policy. Strong research and writing skills and organized work habits are a must. Riverkeeper provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

  How To Apply
  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, unedited writing sample, and names and contact information for two references to: Michael Dulong, Senior Attorney, via email at intern@riverkeeper.org. Please write “Summer 2020 Legal Program Internship Application” in the subject line.

• Legislative Research Internship – Spring 2020

  Download PDF >

  Riverkeeper is looking for a high school junior/senior or undergraduate to join our team during the remainder of the 2020 New York State legislative session, which runs through June 3rd. The Legislative Research Intern would partner with the Legislative Advocacy Manager and Legislative Advocacy Intern on research, communications, and administrative support. The intern will work closely with Riverkeeper’s program team of scientists, advocates, and lawyers. The intern will gain firsthand experience in legislative advocacy at an internationally recognized environmental non-profit.

  We seek independent and motivated students with the ability to handle diverse assignments. Strong research, 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, Legislative Advocacy Intern, and Director of Advocacy and Engagement. The intern should also expect regular check-ins with their supervisors and the Advocacy & Engagement team. The intern will receive training and relevant written materials to become well versed and comfortable about the range of Riverkeeper’s campaigns, initiatives, and mission.
  • Commitment: Current – June 2020 with an opportunity to extend over the summer. A commitment of 10-15 hours per week.
  • Location: The intern will work primarily in Ossining, NY, at Riverkeeper’s headquarters, with opportunities to travel to Albany, and the occasional option for working remotely.
  • Compensation: Unpaid internship

   

  Internship Duties

  • Scheduling meetings with elected officials and their staff for Riverkeeper’s legislative team
  • Assist in reviewing, analyzing, and tracking state and federal legislation and law
  • Research for the purpose of drafting memos, blogs, op-eds, letters to the editor, and testimony on budget priorities and legislative priorities
  • Assist in the distribution of memos and factsheets to public officials and their staff
  • Monitoring state committee meeting schedules and agendas
  • Staff and assist Riverkeeper’s tabling and Riverkeeper sweep program as needed
  • Assist in organizing and participating in advocacy events
  • Draft blogs, letters to the editor, and op-eds supporting Riverkeeper’s campaigns

   

  Qualifications

  • High school junior or senior; university undergraduate
  • Comfortable working with computers, websites, and search engines
  • Must be comfortable with frequently using the phone and engaging in professional conversations
  • Resourceful, self-starter, excellent problem solver

   

  How to Apply
  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Interested applicants should send a brief cover letter and resume to: Robin Meadows, Chief Financial and Operating Officer via email at humanresources@riverkeeper.org. Please write “Legislative Research 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.