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.

• Executive Assistant

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  Position Overview
  Riverkeeper seeks an Executive Assistant to provide administrative and organizational support to the President of the organization. The Executive Assistant will serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters pertaining to the Executive Office, and collaborate across the organization in order to manage calendars, meeting preparation, and special projects for the President. The Executive Assistant is responsible for identifying and managing critical issues requiring immediate attention and ensuring effective day-to-day operations of the Executive Office.

  The successful candidate will enjoy working within a fast-paced, mission-driven organization. Ideal candidates are highly organized, detail-oriented, have excellent interpersonal skills, are capable of tackling multiple projects at a time, possess strong written and verbal communication skills, and have the ability to work well at all levels of the organization. The Executive Assistant will have the ability to work independently on projects, from conception to completion, and must be able to work under pressure at times to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion.

  Responsibilities

  • Manage an extremely active calendar of appointments for President; keeping appointments and meetings on time or changing schedules when necessary;
  • Serve as frontline representative for President, creating an excellent first impression of the organization and executive office as the first point of contact for a wide variety of relationships including: internal colleagues, donors, partners, board members, advisors, elected officials, and potential partners;
  • Assist with event planning for Board meetings, all staff meetings, and smaller meetings with both internal and external parties, including: schedule meetings, book meeting rooms and call-in numbers, arrange special meeting facilities (food, projector, etc), send meeting confirmation e-mails, prepare & distribute meeting materials, etc;
  • With the President and Board Chair, support the planning, meeting arrangements, material preparation, execution (including minute-taking) and follow up for periodic board meetings and board committee meetings. Form excellent relationships with board members and other volunteer leaders, as someone they are comfortable with and can rely on;
  • Provide telephone coverage – answer executive phone calls, take accurate messages, handle urgent calls with appropriate judgment;
  • Research, prioritize and follow up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the President, determining appropriate course of action, referral or response;
  • Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of client service and response;
  • Draft correspondence and documents, edit materials, and initiate communication on a variety of platforms;
  • Attend select meetings, taking notes, capturing action items, and ensuring follow through;
  • Assemble expense, credit card, time allocation and lobbying reports for President;
  • Handle business travel for President: book travel arrangements, coordinate out-of-town meeting schedule, prepare travel and expense reports, as needed;
  • Ensure various administrative tasks are done in an effective and efficient manner, including copying, scanning, reviewing outside mail, etc;
  • Establish and maintain filing system for Executive office;
  • Schedule weekly senior staff meetings and monthly staff meetings; work with senior staff to create agendas;
  • Work on special projects at the request of the President;
  • Other duties as assigned or needed.

  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

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience to equate to the degree;
  • 3+ years demonstrated experience in the following areas is recommended: executive management support, operations and/or communications;
  • Excellent relationship builder, able to communicate with firmness and warmth, and to demonstrate a high level of tact, discretion, humility, and diplomacy with all internal and external stakeholders. Must also demonstrate ability to maintain confidential/sensitive information;
  • Self-directed and able to work independently; resourceful, strategic problem-solving ability with a positive attitude;
  • Meticulous about details and follow-up; subscribes to the belief that no task is too big or too small;
  • Self-aware with a high EQ; able to navigate a complex organizational culture and manage a diverse set of personalities and professional personas in pursuit of getting the job done;
  • Superb communication skills (oral and written) with a confident, concise, clear and compelling style;
  • Skilled in all aspects of planning and project management, able to take an idea from concept to completion;
  • Excellent planning, organization and coordination skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail;
  • Excellent time-management skills, including the ability to manage one’s own time along with the time of others;
  • Enthusiastic, team player with a great sense of humor, dependable, and collaborative;
  • Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google platforms;
  • Interest in environmental issues.

  Location
  Riverkeeper is based in Ossining, New York, with additional offices in White Plains and Kingston. This position will be located in the Ossining office, which is accessible by public transportation.

  Compensation and Benefits
  This is a band 6 position. Compensation is commensurate with experience ranging from $55,000 to $65,000. This position is full time (37.5 hours/week) and must be flexible to work some nights and occasional weekends. Riverkeeper offers health, dental, life and disability coverage plus vacation, sick and personal days.

  Application Procedure:
  Please submit your résumé and cover letter to humanresources@riverkeeper.org. Please write ‘Executive Assistant’ in the subject line. Phone calls will not be accepted.

  Riverkeeper is AA/EEO employer.
  People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

• Staff Attorney

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  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.

• Legislative Research Internship – Spring 2020

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  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.