Spring 2024 Policy & Legislation Externship – Northeast Regional Office

Earthjustice’s Northeast Regional Office is accepting applications for one full- or part-time extern. We will accept applications from undergraduate students who will be juniors/seniors during spring 2024 and graduate students. The successful candidate must be eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement  and may work remotely. Ideally, the successful candidate will join for meetings during legislative session days at the NY state capitol in Albany.

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; preserve magnificent places and wildlife; advance clean energy; and combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals, and communities to engage in the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. We are guided by a passionate, ambitious vision for the future for people and our planet: until justice stands for all, we will never rest. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.

The Policy and Legislation (PAL) extern will be a member of Earthjustice’s Northeast Regional Office based in New York, NY. The PAL extern will support the implementation of administrative and legislative strategies in New York, focusing primarily on issues relating to building and transportation electrification, environmental justice, reducing toxic chemicals in homes and water, and implementing the state’s ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the New York Policy Advocate, the extern will:

• Conduct research on a range of environmental policy issues;
• Track, analyze and draft memoranda for legislation;
• Participate in coalition meetings and stakeholder processes;
• Assist with the development of advocacy materials, such as fact sheets and messaging documents;
• Meet with lawmakers and their staff on key issues and legislation;
• Support outreach to community organizations and to members of the public; and
• Attend notable events at the state capitol, including meetings and committee hearings (preferred, but not required)

Qualifications:

• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate program as a junior/senior or in a graduate program during spring 2024. Programs that focus on Political Science, Public Policy, Government Affairs, Environmental Science, or a related field are preferred.
• Must commit to 16 hours/week.
• Passion for the environment and commitment to environmental justice are essential.
• Detail oriented, with good organizational skills.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• An understanding of or experience with legislative process and advocacy (preferred, but not required)

Compensation:

Externs are unpaid and must receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement for their work with Earthjustice.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials by August 27, 2023 via Jobvite. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed beginning August 28 with offers extended no later than November 3.

• Resume
• One-page cover letter that addresses: (1) Why you want to work with Earthjustice’s Northeast Regional Office; (2) The number of hours, or a reasonable estimate, you are available to work per week; (3) Any information about yourself that is not apparent or fully explained in your resume; and (4) An indication of any applicable deadlines or requirements that are relevant to your submission or ability to accept an offer.
• Additional Documents (select “Add Files” in Jobvite): 1–2-page writing sample. The writing sample can be a policy memo, research paper or proposal, or any other piece that can display your ability to write on environmental, equity, and/or policy topics.
• Finalist(s) will be asked to submit 2 references, including one academic and one professional reference.

Information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process. Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies. Earthjustice only considers applications submitted for current openings via Jobvite. Unsolicited resumes or resumes for posted positions that are not submitted via Jobvite will not be reviewed or retained.

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership, and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.