Staff Attorney

ABOUT US

Riverkeeper is New York’s premier water quality advocate. Our mission is to protect and restore the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguards drinking water supplies, through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science and law. With an annual operating budget of $5 million, Riverkeeper is a mid-sized not-for-profit operating in the Hudson Valley. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, mission-oriented organization. For more information, visitwww.riverkeeper.org.

Title: Staff Attorney

Reports to: Legal Program Director

Department: Legal

Location: Ossining, NY – hybrid position requiring presence in the office 1-2 days per week

POSITION SUMMARY

The Staff Attorney is part our well-respected legal team and contributes to Riverkeeper’s presence and effectiveness in the Hudson River, its tributaries and communities, 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, and public education and outreach. This position is part Riverkeeper’s Legal Program and reports to the Legal Program Director.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

(This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.)

Legal Work & Enforcement

• 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 concerning reports received from the public ranging from superfund sites, suspected oil spills, to dead sturgeon.

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; and
• Reviewing legislation and proposed regulations, lobbying, testifying at public hearings, developing policy papers, etc.

Administrative

• Monitor the NYSDEC Environmental Notice Bulletin and other relevant notices.
• Coordinate with the Science and Advocacy, Policy and Planning programs, as well as manage attorneys and students at the Pace Environmental Law Clinic to conduct investigations and develop cases.
• Review and draft comments on administrative matters, including proposed rulemakings, Superfund milestones, permit applications, and environmental review 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.

EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

Research shows that women and people from under-represented 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.

• Experience as an environmental attorney with an exceptional commitment to the environment and a strong academic and experiential-learning record.
• 3-6 years of litigation and advocacy experience
• Position requires bar admission 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.
• Demonstrated experience with or within governmental agencies is highly desirable to successfully liaise with city, state and federal agencies in carrying out Riverkeeper’s objectives.
• Familiarity with New York State and federal administrative and environmental law (i.e., Clean Water Act, RCRA, NEPA, NY SEQRA, CERCLA, and/or the Atomic Energy Act.
• Excellent writing, research and communication skills.
• Must possess a strong commitment to Riverkeeper’s mission and goals and general familiarity with non-profit environmental organizations
• Desirable attributes for this position include high-energy, creativity, organizational skills, self-direction, hard-working, and a sense of humor.
• This role has a flexible work schedule, and occasionally requires working beyond the core work day hours.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires the ability to:

• frequently travel throughout the Hudson Valley and New York City for meetings
• work in the headquarter office 1-2 days per week and attend monthly meetings in person
• be comfortable working in an open environment

HOURS/SCHEDULE

Full-Time (40 hours) with the ability to work occasional evenings as needed

COMPENSATION

Base annual salary range: 75,000 – 90,000 depending on experience

BENEFITS

Riverkeeper offers healthcare, dental and vision, life and disability coverage, retirement savings plan match, Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, personal days, floating holidays, most federal holidays, summer Fridays), and other benefits; office is closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Apply directly using this link: https://riverkeeper.bamboohr.com/careers/29?source=aWQ9MjU%3D

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.