Community Advocate

Job Announcement: Community Advocate (JD Degree Required)

Start Date: 12/2/24 (flexible)

Starting Salary:

• This role is salaried and exempt.
• MWA’s pay range is $60,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience.

Full-time: 40 Hours per week

Job Location: Hybrid Role:

• 3 days in community/office in Melcroft, PA
• 2 days from home available

Benefits: Fully paid health, dental, and vision insurance premiums, a matching retirement plan, and generous paid time off.

The Mountain Watershed Association (MWA) is hiring a Community Advocate to support our work to protect the Youghiogheny River Watershed and greater Ohio River Valley region from the impacts of coal mining, shale gas, and petrochemical development. The Community Advocate must possess a Juris Doctor Degree, be willing to litigate, be enthusiastic and a motivated self-starter, and be outgoing and able to work with diverse groups of people. The ability to communicate well verbally and in writing is critical, with 1-4 years of relevant work experience preferred. The position engages with all aspects of MWA’s mission, particularly the Advocacy Team which seeks to develop community leadership through outreach, assessment, and monitoring activities and by assisting residents in areas impacted by fossil fuel extraction.

Responsibilities:

• Provide policy analysis on coal and gas regulatory schemes; relate this analysis to Community Leaders so that they may more effectively target their resources through appropriate public participation
• Respond to citizen concerns by providing legal resources, and answering technical questions regarding leasing documentation, water testing procedures, land use, and the permitting process.
• Prepare and participate in litigation when necessary.
• Conduct permit reviews in order to identify concerns and threats and in order to facilitate the location of our Monitoring sites; provide Community Leaders with assistance in reviewing permits in their areas.
• Provide training in monitoring shale gas and mining permits.
• Provide water quality interpretation including that found in permit files, citizen water tests and agency water quality monitoring
• Organize and attend meetings with legislators, municipal officials, and other elected officials on behalf of MWA and in conjunction with Community Leaders
• Prepare public comments for hearings, permit reviews, and other public participation opportunities, and assist Community Leaders in doing the same
• File complaints with agencies or other entities as appropriate, assisting Community Leaders when requested.
• Act as a resource by providing information and assistance regarding Marcellus shale drilling and mining impacts.
• General in-house counsel duties, such as developing internal policies or guidance documents.
• Represent MWA at community meetings, conferences and other events as required.

See full job description here

Required Qualities & Occupational Mindsets:

• Juris Doctor Degree
• PA bar admitted or eligible and willing to become PA admitted upon hiring
• Thorough research experience related to both State and Federal laws and regulations
• Ability to work out of our Melcroft, PA office with occasional overnight travel required (i.e. for regional conferences).
• Proficiency in Google Docs, Gmail, Office Suite, and willingness to develop additional skills.
• Willingness to work a flexible 40 hour per week schedule
  • This role does include evening meetings (approximately 1-2 per month)
  • This role does include some weekend events (approximately 4 per year)

We are also looking for:

• Aptitude and desire for working within a nonprofit within a rural environment
• Self-motivated and independent worker
• Proven ability to work effectively and creatively with diverse people and groups
• Strong communication skills
• Experience living or working in the Youghiogheny River Watershed or rural communities in the broader Ohio River Valley preferred

How to apply:

📧Email apply@mtwatershed.com with the following information:

• Resume
• Writing sample for example: legal writing such as motions, briefs/pleadings, comments on rulemaking, alternatively, you can provide outreach materials that synthesize complex legal concepts for a diverse array of readers
• Note: A cover letter is not required but will be considered if the applicant chooses to submit one.

🕒Timeline:

• • We will send a confirmation email so you know we received your application.
  • Initial screening calls may take place on a rolling basis as applications are received. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
• This position is open until filled, with applications submitted by 9/30/24 given full consideration.
• The intended start date is 12/2/24, but this is flexible.
• We will contact all applicants with a decision email by 12/20/24.

💭Questions?

• Email apply@mtwatershed.com
• Call 724-455-4200 x8