New Mexico Lead Campaigner

Earthworks’ New Mexico Lead Campaigner is responsible for Earthworks’ engagement in campaigns targeting oil and gas extraction and reducing the harm caused by oil and gas in New Mexico. This position will also serve as a technical expert and conduct on the ground fieldwork using an Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) camera. Earthworks will cover all training costs associated with obtaining certification as a thermographer.

This position works closely with Earthworks’ program staff who work to reduce risks to water, health, air and climate from oil and gas production, along with our communication, digital and development departments. The ideal candidate will thrive at managing multiple priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced campaigning environment, advocating for policy changes that reduce the impact of oil and gas activities, and maintaining solid relationships with diverse partners.

The New Mexico Lead Campaigner will report to Earthworks’ Deputy Energy Team Director and will join our energy program which includes federal/state policy experts, communications staff, development staff, campaigners, and a team of thermographers active in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California.

Scope of duties:

• Lead our campaign efforts in New Mexico opposing oil and gas extraction and reducing harm from oil and gas through policy advocacy, community engagement, and technical expertise
• Support community allies and grassroots campaigns with organizing, outreach activities, and base-building in alignment with the principles of environmental justice
• Provide technical assistance to partner organizations and participate in the strategic development of campaign tactics targeting decision makers and corporations
• Build and maintain working relationships with other external allies including local, state and national organizations, technical experts, and media
• Engage in the legislative and regulatory process to advocate for adequate safeguards for community health and environmental protections
• Conduct 1-3 field trips per quarter, utilizing an Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) camera and leveraging satellite data to support and inform our ongoing campaigns, engage with affected community members, and inform data driven research efforts
• Act as an Earthworks’ media spokesperson for campaigns and represent Earthworks at external events, meetings, and public hearings. Provide written materials and/or verbal communications with individual and institutional donors as needed, with the support of Earthworks’ Development team.
• Collaborate with the State and Federal Policy team, the Communications team, and partner organizations to develop and execute strategies that reduce oil and gas pollution and impacts on communities and the environment

About Earthworks

Earthworks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of mineral and energy development while promoting sustainable solutions. Earthworks stands for clean air, water, and land, healthy communities, and corporate accountability. We work for solutions that protect both the Earth’s resources and our communities. Earthworks has a primarily-remote staff of approximately 50 employees in over 20 states and DC.

Earthworks is committed to challenging and dismantling systemic oppression. Earthworks’ board and staff understand that promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) both within and beyond Earthworks is critical to carrying out our mission to protect communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of resource extraction. We understand that our commitment to DEI means a dedication to constant learning and improvement.

Earthworks welcomes applications from diverse candidates and is an equal-opportunity employer. Earthworks evaluates employees and applicants for employment on merit, competence, and qualifications and does not tolerate discrimination.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Earthworks we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of experience in grassroots and/or non-profit policy advocacy efforts
• Experience in engaging with frontline communities and collaborating with local elected officials and other allies
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience with public speaking and facilitating meetings
• Strong organizational skills and/or experience with data collection and management
• Ability to travel frequently when safe to do so (especially within New Mexico and occasionally to surrounding states or elsewhere in the US), and to drive and work in outdoor environments in varied weather conditions and on uneven terrain
• Ability to work both independently and under direction as part of a project team
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn about science and policies related to the oil and gas industry and its climate, environmental, and health impacts
• Willingness to obtain Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) thermography certification (costs of training to be covered by Earthworks)
• Ability to professionally and respectfully engage and collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives
• Possession of a valid driver's license

Location, Travel, and COVID-19

The New Mexico Lead Campaigner will ideally be based in New Mexico, and we will prioritize candidates who already have roots in the state. The position is remote, within the United States, but does require regular ground travel and occasional air travel. Earthworks’ COVID-19 policies prioritize the health and safety of our employees and the need to minimize the public health threat from COVID-19.

Earthworks requires all those hired to provide proof of full vaccination (vaccination and booster) against COVID-19. New hires who have disabilities that make the vaccine medically inadvisable or those who have a sincere religious belief that the vaccine is impermissible may request an accommodation by contacting Lezlie Griffin, Director of Talent and Equity, at lgriffin@earthworks.org. Accommodation will be provided only as required by applicable law.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $72,000 - $78,000 annually, depending on experience. Earthworks provides full-time staff with a competitive package of benefits, including employer-paid medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. Additionally, Earthworks offers unlimited paid leave, paid parental leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan (with a 5% match after one year of employment). After five years of employment, staff are eligible for a 12 week, fully paid sabbatical.

Bargaining Unit Status

Earthworks is a union workplace; our employees are represented by Earthworkers Unite/ Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). This position is included in the bargaining unit.

How to Apply

We strongly encourage and seek applications from people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and bilingual individuals. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that applicants with disabilities may participate in the application and interview process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

Apply online at https://www.careers-page.com/earthworks-2/job/L9WRWY44, including a cover letter and resume. No emails or phone calls please.

Qualified applicants can expect to complete three interview stages: an initial phone interview, a virtual panel interview, and a virtual final interview. We’ll also request a list of three professional references after the second stage of the interview process.