Pollution Policy and Research Associate
SEI is offering a Climate Corps Fellowship program that allows individuals to lead impactful climate and community resilience projects. The Pollution Policy and Research Associate will work with Oregon Rural Action to advance the 'Safe Rural Water' campaign, focusing on addressing groundwater contamination and promoting environmental justice in rural communities.
Responsibilities
- Conduct watchdog research on sources of pollution in the Lower Umatilla Basin, including Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), industrialized agriculture, processed food factories, data centers, power plants, and more
- Monitor and engage with key county, state, and federal natural resource agencies on issues related to Lower Umatilla Basin pollution
- Develop environmental educational materials based on the Policy Team’s research and analysis, and potentially conduct public education activities
- Attend regular coalition meetings with allied organizations to advance policy priorities and build strong statewide relationships
- Attend virtual meetings and take detailed notes on issues relevant to ORA’s priorities
- Some travel to the Lower Umatilla Basin, the Oregon State Capitol, or other parts of the state may be required
Skills
- Strong technical literacy, including the ability to use technology and understand technical documents; (GIS, data mapping, ability to review agency data reports, find and research data)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Motivated to solve problems
- Committed to environmental justice for rural communities
- Highly organized and able to stay on-task
- Ability to travel to rural sites; must have a valid driver's license and reliable vehicle access
- The ability to work on a hybrid basis (3-4 days onsite, 1-2 days remote). This position requires the employee to be physically located within commuting distance of the site location at the time of hire. Only candidates currently residing within commuting distance of the site address will be considered
- Commitment to a fair workplace that honors the experiences, voices, viewpoints, and values of all individuals
- Authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship (SEI is unable to sponsor visas)
- May require occasional moving about to accomplish tasks, moving from one worksite to another, or adjusting or moving objects under 25-50 pounds in all directions
- Coursework or a degree and/or commensurate experience in pollution and/or policy is preferred
- Experience living or working in rural communities, in agriculture or related industries, and/or on water quality issues
- Enjoys learning and helping others learn
- Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Experience writing for public audiences (i.e., journalism, content creation, etc.)
- Strategic, goal-oriented thinker
- Bilingual, English and Spanish
- Understands, or is willing to learn, Oregon's complex political landscape
Benefits
- Health care coverage with 100% of health care insurance premiums covered by SEI.
- 20 personal days for a standard 10-month fellowship (equivalent to about 2 days per month), which may be used for vacation, holidays, or sick time.
- $1000 end-of-program financial award.
- Comprehensive career-readiness training, including interview prep, salary negotiation, and resume building.
- Panels, workshops, and networking with climate resilience industry professionals.
- Professional networking and learning opportunities.
- The University of California Climate Stewards Certification equips you to lead community and ecosystem resilience initiatives.
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