JOB ANNOUNCEMENT:  Advocacy Fellow, 1 year appointment

POSITION: Advocacy Fellow

REPORTS TO:  Executive Director (ED)

HOURS:  Full-Time Employee, 1 year-appointment

PAY RATE:   $55,000 per year

BENEFITS:  Benefits include Monthly Healthcare Reimbursements; up to a 3% retirement plan match; 30 days of PTO per year; all staff end-of-year slow down between December 25th and January 1st where our office is closed; $40 reimbursement per month for cell phone usage; flexible work-life balance.

General Job Description:  The Advocacy Fellow is responsible for helping to manage advocacy programs and community organizing and relationship building for Three Rivers Waterkeeper. The Advocacy Organizer will serve as a public advocate pertaining to environmental justice issues relating to 3RWK’s and mission, vision, and goals. This position will help advocate for preventing the deregulation of our clean water laws, reinstating federal funding for environmental projects, and helping uplift current clean water laws and advocate for the future Ohio River Basin Restoration Plan.

This position is currently funded by the Heinz Endowments for a 1-year fellowship with possibility of continuation, advancement, and/or promotion if funding presents itself with mutual agreement. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Track local, state and federal policies and permits related to clean water
• Track known polluter facilities in Three Rivers Waterkeepers Jurisdiction
• Legal research, review, and memo writing
• Facilitate community organizing, advocacy and education activities for core policy/advocacy issues
• Represent 3RWK at public hearings, community gatherings, and coalition meetings
• Organize community outreach events 
• Work collaboratively with partners, coalitions, and activists
• Work with Three Rivers Waterkeeper and partners to track permitting and applications for current and potential polluters and to engage with relevant government agencies
• Assist in the coordination and strategic planning of projects & campaigns that influence the outcomes of proposed natural gas and petrochemical infrastructure projects in local neighborhoods
• As necessary, assist communications staff and support organizational leaders to drive and amplify the organization’s mission
• As necessary, assist in grant writing and budget research & preparation for new programs
• Track project and program outcomes including people served and provide a periodic reporting of accomplishments 
• Must be able to attend occasional evening and weekend events
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of experience in advocacy, community organizing, environmental, and/or social justice work
• 2+ years experience with environmental law or related activities (may coincide with the other experiences) 
• Direct personal experience with advocacy campaign work
• Excellent public engagement and group facilitation skills
• Familiarity with environmental justice issues in Western Pennsylvania
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Collaborative team working style with ability to relate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent organizational skills
• Computer skills including experience with MS Word, MS Excel, and PowerPoint, Google Drive, and Zoom
• Willingness and desire to get out in nature and on the water
• Commitment to the mission, vision and values of Three Rivers Waterkeeper

We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities. We actively encourage women, BIPOC and disabled applicants and value the positive impact that difference has on our teams. We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce.

To apply for this position, please e-mail a cover letter explaining your interest in this position along with your resume or CV to jobs@threeriverswaterkeeper.org. You may share up to 2 documents that you find relevant for this position. Applications will be reviewed and considered as they are received. The position will remain open until filled.  

ABOUT THREE RIVERS WATERKEEPER (https://www.threeriverswaterkeeper.org/) 

MISSION

Our mission is to protect the water quality of the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio Rivers, and their respective watersheds. ​

VISION

Our Vision is to have drinkable, fishable, swimmable water in the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio Rivers, and their respective watersheds.

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Three Rivers Waterkeeper (3RWK) was founded in 2009 and aims to improve and protect the water quality of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. These waterways are critical to the health, vitality, and economic prosperity of our region and communities. 3RWK is both a scientific and legal advocate for the community, working to ensure our three rivers are protected and safe to drink, fish, swim and enjoy. ​