Staff Attorney

~ Founded in 1995, the Iowa Environmental Council is the largest and most comprehensive environmental coalition in the state. ~

We are a nonpartisan alliance of diverse organizations and individuals working together to protect and preserve Iowa's environment. Together, we unify Iowans to advocate for clean water & land stewardship, clean energy, and a healthy climate. 

By amplifying the voices of Iowans and leveraging our collective influence, we advocate for a cleaner, healthier Iowa at the legislature, rule-making agencies and when necessary, in the courts.

Through education, advocacy and coalition building, we raise awareness, generate action and create large-scale change that makes Iowa a better place to live, work and explore.

Position Overview

The Staff Attorney works with the Energy and Water Program Directors to ensure the adoption and implementation of appropriate rules, policies, and voluntary actions to meet air and water quality standards, expand renewable energy development, and to ensure the health and safety of Iowans.

Responsibilities

Depending on funding and capacity for projects and program work, the Staff Attorney will be responsible for the following:

• Research and write briefs, petitions, white papers, memorandums, reports, and conduct research on legal/policy issues related to clean water and clean energy and make recommendations for action.
• Draft briefs for proceedings at the Iowa Utilities Board.
• Represent IEC at the Iowa Utilities Board.
• Review local regulations and policies regarding wind and solar.
• Track legal proceedings related to renewable energy and consider intervention where appropriate.
• Review Clean Water permits such as NPDES permits for wastewater, storm water, and Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) for wetland dredge and fill (Section 404) permits and state 401 certifications; and prepare draft permit comments.
• Review state water quality enforcement and compliance issues and make recommendations for Council action.
• Assist outside counsel with permit challenges and other litigation, and oversee litigation processes internally.
• Review agency-proposed plans, policies, permits, regulations, and rules implementing Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act requirements, and draft public comments.
• Assist with development of Council communications, newsletters, action alerts and other communications.
• Represent the Council at agency, legislative, public, and stakeholder meetings.

Qualifications

Required:

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Iowa.
• J.D. with emphases on environmental law, administrative law, and land and/or natural resources.
• Professional experience working with environmental regulations (either paid or unpaid, e.g. internship).
• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects without losing sight of the “big picture”.
• Excellent communication skills; proven ability to write and speak in a clear and compelling fashion.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Self-motivation and initiative.
• An eagerness to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
• A passion for IEC’s mission.

Desirable:

• Prior related work experience in water and/or renewable energy policy development, advocacy or other.
• Prior related work experience in wetland protection, restoration, ecology, or other.
• Existing relationships with state agencies, conservation groups, businesses, or other interest groups.
• Experience working in a non-profit setting with a mission-driven staff and board.
• GIS experience.
• Flexible daytime schedule to attend meetings and other events as needed.

Compensation

Salary:

• Up to $58,000, commensurate with experience and education

Benefits Include:

• Vacation and Sick Leave
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Life and Long Term Disability Insurance
• IRA
• Flex Savings
• Paid Covered Parking
• Newly Remodeled Office Space in Historic Downtown Building

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your resume, cover letter and unofficial transcripts to Kitty Jacobson.