Conservation Associate

~ PennEnvironment is part of The Public Interest Network—a group of organizations that share a vision of a better country, a set of core values, and a coordinated strategic approach to getting things done. ~

The damage we’re doing to the planet is just heartbreaking: climate change, plastic pollution, wildlife disappearing forever. But the solutions are all around us, practically begging us to adopt them: solar and wind power, electric cars and buses, more walkable and “bikeable” cities, reusing and repairing stuff instead of throwing it away, and on and on.

PennEnvironment is a statewide, citizen based non-profit environmental advocacy organization. We believe there’s something special about Pennsylvania—something worth protecting and preserving for future generations. Yet the places we love and the environmental values so many of us share are too often threatened by powerful polluters, short-sighted politicians and more. Defending our environment requires independent research, tough-minded advocacy and spirited grassroots action.

Position Overview

PennEnvironment is looking for a skilled and savvy organizer to build grassroots support for our conservation campaigns to preserve Pennsylvania’s incredible natural heritage. This includes PennEnvironment’s campaigns to protect our parks, forests, and public lands, and our efforts to tackle single-use plastic waste and move towards a Zero Waste society.

The Conservation Associate will help defend our cornerstone conservation programs from attack at the federal and state level; work to promote and increase stewardship of our public lands and open spaces; and tackle the threat that single use plastics like bags, straws and Styrofoam are having on our communities, our waterways and our wildlife.

Note: Click here for things you should know about our network when you apply.

What you'll do

As PennEnvironment’s Conservation Associate your responsibilities include:

• Build powerful coalitions: Work with environmental groups, conservation organizations, small business owners, farmers, public health officials and others to demonstrate support for our policy goals to preserve our environment and natural heritage.
• Recruit, cultivate and train volunteers: Recruit, develop and mobilize PennEnvironment members and other concerned citizens to volunteer in PennEnvironment’s conservation campaigns.
• Garner news coverage and work with the media: The Conservation Associate will organize news conferences and write opinion pieces. You’ll also work on our social media projects to build a following on Facebook and Twitter for your campaigns.
• Lobby elected officials: Coordinate strategy with legislative offices at the state and federal level. Advocate for strong conservation policies and face-to-face lobbying with elected officials and regulators. Build legislative support for our conservation policy priorities.
• Research conservation & waste-reduction strategies: Research policies from other states, help review and draft legislation, develop public-facing educational materials.
• Run a grassroots campaign office each summer of your fellowship: Hire and manage a staff of 20 canvassers. Raise money, build our organization and membership, and help win one of our key campaigns.

Qualifications

• We’re seeking applicants who are ready to commit their time, talent and passion to advocating, organizing and recruiting new leaders to protect our environment.
• We look for smarts, organizing experience and an eagerness to learn.
• We value leadership experience of all kinds, especially organizing, grassroots outreach and building campus groups.
• Candidates must have excellent judgment and discretion and the ability to oversee significant projects.

Compensation

• The target annual compensation for this position is $27,000 in the first year.
• PennEnvironment offers a competitive benefits package.
• We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.
• Hiring for an immediate start.

PennEnvironment is an equal opportunity employer.