Land Use Law Clerk

Friends of the Columbia Gorge is a 25-year-old organization dedicated to the protection of the scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Job Description:

Assist in carrying out Friends' legal and conservation programs. Gain valuable experience applying environmental and land use law in real-life, precedent-setting situations to protect the magnificent beauty and outstanding natural and cultural resources of the Columbia River Gorge. This position is supervised by the Staff Attorney.

Land Use Activities, 15 to 20 hours per week

• Monitor and evaluate land use and development applications for consistency with the National Scenic Area land use rules and other applicable laws    
• Provide timely written comments on all land use applications by applying provisions of the Scenic Area land use rules and other applicable laws    
• Assist in reviewing land use and development decisions    
• Maintain a land use and development review database and filing system    
• Maintain a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database    
• Other duties as requested

Legal Activities, 5 to 9 hours per week

• Assist in preparing appeals of land use decisions filed by Friends of the Columbia Gorge    
• Perform research and draft legal documents to meet the needs of the organization

Qualifications:

• Completion of a degree program in planning or completion of at least one year of law school    
• Excellent written communication skills    
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail    
• Ability to meet deadlines    
• Excellent problem-solving abilities    
• Experience with Microsoft Access, GIS, and/or writing agency comments a plus

Compensation:

Hours: 25 to 29 hours per week
Compensation: $12.00 per hour

Closing Date:

July 20, 2005   Availability: August 1, 2005 

To Apply:

Please send a current rsum, reference list, and cover letter to:

Nathan Baker
Friends of the Columbia Gorge
522 SW 5th Ave  Ste 720
Portland OR  97204-2100

Electronic mail: nathan@gorgefriends.org
Please set the subject line to:  Land Use Law Clerk

For more information on Friends of the Columbia Gorge, please visit our Web site at:  www.gorgefriends.org