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Description
~ Founded in 1993, Los Angeles Waterkeeper's mission is to safeguard LA’s inland and coastal waters by enforcing laws and empowering communities. ~
LA Waterkeeper is a proud member of the California Coastkeeper Alliance and is one of more than 300 members of the international Waterkeeper Alliance, led by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Waterkeeper works not only on pollution issues specific to the Los Angeles area, but also with our Waterkeeper partners on issues of state-wide and national significance. For more information, visit our website.
Position Overview
Los Angeles Waterkeeper, a dynamic nonprofit organization founded in 1993 to safeguard Los Angeles County’s inland and coastal waters, is seeking a highly-motivated individual to join our team as Staff Attorney. The Staff Attorney will focus on litigation and advocacy in our efforts to protect and restore inland and coastal waterways throughout Los Angeles County and promote sustainable water policies for the region.
Responsibilities
Litigation:
- Manage Waterkeeper’s Industrial Stormwater Enforcement Campaign
- Manage existing and new Clean Water Act enforcement cases from
- investigation through settlement/litigation and monitoring compliance, including drafting notices of intent to file suit, pleadings and briefs; negotiations/mediations; interviewing witnesses and drafting declarations
- Work with LAW’s Watershed Programs Manager on evidence collection for Clean Water Act cases, including reconnaissance investigations and stormwater sampling
- Manage team of outside counsel and technical experts supporting litigation
- Coordinate with enforcement staff from relevant regulatory agencies (e.g., LA Regional Water Board)
- Engage community groups in industrial stormwater efforts
- Work with LAW’s Senior Attorney to support other existing and new cases in state or federal courts
Advocacy:
- Manage Waterkeeper’s (Smarter Water) anti-ocean-desalination campaign, which is opposing West Basin Municipal Water District’s proposed ocean desalination plant in El Segundo:
- Coordinate Smarter Water LA coalition, including Surfrider Foundation and Heal the Bay, that is leading fight against the project
- Testify against the project at city council meetings, West Basin hearings and at other agencies (Water Board, CA Coastal Commission, etc.)
- Arrange and attend meetings with key decision makers/stakeholders
- Support development of campaign materials in collaboration with LAW’s communications team
- Support development of broad-based coalition and community outreach to build opposition to the project
- Manage potential CEQA lawsuit if needed
- Track agencies, including the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and key legislation - draft comment letters on permits, policies, and regulations related to water quality and water supply issues and represent LA Waterkeeper at administrative agency hearings
- Foster relationships with broad-based partners who aid in Waterkeeper’s advocacy efforts, including traditional environmental, environmental and social justice, health, labor and other constituencies, including participating in various coalitions (e.g., Green LA, etc.)
- Serve as a spokesperson for LA Waterkeeper (and campaigns managed) with the media, key elected and agency officials, partners, etc.
Administrative:
- Work with LAW’s Executive Director and Senior Attorney to provide strategic direction on the organization’s legal and advocacy work, including the campaigns heighted above
- Recruit and supervise full-time, summer legal interns and fall/spring externs as needed
- Work with LAW’s Development Manager on grants for Litigation/Advocacy programs
- Manage administrative needs of Litigation/Advocacy team – act as liaison to Board Litigation Committee, process invoices, plan team meetings, etc.
- Support other Waterkeeper programs, campaigns and activities (e.g., tabling, beach cleanups, LAW events) as needed
Qualifications
- Applicants must be law school graduates, who are admitted or willing to apply for admission to the California bar
- Candidates must have at least 4 years of litigation and/or advocacy experience
- He/she/they must be extremely organized and detail oriented, with strong research, analysis, writing and oral advocacy skills, and project management experience
- Candidates must have experience in administrative and pretrial proceedings (e.g., regulatory comments, discovery, motion practice); experience with evidentiary hearings and appellate litigation a plu
- Knowledge of the Clean Water Act and prior experience with Clean Water Act Section 505 lawsuits is preferred
- Some background in science a plus
- Applicants must possess initiative, good judgment, a strong work ethic, and be tenacious in advocating for Waterkeeper’s agenda
- He/she/they must be a team-player, both within LA Waterkeeper and with outside partners and stakeholders, and have a demonstrated commitment and passion for conservation and environmental protection
Physical Requirements:
- Most of the job entails typical office environment work (sitting at computer, on phone, etc.) and use of standard office equipment
- Ability to travel to various meetings and sites throughout the county is needed
- Ability to undertake site visits and some fieldwork (which can entail some physical exertion, exposure to weather, odors, dust and pollen) is required
Compensation
- Salary: $67,000-$77,000, based on qualifications
- Schedule: Full Time position
- Benefits: Paid health and dental insurance, vacation and sick leave
- Start Date: As soon as filled
To Apply
Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter, resume and three references by September 17, 2018.
~ Los Angeles Waterkeeper is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity. LAW maintains a policy of non-discrimination in regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other class protected by applicable state or federal law. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. ~