Staff Attorney, Conservation Programs
Washington, DC, 20036All locationsWashington, DC, 20036Washington, DC preferredAK, CAFL, MD Hybrid
$105,000–$120,000 a yearJobFig found this opening at its original source and checks that it remains available.
About the role
The Staff Attorney for Conservation Programs works in concert with Ocean Conservancy's program and Government Relations (GR) teams to turn our conservation priorities into legal and policy action on a wide range of marine conservation issues including fisheries management, marine mammals, endangered species, climate/energy, plastic pollution, water quality and ecosystem protection. The Staff Attorney will engage in conservation litigation, including working with outside counsel; will work with other OC staff to engage in administrative rulemaking and similar processes; and will advocate across regulations, statutes and other legal and policymaking forums. This role is primarily focused on conservation and advocacy legal work. Success in this role means OC's legal strategies and tactics consistently move conservation outcomes forward, deadlines are met and conservation program and Government Relations teams have a trusted, embedded legal partner. This position may occasionally be asked to help with general organizational legal issues in collaboration with Ocean Conservancy’s General Counsel.
What you'll bring
- Mission alignment with Ocean Conservancy’s conservation goals
- Three or more years of marine conservation legal experience required
- Political and institutional fluency (Hill, agencies, courts)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with demonstrated advocacy skills, the ability to collaborate effectively with coalition partners and the ability to communicate complex legal,
- policy or technical concepts to policy and lay audiences
- Experience drafting regulatory comments, testimony or legislative language
- Deep familiarity with federal marine conservation laws and administrative procedure
- ability to anticipate change, develop ideas and apply them within a holistic understanding of the organizational context.
- A strategic thinker with creativity, energy, discipline and commitment to oversee delivery of multiple projects and the ability to adapt to external changes.
- A high-level performer who remains attentive to details and adheres strictly to deadlines and deliverables while keeping a larger strategic vision in mind.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to facilitate cross-program work and to work effectively with partners to affect change and build political will.
- Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi-disciplinary team approach.