Position Website and Application Information
About the OEC:
The mission of the Ohio Environmental Council is to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home. We work for pragmatic solutions to keep Ohio clean and beautiful, and our communities safe. Included in our values is a belief in bringing diverse people together for a shared purpose, forging strategic partnerships to strengthen Ohio’s environmental movement, and honoring community leadership. And we work to understand and remedy both current and historical environmental injustice caused by oppressive practices harming Ohioans and meaningfully supporting our partners and the communities they represent.
Job Responsibilities & Performance Expectations
As the Water Policy Fellow, you will be a member of the OEC’s Water Team, advancing the organization’s mission to secure healthy air, land, water, and a strong democracy for all who call Ohio home. This position is an opportunity to keenly develop skills as a policy advocate for the betterment of the Buckeye State. At the conclusion of the program, you will have the skills and experience to join any team searching for an effective advocate. Additionally, you will work closely with OEC Leadership, OEC staff, and our Board of Directors around our racial justice and equity goals, participate in the OEC’s fundraising, communications, organizing, and administrative work to gain a complete understanding of public interest non-profit organization operations to ultimately achieve the organization’s strategic plan goals.
The Fellow’s daily responsibilities will also include:
- data collection on agricultural best management practices that curb nutrient loading in Northwest Ohio and compiling this research into a report.
- evaluating and analyzing legislation and executive agency rules and regulations;
- reaching out to, and collaborating with, partner organizations;
- support the drafting of advocacy content, including position statements or blogs;
- representing the organization at public meetings, legislative and agency hearings; and
- contributing to OEC’s efforts to integrate racial justice and equity into the work we do to ensure a more inclusive environmental movement in Ohio.
- Performing other related duties as required and assigned.
Qualifications
- Required Work Experience: This is an entry-level position
- Additional Skills: Demonstrate the ability to answer research questions efficiently and with precision; well-organized; hard-working; thorough & detail-oriented; understand how to work independently and in a team; and manage multiple projects at once while delivering quality results. Possess the initiative and skills required to become a policy expert and representative of the organization.
- Required Cultural Competence: Shares our commitment to increasing racial diversity in our movement and organization, integrating justice and equity into the work we do and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture. Furthermore, we’re looking for candidates with strong listening skills and an ability to handle interpersonal relationships with grace and empathy.
- Preferred qualifications: You have an interest in environmental issues and social justice. Specifically, knowledge of agricultural nutrient management best practices. Nonprofit advocacy experience is a plus. Experience in a fast-paced campaign environment is a plus.
Compensation and benefits:
Pay for this full-time, temporary position is $36,774 annually. We have an excellent benefits package which includes employer-paid health, vision, dental, and life insurance; flexible and dependent care spending account; generous paid time off; paid parental leave; and employer-matched retirement fund.
Additional details:
This is a Columbus-based position working in our Columbus office. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff are working remotely and will be expected to work from the office and resume in-person meetings and travel when it is safe to do so. You will report to our Managing Director of Water Policy and work closely with our Drinking Water Director, as well as our Northwest Ohio Regional Director.
The Fellow must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends, and be willing to occasionally travel throughout Ohio when travel resumes.