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Earthworks is hiring. We’re looking for the right folks to help us in our mission to protect communities and the environment from the destructive impacts of mineral development, in the U.S. and worldwide.
Currently open positions
- California OGAP Organizer
- Outreach and Communications Intern (Summer or Fall 2013)
- International Program Intern
California OGAP Organizer
ABOUT US: Earthworks is a non-profit organization dedicated to working with communities to reduce the social, economic and environmental problems caused by mineral and energy extraction. The Oil & Gas Accountability Project (OGAP) is the signature campaign of Earthworks’ Energy Program. OGAP's overall goals are to advocate for greater corporate and governmental responsibility in the development of energy resources, and to educate and assist community groups concerned about oil and gas issues.
Earthworks works in the U.S. and worldwide. We fulfill our mission by supporting communities and grassroots groups, by publicizing the environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts of mining and energy extraction, and by working to improve government policies and corporate practices.
Despite its national reputation as a leader on the environment, California is not regulating hydraulic fracturing or other forms of enhanced oil recovery. Millions of acres of land under Kern County and the Central Coast are leased to oil companies. Industry plans to dramatically increase its production in the state at the same time that public concern about the public health and environmental impacts is rising. Hydraulic fracturing (also known as “fracking”) and horizontal drilling pose serious threats to the drinking water of more than four million Californians, particularly in the Central Valley where 90% of drinking water comes from groundwater. These aquifers are frequently penetrated both by fractured wells and wells drilled to inject wastewater produced during drilling operations. In other parts of the country, deep shale drilling is known to release significant levels of methane gas and other air pollutants, and enormous numbers of trucks are used to transport chemicals and water to each drill site and waste fluids away from each drill site. This would cause significant increases in particulate and smog-forming pollutants in California, where many residents already suffer from significant respiratory disease related to the highest levels of particulate and ozone pollution in the United States.
LOCATION: Southern California
SCOPE OF DUTIES: The California OGAP Organizer is primarily responsible for work to slow the pace of growth of fracking by (1) Coordinating a variety of stakeholders and acting to ensure the sharing of information and experiences so that a wide array of perspectives goes into the development of strategies to limit fracking; (2) Identifying communities where fracking has occurred, investigating possible health and environmental impacts and conducting community health impact surveys or other analyses to determine whether air or water emissions may be a threat; and (3) Investigating issues of particular concern to Californians, such as climate threats, seismologic threats and use of limited water sources, and drawing public attention to gaps between oil and gas industry claims and actual risks. Earthworks’ strategies are both pro-active, creating change, and reactive, responding to events. Since issue developments, such as environmental catastrophes or legislative events, can’t always be predicted, rapid response is essential. The Organizer is expected to assess unplanned external events and at times prioritize these events over planned work.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support, inform and assist Californians facing oil and gas extraction issues. Encourage skills training, help deepen understanding of the issues, encourage democratic processes.
- Network with other organizations and build and help maintain effective coalitions and alliances. Use in-person and electronic communication to maintain relationships.
- Support communities to evaluate, plan and implement campaigns, strategies and actions. - Help organize and participate in national networks, including Stop the Frack Attack.
- Research and write position papers, fact sheets and materials specific to oil and gas issues in California, with a particular focus on health impacts from oil development in California communities.
- Act as primary media contact in California and work to integrate campaign strategies with communications outlets, EARTHblog, and social media.
- Assist with fundraising for California OGAP and Earthworks generally.
- Serve as Earthworks’ point person on California legislative and regulatory processes, and develop and maintain contacts with key decision makers in those processes.
- Support Earthworks organizationally.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Undergraduate or graduate degree in related field
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Spanish fluency strongly preferred
- Grassroots organizing/community organizing experience strongly preferred
- Effective interpersonal skills - Well-organized and detail-oriented
- Strong decision-making skills and the ability to manage time and priorities effectively
- A flexible and positive attitude
- Knowledge about oil and gas extraction issues or a willingness to develop this knowledge
- Ability to travel domestically
Earthworks is a small organization; therefore, all staff will be required at times to provide assistance on organization-wide projects outside of their area of focus. In an effort to keep administrative costs to a minimum, staff will also be expected to handle most of their own support work and to help as-needed with some office or organizational functions. The position also requires participation in program and organizational planning activities that range from regular meetings and conference calls, to annual planning, to strategic planning. Each staff member is expected to keep abreast of developments in the field and is encouraged to be part of a supportive team that stimulates critical thinking, learning and personal growth.
The position reports to the Energy Program Director and works closely with the California-based Executive Director and other members of the Energy Program. Salary is $35-$45,000, commensurate with candidate’s experience and skill level.
Earthworks reserves the right to change the responsibilities of this position as the needs of the organization change and may periodically add responsibilities and tasks.
TO APPLY: send a letter of interest, resume and three references to: caorganizer [at] earthworksaction [dot] org.
Outreach and Communications Intern
About us:
EARTHWORKS is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the impacts of mining and energy development while seeking sustainable solutions. We are headquartered in Washington, DC.
The Recycle My Cell Phone program is looking for an energetic intern to assist in outreach in and around Washington, DC. Each year the program collects thousands of cell phones from individuals and businesses across the country and recycles them at no cost. We also provide promotional materials and support to businesses interested in hosting drives.
About the position:
The Outreach and Administrative Intern would have two key responsibilities. First, to build partnerships with businesses and other organizations in the DC area and assist them in hosting cell phone collection drives. Outreach may also include social media outreach, collaborating with our recycler on best practices, creating website content and representing EARTHWORKS on Earth Day. Second, to write web content with our communications team. We are constantly updating out website to provide the most relavent and current information about our issues.
We are looking for a self-motivated individual with proven leadership skills and a desire to grow our program. We are very flexible in terms of time spent in the office, but would expect an intern to devote 10-15 hours a week to EARTHWORKS. This is the perfect internship for underclassman looking to learn more about the non-profit world, make connections and start building their resume.
Qualifications:
-Current student or recent college graduate (all majors welcome)
-Ability to commit at least 10 hours per week (some time will be in the field/remote)
-Strong organizational skills and interpersonal skills
-Commitment to the environment
-Advanced computer or language skills are a plus
To apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@earthworksaction.org. Please include your weekly availability and desired start and end date. EARTHWORKS requires a minimum commitment of 3 months.
International Program Intern
The International Program works on international mining policy and works with mining-affected communities, grassroots organizations, and other national and international NGOs. These include partners in Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, Ghana, Romania and elsewhere.
We also run the No Dirty Gold campaign to educate consumers and retailers about gold mining and to enlist their support in changing the way gold is mined. The campaign has made tremendous strides in raising the profile of gold mining impacts and has garnered national and international attention.
The intern will be involved in conducting research, writing campaign materials, supporting outreach activities, and helping to maintain websites and news lists. The intern may also assist staff with general support in administration and outreach to members and partner organizations.
We are seeking an intern with an interest in environmental and social justice campaigns and international grassroots work in support of local communities. We will consider graduate students, college graduates, and advanced undergraduate students. Applicants should be self-motivated and have excellent organizational, communication, research, and computer skills. Potential interns also possess a commitment to working for respect of human rights and environmental protection. Proficiency in Spanish is helpful but not required.
Interns work out of our DC office. We are able to provide a stipend to cover intern commuting costs. If you are a student, we will be glad to help you earn credit for your work. We require a minimum three month commitment but can be flexible on starting and ending dates. We are currently looking for someone to start June/July 2013, and are interested in part-time or full-time interns.
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