Water Resource Specialist

We seek a self-motivated Water Resources Specialist who is committed to justice, equity, and the environment to join our team. The Water Resources Specialist will work to advance MCEA’s goals to reduce agricultural and industrial sources of water pollution in Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater and ensure that all people have access to water resources that are fishable, swimmable, and drinkable.

About MCEA

The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy uses law and science to protect Minnesota’s environment, its natural resources, and the health of its people. We work at the legislature, in the courts, and with public agencies to enact, strengthen, and enforce smart environmental laws. We currently work across different program areas: Water, Climate, Northeastern Minnesota, and Healthy Communities.

At MCEA, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work and strive to create a workplace culture, policy and practice that reflects these values. We respect the individual strengths, views, and experiences of all employees and understand that we thrive in our differences. We acknowledge that fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion is an ongoing process, and we are dedicated to continuous learning, active listening, and growth, striving to become a more diverse, equitable and inclusive team than we are today.

MCEA is a 50 year old thriving nonprofit with long-committed donor base and dedicated funders. MCEA does not receive any federal or state funding.

Position Summary:

The Water Resources Specialist will provide project management, research, and analysis in support of MCEA’s work on water resource protection. This includes assistance and responsibility over individual projects, preparing comments and other written analyses, working closely with the legislative and communications team to draft and deliver testimony and talking points, and supporting project teams with research, writing, and analysis.

Also, the Water Resources Specialist will: assist in being a liaison to outside consultants, experts, and advocacy groups, actively reach out to and develop relationships with disproportionately impacted communities; research and analyze water-related issues; gain expertise in groundwater and surface-water policies; and assist, as appropriate, MCEA’s Legislative Team and Communications Team.

The Water Resources Specialist reports to and works closely with the Water Program Director to accomplish MCEA’s organizational and program goals. This position is based in St. Paul, Minnesota and will require occasional travel to Duluth.

Major Areas of Responsibility

• Provide policy, scientific, and technical research to support MCEA’s programs.
• Assist in the development and management of new projects.
• Participate as an active team member on projects, providing research and analysis and other assistance as appropriate.
• With leadership from the Director, develop and maintain institutional relationships with government agencies, other nonprofits, academics and other existing or potential experts, and a variety of stakeholders (industry, unions, consumers, etc.) to advance MCEA’s positions.
• Collaboratively work within various MCEA teams and programs to effectively communicate and progress water program goals, projects, and updates.
• Contribute and assist in water policy projects and initiatives, including defensive items, in preparation for and throughout the legislative session.
• Contribute as an active member in MCEA’s legislative work to advance program goals, including contributing to the development of legislative strategies, reviewing and commenting on agency actions, writing fact sheets, and meeting with legislators and constituents.
• Participate in communications efforts to advance MCEA’s program goals, including assistance with press releases, social media posts and other publications and speaking with media as appropriate.
• Participate as appropriate in fundraising to support MCEA’s work.
• With the Director, maintain the Water Program team’s project management systems including the use of Trello, Egnyte, Slack, Google Workspace, and others as it relates to the Water Program. (Training available)

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in an environmental-related field and/or policy advocacy.
• Ability to contribute positively to the creation of a diverse, equitable, inclusive team-oriented work environment that celebrates differences.
• Subject-matter knowledge in water resources, water quality, and/or water quantity issues.
• Clear, logical, and focused analysis of issues; ability to clearly communicate complex issues to various audiences.
• Experience translating technical information for various audiences into public written communications.
• Commitment to excellence in work product.
• Strong research, writing and analytical skills.
• Highly organized and good at follow-through.
• Familiarity and some practice with Project Management tools and processes.
• Ability to take independent action while maintaining adequate communication with appropriate MCEA staff and partners.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with other MCEA staff, partners, government officials, adversaries, donors and other constituents.
• A growth mindset and ability to grow from training, coaching, and feedback.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree within the fields of water science and/or policy.
• 3 or more years of experience in a water-related field and/or policy advocacy.
• Experience leading the communication of project and research updates to stakeholders.
• Commitment to public interest environmental advocacy and environmental justice.
• Project management training or mentorship.
• Experience with supervising an Intern.
• Collaborative culture, emotional intelligence, or similar mentoring and training.
• Experience working on policy and/or within the systems of the legislature.
• Strong oral presentation skills.

Salary & Benefits:

MCEA strives to create a mission-focused work environment that is equitable and inclusive. MCEA highly values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to support our employees through a range of strategies, including generous benefits for employees and dependents, paid family leave, optional 32-Hr work week, and others. The annual salary range for this position is $60,000-65,000.

MCEA currently has a hybrid work agreement with all employees required to work in the office for a minimum of four days per month. Each month there are standing in-person meetings; other in-person meetings may also be required.

We believe everyone deserves consideration, regardless of where you went to school, where you grew up, and what opportunities you’ve had in the past. MCEA is an equal opportunity employer.