Earthworks is a non-profit advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC, with 40 employees across the United States and the world. We work to protect communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of mining and energy development while seeking sustainable solutions. We support frontline communities, reform government policies, improve corporate practices, influence investment decisions, and encourage responsible materials sourcing and consumption. We seek to ensure that communities’ voices and concerns are heard in the corridors of power, from the nation’s capital to state houses and legislatures.

Earthworks is hiring a Southwest Mining Organizer to support frontline communities at risk from existing and proposed mining and promote stronger environmental policies to protect public lands, community health, and ecosystems. This position is based in the US Southwest (Nevada or Arizona preferred) and will require some travel when travel and in-person meetings can safely resume.

We are looking for candidates with experience working directly with frontline communities affected by extraction; strong research, writing, and spoken communications skills; and ability to interpret technical and legal information related to mining. The position requires interaction with a wide range of individuals and organizations, and effective interpersonal and diplomacy skills are essential to the job. Given the historical legacy of mining and ongoing environmental injustices experienced by Indigenous, Black, Latinx, and other communities of color, candidates must bring a demonstrated commitment to addressing environmental injustices and improving outcomes for communities disproportionately harmed by extraction. Fluency in Spanish is preferred to support work with frontline communities where Spanish is the primary language.

Apply Online: https://www.careers-page.com/earthworks-2

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous and other frontline communities and grassroots organizations in mining-affected communities in the US Southwest through in person site visits and digital/phone communication, notably Arizona and Nevada
• Track mining projects in the region, with a focus on those that pose the greatest risk to sacred places, fragile ecosystems, water, cultural sites, and communities
• Provide support to community allies and grassroots campaigns through research, technical assistance, network building, advocacy support, community care, etc. aligned with the Principles of Environmental Justice
• Build and maintain working relationships with other external allies including local, state, and national organizations, technical experts, and media
• Work with our policy team to ensure that frontline community voices are represented in key federal legislative and regulatory policy making, and engage Southwest Congressional delegations in efforts to reform federal mining policy and promote a sustainable minerals economy
• Coordinate with our Making Clean Energy Clean, Just & Equitable team to implement strategies to support Southwest communities and protect water and ecosystems at risk from lithium extraction
• Help our communication team produce media content through providing original photos/videos and working with affected communities in story collection
• Stay updated on trends, research, and mining proposals in the region
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of research reports, campaign and donor updates, media materials, and social media content
• Maintain up-to-date and organized program files
• Share organizational responsibilities to maintain a healthy and equitable workplace
• Check-in weekly with supervisor and program teams

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in community organizing and support or environmental advocacy
• Knowledge and experience working on mining and extractive industry issues
• Commitment to advocating for and engaging with frontline communities using Jemez Principles
• Effective interpersonal and diplomacy skills
• Strong spoken and written communication skills
• Familiarity and comfort with technical environmental information, and/or ability to learn quickly
• Experience with managing coalitions and engaging with diverse stakeholders
• Well-organized and detail-oriented
• Decision-making skills and ability to manage time and priorities effectively
• A flexible and positive attitude, and willingness to be a team player
• Commitment to environmental, human rights, and social justice issues
• Spanish language skills strongly preferred

BENEFITS AND SALARY

This is a full time, permanent position. The salary for this position is competitive for small to medium non-profits, ranging from $55,000 - $68,000 per year- depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include full health, vision, and dental coverage for the employee and their partner/family (plus a partially employer funded HSA), paid vacation, and a retirement plan with an employer match, after one year. Additionally, after 7 years, staff are eligible for a 3 month, fully paid sabbatical.

About Earthworks

Woman-led and multigenerational, we encourage initiative and leadership at all levels. Earthworks welcomes applications from diverse candidates and is an equal-opportunity employer. Earthworks evaluates employees and applicants for employment on merit, competence, and qualifications and does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, alienage or national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, arrest record, prior military service or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Earthworks is committed to challenging and dismantling systemic oppression. Earthworks’ Board and staff understand that promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) both within and beyond Earthworks is critical to carrying out our mission to protect communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of resource extraction. We understand that our commitment to DEI means a dedication to constant learning and improvement.

Travel & COVID-19

Earthworks has flexible work from home policies. This position will entail domestic and potentially some international travel as public health conditions permit. Earthworks’ COVID-19 policies prioritize the health and safety of our employees and the need to minimize the public health threat from COVID-19.

Earthworks requires all those hired to provide proof of full vaccination (vaccination and booster) against COVID-19. New hires who have disabilities that make the vaccine medically inadvisable or those who have a sincere religious belief that the vaccine is impermissible may request an accommodation by contacting Lezlie Griffin, Director of Talent and Equity, at lgriffin@earthworks.org. Accommodation will be provided only as required by applicable law.