The business problem is to address the widespread groundwater crisis in rural communities in Northeast Oregon, specifically the three-decade-long drinking water pollution problem, through the Climate Corps Fellowship program with Oregon Rural Action (ORA).
Requirements
- Strong technical literacy, including the ability to use technology and understand technical documents; (GIS, data mapping, ability to review agency data reports, find and research data).
- Coursework or a degree and/or commensurate experience in pollution and/or policy is preferred.
- Experience living or working in rural communities, in agriculture or related industries, and/or on water quality issues.
- Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Experience writing for public audiences (i.e., journalism, content creation, etc.).
- Bilingual, English and Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Conduct watchdog research on sources of pollution in the Lower Umatilla Basin, including Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), industrialized agriculture, processed food factories, data centers, power plants, and more.
- Monitor and engage with key county, state, and federal natural resource agencies on issues related to Lower Umatilla Basin pollution.
- Develop environmental educational materials based on the Policy Team’s research and analysis, and potentially conduct public education activities.
- Attend regular coalition meetings with allied organizations to advance policy priorities and build strong statewide relationships.
- Attend virtual meetings and take detailed notes on issues relevant to ORA’s priorities.
- Some travel to the Lower Umatilla Basin, the Oregon State Capitol, or other parts of the state may be required.
Other
- Motivated to solve problems.
- Committed to environmental justice for rural communities.
- Highly organized and able to stay on-task.
- Ability to travel to rural sites; must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle access.
- Authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship (SEI is unable to sponsor visas)
