Description
Type: Full time, permanent, exempt, 37-hour work week (33 hour/week during summer months)
Reports to: Deputy Director
Travel: Some overnight travel, both in-state and out-of-state required.
Location: Helena, MT.
Compensation: $60,000-65,000/year, depending on experience. MEIC offers a competitive benefits package that includes: summer four-day work week, paid vacation and holiday leave, sick and family leave, parental leave, and health insurance. Additionally, retirement account contributions begin after one year of employment, and three-month sabbatical leave is available after seven years of employment. MEIC lobbying staff earn an extra two weeks of vacation after the biennial Legislative Session to compensate for longer work hours.
To Apply
Please combine a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample, and at least three references into a single PDF and email it to jobs@meic.org. The position is open until filled, but we will begin reviewing applications on Monday, February 9th. The preferred start date is March 2, 2026.
Position Summary
The Land & Water Policy Advocate helps develop and implement strategies for sustainable, climate-friendly community development that protects water quality and quantity in Montana. The position advocates for sustainable land use practices, protection of water resources, and environmentally conscious and economically equitable communities. This position lobbies the Montana Legislature and other local, state and federal officials, works with local, state, and federal agencies, and engages in public advocacy, organizing, and outreach. Issues include, but are not limited to: subdivision regulation, growth planning, zoning, and protection of water resources through the Clean Water Act and Montana Water Use Act.
Responsibilities
Program-Related Activities: 50%
- Defend and enhance Montana’s land use and water regulatory framework and the protections it affords to Montana’s landscapes, water resources, and communities.
- Assist in campaigns and programs that result in the adoption of innovative and equitable policies that improve sustainable land and water use, development in the wildland urban interface, and address the climate crisis.
- Research effective and strategic land use and water management practices in Montana and across the West.
- Assist in the development of policies and/or legislation to implement sustainable land and water use practices and help to address the climate crisis.
Work with local governments and planners to identify and encourage sustainable community development and land use practices and climate-friendly cities. - Assist in the review of permitting activities and rule proposals that may impact water quality and quantity.
Coordinate with state, regional, and national organizations and individuals to develop and implement policies promoting sustainable land and water use practices. - Assist other staff in implementing programs that aid in the equitable transition towards electrification of buildings and transportation in Montana.
Serve as a registered lobbyist during the Montana legislative session. These duties include communicating with legislators and stakeholders, research, drafting legislation and fact sheets, conducting outreach to members and supporters, testifying, and representing MEIC in a professional and competent manner and demonstrating expertise on the subject matter. - Work closely with other conservation partners on sustainable land and water use policies.
- Work with staff to support strategic litigation that advances our goals of sustainable communities and water protection.
- Periodically work with federal elected officials, agencies, and other partners on sustainable land and water quality policies.
Organizing and Outreach: 40%
- Work with MEIC staff to develop and implement grassroots education and advocacy programs to build support for sustainable land and water use practices.
- Help build and manage effective relationships with individuals, organizations, Tribes and Tribal members, associations, businesses, and community leaders across the state to develop and defend policies that promote sustainable community development and sustainable use of water.
- Help prepare and edit written and visual materials, such as policy papers, fact sheets, reports, presentations, action alerts, newsletter articles, and social media posts.
- Develop strong working relationships with news media. Work with MEIC staff to develop and implement traditional media and social media campaigns.
- Represent MEIC at conferences, events, meetings, and other public speaking engagements on issues consistent with MEIC’s strategic plan.
Administration: 10%
- Work with MEIC staff to develop content for newsletter, website, emails, and events.
- Regularly attend and participate in staff and board of director meetings, as well as MEIC events that sometimes occur in the evenings or weekends.
- Assist the development team with fundraising.
- Comply with MEIC Bylaws, as well as Board and Personnel policies.
- Help maintain a safe, collegial, clean, and productive work environment.
- Engage in equity, inclusion, and justice training and implementation.
To Apply
Please combine a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample, and at least three references into a single PDF and email it to jobs@meic.org. The position is open until filled, but we will begin reviewing applications on Monday, February 9th. The preferred start date is March 2, 2026.
About MEIC:
Based out of Helena, MEIC is a member-supported, cutting-edge statewide environmental organization. MEIC works to protect and improve the quality of life for the people of Montana by defending the land, air, and water of our great state. MEIC advocates for, educates, and empowers people working toward our Constitutional right to “a clean and healthful environment.”
A core value of MEIC is creation of a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and humane workplace. The work environment is friendly, fun, cooperative, and fast-paced. Staff members need to be able to work independently and adapt to changing priorities. MEIC is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage people of color, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized community members to apply.
Requirements
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in planning, environmental studies, environmental science, political science, public administration, or related field. Masters degree preferred.
- 1-2+ years of progressively responsible experience in planning, environmental policy, law, community organizing, policy analysis, advocacy, political campaigns, or a closely related field.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and justice and an understanding of how these values intersect with environmental and land use issues.
- Leadership skills and demonstrated social and emotional intelligence.
- Highly-motivated self-starter with the demonstrated ability to work independently and with a team, drive implementation and manage complex projects simultaneously without direct supervision or direct reports.
- Experience researching policy issues and then preparing reports, presentations, newsletter articles, and/or summaries for a variety of audiences.
- Proficient writing skills.
- Demonstrated experience in building and managing coalitions that include diverse partnerships and stakeholders.
- Proven ability to develop and implement campaigns, including managing timelines, coordinating stakeholders, and measuring outcomes.
- Strong public speaking, communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse communities and stakeholder groups.
- Comfortable with taking firm, public political stances and maintaining resilience.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to implement projects and campaigns.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Driver’s license. Ability to travel within Montana and occasionally in the United States.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer in an office setting.
Preferred
- Experience working in Montana or the western United States. Awareness of Montana’s political landscape, especially as it pertains to land use and water issues and policies.
- Understanding of Montana’s land use and water regulatory and legal framework.
- Experience lobbying for and against legislation at the state level.
