Water Conservation Specialist jobs in Columbia, SC

Conservation Voters of South Carolina is the political voice of South Carolina's environmental community.  CVSC is a bipartisan, non-profit organization that, along with its sister organization, the CVSC PAC, passes laws that protect our environment, elects pro-conservation candidates, and holds elected officials accountable. The CVSC Education Fund also works to educate and engage South Carolinians “to protect the South Carolina we love.” We effectively fight for our air, land, and water through bipartisan and pragmatic political action. 

Scope of Position: CVSC seeks a highly motivated person to join us as a Land, Water, Ocean Policy Associate. This part-time position will support CVSC’s policy campaigns to increase land protection tools and funding and protect water quality and quantity in SC waterways. The right candidate will have excellent attention to detail, written and oral communication skills, experience in advocacy or policy, and a strong belief in and passion for the mission of CVSC.  The position reports to the Land, Water, Ocean Project Manager and will support various efforts of the LWO team.

Location: The position must be based in South Carolina (non-negotiable) but may be performed remotely from within the state. CVSC has a physical office in Columbia and co-work space in Charleston. Occasional day and overnight travel will be required.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Land, Water, Ocean Policy Tracking (30%) The associate will build subject matter expertise by tracking and monitoring land, water, and ocean policy at the state level. This will include tracking news and updates in SC, but may also include tracking policies in other states or federal funding opportunities.
• Land, Water, Ocean Policy Research, Analysis, and Development (30%) –  the associate will perform research and analysis on specific land, water, and ocean policy topics to support the work of the LWO team. This will require the associate to absorb new information quickly, effectively communicate this knowledge in verbal and written form, and understand how it applies to CVSC’s LWO policy priorities. This includes researching legislation and policies at the state and local level, and from other states, analyzing the impact of legislation, and assisting in legislative drafting.
• Develop and Manage Advocacy Tactics and Materials (30%) – the associate will assist the LWO Team in developing and managing advocacy materials, including online actions, earned media, website and social media content, one-pagers, and other items as needed to achieve CVSC’s land, water, and ocean goals.  
• Other Duties to Support the Organization (10%) – as assigned, the associate will participate in CVSC events and other efforts to support the organization. This includes participating in CVSC events like the CVSC Green Tie Luncheon, Legislative Kickoff, and Conservation Coalition Lobby Day, as well as supporting engagement and development efforts and campaigns.  

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to conservation, environmental protection, and the advancement of environmental policy. 
• Experience or knowledge in either political advocacy, communication of complex issues, or conservation. 
• Strong attention to detail, fast and willing learner, strong organizational skills, ability to follow up and meet deadlines, and ability to work independently, yet to ask pertinent questions.
• Demonstrated awareness of one’s cultural identity, views about difference, and the ability to learn and build on varying cultural and community norms. Shares our commitment to increasing racial justice and equity in our movement and organization, integrating these principles into all of the work we do, and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture.
• A deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One year of experience with the tools and tactics of political advocacy, including online actions to lawmakers or other decision-makers, petitions, direct mail, digital ads, phone campaigns and grassroots organizing. 
• One year of experience producing concise written communications on complex issues, including researching complex policy issues, analyzing and developing policy, including legislation, regulations, and municipal policies. 
• Knowledge and understanding of land, water, and ocean issues and the types of policies used to advance their protection at the state level, as well as an understanding of environmental issues facing low and middle-income households and environmental justice communities.
• Proficiency with standard office productivity software and equipment such as Microsoft Office programs, copiers, scanners, email programs, etc.
• Proficiency with, or ability to quickly learn, online membership and email platform operations.

Work environment: CVSC is a mission-driven organization whose staff are deeply passionate about advancing environmental policy in a just and equitable way. We are seeking another effective, productive, enjoyable, and highly ethical member of the team who will take responsibility and leadership for implementing assigned tasks.

Terms of employment: The position is part-time, contingent on continued funding (grants and individual donations). This includes a 20-hour workweek with the need for flexible scheduling, depending on the nature of an issue or timeframe. Occasional out of town travel will be required.

CVSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a racially just, equitable and inclusive workplace.

Pay/Benefits: This part-time position will pay $15-$20 per hour, depending on background and experience. As a part-time role, this position is not eligible for health, dental, disability, paid time off, or retirement benefits. A paid holiday schedule and monthly cell phone stipend are provided for this role.

Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter that addresses how your expertise matches the job description and why you want to work to protect the air, land, and water of South Carolina to jobs@cvsc.org with Land, Water, Ocean Policy Associate in the subject line. An application is not considered complete and will not be considered unless both a cover letter and resume are provided. The position will remain open until filled.