Careers
Why Join Our Team
We are a small team comprised of dedicated and knowledgeable experts committed to protecting the Delaware River watershed and all the communities it serves. We are passionate about the environment and social justice. As an organization, we value openness, independence, inclusivity, and community, which is reflected not only in the work that we do, but the way we operate.
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network also celebrates the diversity of our staff and the unique experiences and perspectives they bring to the table. We believe that by encouraging and fostering individuals’ talents and abilities, we put ourselves in a position to be more effective and impactful.
When joining our team, you’ll often find yourself working alongside people from all departments in different manners, juggling multiple projects simultaneously. You’ll find a very welcoming and flexible work environment where you can learn, grow, and find your niche.
Current Opportunities
Energy Fellowship
Energy Fellowship with the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, a nonprofit environmental organization
Date posted: February 14, 2025
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN), based in Bristol, PA, is committed to creating an inclusive community of staff and volunteers that is representative of the Watershed we serve. In doing so, we are better able to champion the rights of our communities to a Delaware River and tributary streams that are free-flowing, clean, healthy, and abundant with a diversity of life. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger voice for the River.
DRN is seeking to hire an Energy Fellow to join DRN’s legal team for a term of one year.
DRN works to protect the Delaware River watershed and ecosystems from threats such as shale gas extraction, pipeline and powerline construction, dredging, stormwater runoff, wetlands degradation, species take, and pollution. DRN’s legal team consists of three full-time litigation track attorneys, and a semester-based law clinic. The full-time litigation track attorneys report to Ms. van Rossum, who is the Delaware Riverkeeper, leader of DRN, and also an attorney.
Description
DRN seeks an Energy Fellow to provide support and assistance to DRN’s legal team by investigating and challenging proposals for the siting, construction, and operation of large-scale fossil fuel infrastructure in the Delaware River Watershed. The fellow will be a member of the legal team and advance significant work while building the skills necessary to be an effective environmental litigator.
Reports to
Senior Litigation Attorney
General Responsibilities
- Craft, submit and track public records requests to various state and federal agencies
- Analyze, organize, and synthesize voluminous documents received from public records requests
- Conduct library and internet research, drafting short summary reports
- Research and draft legal memos and supporting documents for the Delaware Riverkeeper and DRN’s litigation attorneys
- Help draft legal filings for the court, including preparing copying, binding, collating, tabbing, etc. briefs, and providing final edit review of documents to be filed with the court
- Check daily/weekly online sources for relevant issues related to fossil fuel infrastructure
- Help organize and advance collaboration with experts and other organizations involved in legal or advocacy work
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- Law degree received
- A demonstrated interest in environmental law
- Excellent communication and legal writing skills
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Computer literacy, especially with MS Word, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, Excel, and Adobe
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Good time-management skills
Salary
$55,000
Benefits
- Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short & Long Term Disability
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match after one year of employment
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Medical, Dependent Care
- Generous time-off policies
- Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code
Location
The position is based in DRN’s main office in Bristol, Bucks County, PA. This position will be largely hybrid with the option to work from home. However, travel to the Bristol office will be required as needed.
Application Procedure
Submit cover letter, resume, names and contact information for three references, at least one self-edited legal writing sample, and other pertinent information. Please send email with the required attachments to the attention of Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper, at keeper@delawareriverkeeper.org. Email subject line should read, “Energy Fellowship Application.” No telephone calls.
Timeline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Essential Functions of Position and Working Conditions:
- Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including some physical work, with or without reasonable accommodations.
- Constantly required to remain in a stationary position and operate standard office equipment, such as a computer, phones, photocopiers, printers, and fax machines.
- Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
- Occasionally required to move files, open filing cabinets and position self as necessary.
- Work will be primarily indoors, in an office setting.
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. DRN retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
DRN is an equal opportunity employer.
Equal Employment Opportunity
DRN is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (“EEO”) to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military service, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy of equal opportunity covers all aspects of the employment relationship, including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, placement, promotion, access to benefits and training, compensation, discipline and termination. All decisions regarding the employment relationship will be based upon employee’s overall qualifications and the employee’s ability to meet the requirements of the position without regard to protected characteristics.
Employees with questions or concerns about discrimination in the workplace are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of the DGO or the Delaware Riverkeeper. Employees can raise legitimate concerns and make good faith reports without fear of reprisal. Any employee found to be engaging in any type of unlawful discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
