BMBP is hiring a Staff Attorney!

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS February 1st — March 31st, 2022

Job Description: Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project (BMBP) is seeking a Staff Attorney to work on litigation of ecologically destructive projects on federal public lands in Eastern Oregon. The position will include working and coordinating with attorneys from allied environmental groups. We are looking for someone who has at least some familiarity with ecological and policy issues regarding forest protection on federal lands.

About Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project: Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project has been working to protect and restore the ecosystems of the Blue Mountains and Eastern Oregon Cascades since 1991. We work to stop or modify projects that threaten ecological diversity and integrity such as destructive logging, road building, livestock grazing, herbicide and biocide use, and mining. Our work area includes primarily the Malheur, Ochoco, Umatilla, and Deschutes National Forests. We prioritize the protection of old growth, sensitive and listed species, water quality, roadless areas, and areas vital to ecological processes.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited school of law;
• Current membership in good standing in a State Bar Association;
• At least three years of federal litigation, administrative, or other legal experience in environmental law;
• Relevant experience and outstanding work prior to obtaining a law degree will also be considered;
• Must be able to work in a respectful manner with people from a diversity of backgrounds, ethnicities, races, classes, genders, and identities;
• Ability to communicate clearly with attorneys and non-attorneys;
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills;
• Ability to participate in, organize, and manage projects and deliver on deadlines;
• Must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 (vaccinations are required for all BMBP staff).

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience working as an attorney on public lands cases;
• Knowledge of and dedication to protection of forests, streams, and wildlands;
• An understanding of issues surrounding forest protection and issues surrounding extraction-based projects on federal lands;
• Awareness of and respect for Indigenous sovereignty and racial justice;
• Experience organizing campaigns and/or academic or professional experience with forest-related issues.

Staff Attorney responsibilities include:

• Preparing litigation and representing BMBP in court;
• Acting as lead attorney on cases (depending on experience level);
• Assisting any legal teams or lead lawyers in research and procedural tasks for cases to be filed on behalf of BMBP;
• Giving legal advice on cases to BMBP staff and Board;
• Reporting on progress of cases on a regular basis to BMBP staff and Board;
• Researching background laws, case law, and legal precedents relevant to potential cases and submitting written summaries of findings to BMBP staff and Board;
• Contributing to BMBP’s public comments and objections on selected priority projects;
• Reviewing public comments and objections for legal claims and discussing the relative potential merits of cases with BMBP staff and Board;
• Obtaining needed continuing legal education course credits;
• Attending relevant conferences and events;
• Assisting with press releases and public statements regarding legal cases.

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; the final application deadline is March 31st, 2022

Start Date: May 1st, 2022

Compensation:

• $55,000 per year
• 40% of that attorney’s fees from any attorney’s fee award to BMBP as a result of the Staff Attorney’s litigation work
• Three weeks of paid vacation per year
• BMBP will pay certain fees and expenses associated with the Staff Attorney’s work such as: annual fee for Oregon Bar membership; $125 for continuing legal education credits through the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference; and pro hac vice fees for out-of-state cases for BMBP.

Location: This is a remote work position. BMBP does not provide office space. You need to provide your own office space, including your own computer and internet access.

Position type: This is a salaried position at 40 hours/week; hours can fluctuate due to active litigation and other pressing issues that arise.

Please apply by sending your resume and an introductory email explaining your background and interest in the role to Paula Hood at <paula@bluemountainsbiodiversityproject.org>. Women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and members of additional historically disenfranchised groups are especially welcome and encouraged to apply.