Job Openings

General Counsel

Established in 1994, Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (UCR) is a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to protect and restore the Chattahoochee River, its tributaries and watershed for the people, fish and wildlife that depend on the river system. UCR seeks applicants for the position of general counsel to manage our legal program, working with UCR’s executive director, staff and board.

UCR’s general counsel is responsible for overseeing legal actions in federal, state and administrative courts, typically as co-counsel with outside counsel; preparing comments on proposed regulations and permits; representing the organization at public hearings; evaluating and commenting on draft legislation; developing relationships with federal, state and local environmental regulatory agencies, and supervising law students in a legal intern program. Other responsibilities include maintaining UCR’s tax exempt status; providing advice on draft employee and other internal policies; reviewing contracts and other documents prepared by the organization; and counseling the executive director and staff regarding their activities.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a J.D. degree, at least four years experience in environmental law, preferably the federal Clean Water Act, and should be admitted to the Georgia State Bar or waiting admission. Experience with nonprofit organizations is a plus. Candidates must be self-motivated and possess the ability to work cooperatively and productively with others on a variety of diverse projects in a dynamic nonprofit environment. They must be energetic, creative, well-organized, independent, hard-working and personable. They must be able to maintain a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.

Salary negotiable and commensurate with experience; generous benefits. To apply, send cover letter and resume to Sally Bethea, Executive Director, Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, 916 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. Suite 3, Atlanta, GA. 30318 at sbethea@ucriverkeeper.org or fax to (404) 352-8676.

For a printable version of this job description, click here.

Internships

Through the Internship program, Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper brings students and graduates at all levels to our office, where they can work side-by-side with knowledgeable professionals and receive support from the internship coordinator. We offer unpaid and a few paid internship opportunities in all areas of our work including education, legislation/policy, communications, field work, fundraising, legal, and general administrative.

Legal Internship Program:
UCR has legal internships available year-round to law students for part-time work during the semester and full-time or part-time during the summer. A legal internship with UCR will provide a wide spectrum of experience that will transfer to future environmental-related work opportunities. Legal interns work under the close direction and supervision of our General Counsel, but also have opportunities to work in collaborative efforts with other staff and outside organizations. Work will include legal research and writing, advocacy and policy work, field investigations, stakeholder meetings, and involvement with litigation. Funding may be available for paid internships. Experience and/or course work in environmental law, water resources, environmental justice, and the Clean Water Act is recommended.

Other Internship Opportunities:
UCR has other opportunities for interns to become involved and help promote our mission. Interns at UCR are given the opportunity that are hands-on both demanding and rewarding. We offer internships with experience to a variety of topics in a variety of fields such as environmental policy, chemistry, ecology, education, office administration, fundraising, cleanups, field work and special events. Most internships are unpaid, but offer real world experience in the non-profit business world and provide exposure and education on the challenges facing our natural resources.

How to Apply: Contact Christina Cooper, Administrative Assistant, at ccooper@ucriverkeeper.org or 404-352-9828 ext. 17.

Click here for a printable version of UCR's internships description.