About the job Southwest Mining Organizer
Earthworks is hiring a temporary part-time (20 hours a week) Southwest Mining Organizer to support frontline communities at risk from existing and proposed mining, and promote stronger environmental policies to protect public lands, community health and ecosystems. This position is based in the US Southwest (Nevada or Arizona preferred). This is a ten month position, beginning March 2025, with an opportunity for possible transition to a permanent role if additional funding is secured.
We are looking for candidates with experience working directly with frontline communities affected by extraction; strong research, writing, and spoken communications skills; and ability to interpret technical and legal information related to mining. The position requires interaction with a wide range of individuals and organizations, and effective interpersonal and diplomacy skills are essential to the job. Given the historical legacy of mining and ongoing environmental injustices experienced by Indigenous, Black, Latinx and other communities of color, candidates must bring a demonstrated commitment to addressing environmental injustices and improving outcomes for communities disproportionately harmed by extraction.
Core Responsibilities
Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous / Tribal and other frontline communities and grassroots organizations in mining-affected communities in the US Southwest, notably Arizona and Nevada
Track priority mining projects in the region, with a focus on those that pose the greatest risk to fragile ecosystems, water, cultural sites and communities
Provide support to community allies and grassroots campaigns through network building and advocacy support, aligned with the Principles of Environmental Justice
Engage in the permitting process, where appropriate, to advocate for adequate safeguards for community health and environmental protections.
Build and maintain working relationships with other external allies including local, state and national organizations, technical experts, and media
Work with our policy team to ensure that frontline community voices are represented in key federal legislative and regulatory policy making, and engage Southwest Congressional delegations in efforts to reform federal mining policy and promote a sustainable minerals economy
Coordinate with the communications team in preparing social and traditional media materials
Prepare or assist in the preparation of research reports, campaign and donor updates, media materials, and social media content
Check-in weekly with supervisor and program teams
Preferred Experience and Qualifications
3+ years of experience in community organizing and support or environmental advocacy
Knowledge and experience working on mining and extractive industry issues
Commitment to advocating for and engaging with frontline communities using Jemez Principles
Effective interpersonal and diplomacy skills
Strong spoken and written communication skills
Familiarity and comfort with technical environmental information
Experience with engaging with diverse stakeholders
Well-organized and detail-oriented
Decision-making skills and ability to manage time and priorities effectively
A flexible and positive attitude, and willingness to be a team player
Commitment to environmental, human rights, and social justice issues
About Earthworks
Earthworks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of mineral and energy development while promoting sustainable solutions. Earthworks stands for clean air, water, and land, healthy communities, and corporate accountability. We work for solutions that protect both the Earth’s resources and our communities. Earthworks has a primarily-remote staff of approximately 50 employees in over 20 states and DC.
Earthworks is committed to challenging and dismantling systemic oppression. Earthworks’ board and staff understand that promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) both within and beyond Earthworks is critical to carrying out our mission to protect communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of resource extraction. We understand that our commitment to DEI means a dedication to constant learning and improvement.
Earthworks welcomes applications from diverse candidates and is an equal-opportunity employer. Earthworks evaluates employees and applicants for employment on merit, competence, and qualifications and does not tolerate discrimination.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Earthworks we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Location, Travel, and COVID-19
Location for this position is within the southwest United States, preferably Arizona or Nevada.
Some local travel is required for this position. Employees who are unable to travel/attend in-person meetings for health or disability reasons may request accommodations. Earthworks’ COVID-19 policies prioritize the health and safety of our employees and the need to minimize the public health threat from COVID-19.
Earthworks requires all those hired to provide proof of full vaccination (vaccination and booster) against COVID-19. New hires who have disabilities that make the vaccine medically inadvisable or those who have a sincere religious belief that the vaccine is impermissible may request an accommodation by contacting Lezlie Griffin, Director of Talent and Equity, at lgriffin@earthworks.org. Accommodation will be provided only as required by applicable law.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a temporary, part-time (20 hours a week) ten month position, with an anticipated March 2025 start date, concluding in December 2025. The salary for this position is $29,000 for the ten month period. This is not a benefits eligible position, but the position is eligible for paid time off, pursuant to Earthworks leave policies.
Bargaining Unit Status
Earthworks is a union workplace; our employees are represented by Earthworkers Unite/ Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.
How to Apply
We strongly encourage and seek applications from people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and bilingual individuals. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that applicants with disabilities may participate in the application and interview process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.
Apply online at https://www.careers-page.com/earthworks-2/job/QVVWW498, including a cover letter and resume. Applications will be reviewed as received, and the deadline to apply is Feb. 16, 2025. No emails or phone calls please.
Qualified applicants can expect to complete three interview stages: an initial phone interview, a virtual panel interview, and a virtual final interview. We’ll also request a list of three professional references after the second stage of the interview process.