The Water Justice Organizer will work with the Oregon Water Justice Alliance and Water Climate Trust teams to engage Tribes and other water justice communities to improve water allocation policy and public funding decisions that affect their lives and environment. Specifically, they will conduct outreach, training, networking, and direct advocacy to support healthy instream flows for both imperiled freshwater species and Tribal rights to sufficient water for subsistence fishing and cultural practices.

This is a remote position, but due to the significant travel involved with rural community organizing, they will need to be based out of Oregon, preferably near the I-5 corridor.

Pay and benefits

$25-$35 an hour depending on experience. All associated travel costs are covered. Cell phone stipend provided. Position starts at 20 to 30 hours per week. Possibility of transition to full time with health benefits for the ideal candidate.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a database of prospective water advocacy allies
• Meet with Tribal members and others from water justice and instream flow advocacy communities to exchange information and explore opportunities for partnership
• Represent the Oregon Water Justice Alliance and speak about water allocation and justice issues at public events
• Plan trainings, convening, and events around water allocation and justice issues and engagement opportunities 
• Recruit and help mentor participants in our Water Justice Advocacy stipend program
• Organize and help facilitate ORWJA meetings 
• Help create and promote campaign outreach materials, action alerts, and educational information
• Collaborate with water justice communities to support their campaigns and needs
• Manage social media pages

Necessary Qualifications

• Experience working with Tribes or other underrepresented communities
• Understanding of, and commitment to practicing, anti-racism
• Experience organizing advocacy campaigns or working on public policy
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Google programs and computers in general​
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Driver’s license and ability to regularly travel within the state of Oregon for work

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with rural communities and/or youth
• Experience working in communications, water policy &/or Tribal water issues
• Understanding of tribal water/treaty rights, water rights law, and relevant regulatory agencies​
• Experience with event organizing (online and physical) and public speaking
• Web, video editing and/or graphic design skills are a bonus

About Us

The Oregon Water Justice Alliance is a new network working with Native American and other rural water justice communities to improve water allocation policy and funding to support healthy instream flows for fish and Tribal rights. Co-founders are Maqlaqs Geetkni, Maqlaqs Paddle, Ríos to Rivers, Water Climate Trust, and Water League. Water Climate Trust administers the ORWJA and will be the employer and supervisor of this position.

Water Climate Trust is a small grassroots organization working to restore aquatic ecosystems with stakeholders who depend on them for food, jobs, health, recreation, and cultural survival. We use grassroots organizing, advocacy, communications, and public interest law to advance water and public funding policies that protect healthy instream flows for ecosystem, climate, and community resilience. We serve Native American, fishing, and low-income communities, river recreation businesses, and everyone who appreciates healthy rivers. Most of our work centers watersheds in Oregon and northern California, but its policy impacts and implications are statewide and even national in nature.  Our work is guided by the inherent rights of nature, place-based cultures and future generations.

How To Apply

To apply please submit a cover letter, resumé, and work sample (ex: policy comment letter, opinion piece, or activism video) to [email protected]. The position will remain open until filled, but we will begin conducting interviews in June 2024. Applications received prior to June 1 will receive priority. Tribal members, LGTBQIA2S people, and others from under-represented communities are strongly and enthusiastically encouraged to apply. Water Climate Trust is a committed EEOC employer that actively engages in DEIJ learning, adaptation, and practice. You may email us to learn more about the position and our work before submitting an application. We will do our best to get back to you within 48 hours.