Environmental Justice Advocate

West Coast Environmental Law is hiring a full-time Environmental Justice Advocate in Vancouver, BC. The role involves developing legal solutions for environmental and Indigenous rights, advocating for law reforms, and collaborating with First Nations. Candidates should have strong legal research skills, experience in policy analysis, and a commitment to environmental justice. The position offers a competitive salary and a flexible work schedule, including remote options from other BC locations.
About the Role

West Coast Environmental Law is seeking a highly motivated and skilled lawyer to join our team as a full-time contract staff member. The successful candidate will have a passion for using their legal skills to achieve environmental sustainability, social justice, and Indigenous self-determination.

Key Responsibilities
• Develop and advance legal solutions related to the environment and Indigenous rights, based on comprehensive research and analysis and in cooperation with First Nations and allies;
• Advocate for reform of Crown laws related to land and water protection, resource management, and environmental decision-making, with a particular focus on advancing a new law for biodiversity and ecosystem health in BC;
• Build, strengthen, and maintain relationships to move law reform issues/campaigns ahead in strategic ways;
• Client representation in government-to-government negotiations and/or law reform processes;
• Project management, reporting, and other organizational tasks that come with legal practice at a public interest, not-for-profit organization;
• Internal collaboration with legal and non-legal staff on organizational projects and objectives.

Requirements
• Ability to think strategically with strong legal research and analysis skills;
• Solid understanding of Canadian and BC laws related to land and water protection, resource management, and environmental decision-making;
• Comfortable with concepts and terminology related to conservation science and demonstrated ability to bridge between Indigenous and western science and law;
• Experience in government relations, policy analysis, and/or law reform work;
• Enjoy community outreach and coalition work; facilitation experience would be an asset;
• Effective communication, with the ability to thrive in charged situations and adapt to changing conditions to get the job done;
• Training and experience with methodologies for learning, researching, and articulating Indigenous law and/or in your own Indigenous legal tradition would be an asset;
• Committed to advancing environmental justice and experienced with trauma-informed legal practice;
• Experience in public interest law and/or not-for-profit organizations;

What We Offer
• Competitive salary range of $79,500-$110,000 annually, depending on year of call;
• Comprehensive benefits package, including pension (RRSP contribution) after one year of employment;
• Flexible hours and/or remote work from another BC location possible;

About Us

West Coast Environmental Law harnesses the power of law to solve complex environmental challenges. We work to transform environmental decision-making and strengthen legal protection for the environment through collaborative legal strategies that bridge Indigenous and Canadian law. We approach our work through an environmental justice lens, conscious of the importance of breaking down silos between environmental and other social justice movements. Our work seeks to address environmental harms while simultaneously promoting an equitable society.