Staff Attorney

Overview

Position: Staff Attorney
Supervisor: Deputy Director
Classification: Full Time, Permanent
Location: Statewide, Montana

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $78,000 to $87,000, depending on experience
• Fully paid health and dental insurance with Health Savings Account contributions
• Matching Simple IRA retirement plan
• 20 days of personal leave per year
• 12 days of sick leave per year
• 15 paid holidays annually
• Flexible work schedules, including option for a four-day work week

Position Summary

This role involves leading litigation strategy and conservation campaigns across the organization. The staff attorney collaborates with coalitions, elected officials, partner organizations, and communicates with the public. Working closely with the deputy director and program directors, the attorney advances conservation outcomes on public lands through administrative advocacy, agency engagement, rulemaking, policy development, and legal and legislative strategy.

The position requires using legal expertise to influence public policy, legislation, and agency implementation of conservation laws. The staff attorney supports state and federal policy directors in responding to agency planning processes and projects, provides legal and policy research and analysis to program staff, and identifies emerging conservation policy opportunities. Collaboration with staff across departments and maintaining relationships with partners, stakeholders, and community leaders statewide are key components.

This role supports both the main organization and its affiliated political action fund.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the deputy director to evaluate, recommend, and develop legal action strategies for the board of directors
• Provide programmatic legal strategy and analysis, advising advocacy staff on statutory authorities
• Conduct legal research, document review, bill and administrative rule analysis, draft legal filings, and submit FOIA requests
• Support legislative priorities with policy and legal expertise at state and federal levels, including drafting legislative language
• Provide technical policy and legal support to the federal policy director on agency planning and projects, including drafting and reviewing organizational comments
• Identify emerging conservation policy opportunities and develop solutions to conserve Montana’s public lands
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with partner organizations, coalition members, and community leaders
• Serve as a spokesperson when appropriate
• Conduct research and analysis supporting political and electoral work
• Support ballot initiatives and public policy campaigns as needed
• Collaborate with communications staff to meet communication goals
• Produce white papers, issue briefs, and public-facing reports
• Assist development staff with donor and foundation communications and reporting
• Participate in program budget development and manage expenses as appropriate
• Track and report outputs and progress toward goals
• Provide support to the board of directors as needed

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant experience performing similar duties
• Extensive experience in environmental advocacy and public policy
• Comprehensive knowledge of state and national public land issues
• Ability to work collaboratively with conservation and community partners
• Experience working effectively with diverse groups
• Strong writing skills, including drafting policy papers, technical comments, and legislation
• Ability to develop and manage program budgets
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20% of work time
• Availability to work nights and weekends as needed
• Valid United States driver's license and insurability
• Licensed and admitted to practice law in the State of Montana

Application Details

Applications will be accepted through July 30, 2026, or until the position is filled.

Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter describing relevant professional, personal, and volunteer experiences related to the position's duties.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The employer is an equal-opportunity organization committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, genetic information, parental status, marital status, national origin, age, pregnancy, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.