The Environmental Law Institute (ELI), a non-profit organization located in Washington, D.C., is a leading center of environmental research, policy analysis, and training in the United States. Founded at the beginning of the modern environmental era five decades ago, ELI has played a pivotal role in the evolution of environmental law. Today, ELI is an internationally recognized independent research and education organization whose interdisciplinary staff of lawyers and scientists works to develop creative solutions to critical problems in environmental law, policy, and management worldwide. Support for the Institute’s research comes from a mix of private foundations and government agencies.
ELI periodically hires recent college graduates to serve as Research Associates. Research Associates work directly with the 15–20 lawyers and scientists in the Research and Policy Division on projects addressing environmental and natural resource protection and pollution prevention. A typical workload combines research and administration.
The Research and Policy Division publishes research studies and conducts a variety of training courses and workshops. Specific subject areas include air and water quality, climate change, renewable energy, hazardous waste and brownfields, international environmental policy, sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, wetlands management, freshwater and ocean policy, environmental health, environmental enforcement, and mining law.
In addition to researching and writing for some of these studies, Research Associates help coordinate and plan various events at ELI, including seminars, conferences, training courses, and workshops. Other administrative work may include creating and updating ELI web pages (no previous experience required), communications, and managing interns.
ELI is accepting applications for Research Associate positions that begin in the summer of 2020. The Institute is also accepting applications for other positions throughout its departments. Please see our website (http://www.eli.org/employment) for more information.
Qualifications: (1) superior research, writing, and interpersonal communication skills, and (2) strong desire to gain knowledge in the environmental field. A background in environmental issues is preferred but not required. Research Associates are asked to stay for two years.
This entry-level position is designed for recent college graduates. Previous Research Associates have gone on to law school, graduate school, and other positions in the environmental field.
Compensation: $40,000 annual salary, with excellent benefits including:
• Health/Dental/Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employer paid life insurance & disability insurance
• Long Term Care insurance
• Pre-tax transportation benefit
• Fitness Incentive
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Account with employer match
• Paid time off
Application Process and Deadlines: Interested candidates can apply online through ELI’s application portal at: http://www.eli.org/employment. Applications must include the following as separate PDF documents:
1. Cover letter
2. Resume (must include overall undergraduate GPA)
3. Analytical writing sample of 3-5 pages in length
We will notify you before contacting any references.
Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm EST on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. You must use ELI’s online application system; ELI cannot accept applications submitted by email, USPS or other shipping service, or hand delivery. No phone calls, please. Questions about the position can be sent to RAsearch@eli.org.
ELI is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to achieving an inclusive, diverse workforce that values every individual. We firmly believe that hiring individuals with varying perspectives and backgrounds contributes to our success as an organization, and we strive to create an environment that fosters inclusiveness. As such, minority candidates and candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
