Are you a geology major or an activist with an interest or background in geology? Think you’d enjoy advocating for greater funding to research geologic hazards using technologies like LiDAR? The Northwest Progressive Institute (NPI) — a political strategy center that works to raise everyone’s quality of life — is looking for a Geology Advocate based in the Pacific Northwest (Washington/Oregon/Idaho).
You will be part of a dynamic, passionate team committed to revolutionizing grassroots politics and advancing progressive causes through insightful research and imaginative advocacy.
Learn more about what NPI does and who we are.
We are a fast-moving, nimble, and driven team of people who believe strongly in effective activism. You will be volunteering for a nonprofit where your contributions will have a real impact.
This is an unpaid, part-time, remote position with flexible hours.
Role and responsibilities
You will be responsible for researching and writing a special series for NPI’s Cascadia Advocate about the risks our region faces from geologic hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and lahars, and what needs to be done to ensure our communities are better prepared (such as funding seismic retrofits). You’ll also work with NPI leadership to increase funding of geologic hazards research in the Washington state budget.
As part of your advocacy journalism, you will:
- Analyze and compare the efforts undertaken by each Pacific Northwest state (Washington, Oregon, and Idaho) to prepare for the negative consequences of geologic hazards;
- Request, conduct, and publish interviews with each of our region’s three state geologists, to highlight the work they are doing in each of their respective states;
- Talk to infrastructure experts to get a sense of where our most serious vulnerabilities are;
- Highlight the reporting of other journalists on the topic;
- Provide coverage of the work of Governor Jay Inslee’s “Resilient Washington” sub-cabinet;
- Call on Washington state legislators to provide more resources to the Department of Natural Resources to research geologic hazards.
Your posts will be featured on NPI’s social media channels and in our e-newsletter, The Evergreen Connection, which is distributed by email to our supporters.
You are an ideal candidate for this position if the prospect of writing about geology for a nontechnical mass audience appeals to you. Your writing skills should be strong and well developed.
Requirements and qualifications
You must be able to:
- Submit drafts for review and publication using WordPress
- Self-manage and work autonomously
- Keep an open mind and be receptive to editorial changes suggested by your fellow staff
- Check in regularly and report on the status of your tasks
- Express yourself effectively through email and mobile messaging
- Carry out verbal and written instructions in English
- Pay attention to detail and quickly internalize feedback
- Interact professionally and respectfully with NPI’s staff and board
Time Commitment and Start Date
This position requires a commitment of at least eight to ten hours per month for a minimum of seven months. You will be working remotely, managing your own schedule, and completing tasks at times that are convenient for you. You will be expected to attend monthly team meetings electronically via Zoom.us, which will be scheduled with your input.
We ask that you be ready to begin your training and orientation no later than July 1st. 2020.
No compensation
This is an unpaid, volunteer position. There will be no financial compensation.
Benefits
As part of the NPI staff, you will be eligible for several cool benefits, including:
- Complimentary Champion Membership: You will receive all the benefits of an NPI membership at the highest level.
- Training: Haven’t been to a re:Power training? We will assist you in the preparation of your application and pay your registration fee if you are accepted to the next re:Power training held in Seattle. Whether you are interested in running for office, finding paid work managing a campaign, or simply becoming a more effective activist, you will love re:Power’s trainings.
- Travel: Each summer, NPI sends members of its staff to Netroots Nation, America’s largest annual gathering of progressives. You will have the opportunity to travel with the team to Netroots Nation. NPI will cover the cost of your airfare, lodging, and participation in the conference. And, following the general election in November, you’ll have the opportunity to get away for the weekend with the rest of the NPI staff in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Lodging and meals will be provided at no cost to you.
- Low-cost wireless service: If you’d like to save money on your wireless bill every month while enjoying the best possible coverage and reliability available from a U.S. wireless carrier, you can join the NPI wireless plan on a month-to-month basis, and pay only a minimal monthly line fee each billing cycle (if you bring your own device).
Note that all staff members receive an NPI email address and access to a multitude of useful tools maintained by NPI to carry out their responsibilities.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please complete the form below. You will be asked to enclose your resume. NPI is an equal opportunity organization. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, citizenship, or disability.