Land and Water Policy Advocate

Type:
Full time, permanent, exempt, 37-hour work week (33 hour/week during summer months)

Reports to:

Deputy Director

Travel:
Some overnight travel, both in-state and out-of-state required.

Location:

Helena, MT.

Compensation: $60,/year, depending on experience. MEIC offers a competitive benefits package that includes: summer four-day work week, paid vacation and holiday leave, sick and family leave, parental leave, and health insurance. Additionally, retirement account contributions begin after one year of employment, and three-month sabbatical leave is available after seven years of employment. MEIC lobbying staff earn an extra two weeks of vacation after the biennial Legislative Session to compensate for longer work hours.

To Apply Please combine a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample, and at least three references into a single PDF and email it to jobs. The position is open until filled, but we will begin reviewing applications on Monday, February 9th. The preferred start date is March 2, 2026.

The Land & Water Policy Advocate helps develop and implement strategies for sustainable, climate-friendly community development that protects water quality and quantity in Montana. The position advocates for sustainable land use practices, protection of water resources, and environmentally conscious and economically equitable communities. This position lobbies the Montana Legislature and other local, state and federal officials, works with local, state, and federal agencies, and engages in public advocacy, organizing, and outreach.

Issues include, but are not limited to: subdivision regulation, growth planning, zoning, and protection of water resources through the Clean Water Act and Montana Water Use Act.

Program-Related

Activities:

50%

• Defend and enhance Montana’s land use and water regulatory framework and the protections it affords to Montana’s landscapes, water resources, and communities.
• Assist in campaigns and programs that result in the adoption of innovative and equitable policies that improve sustainable land and water use, development in the wildland urban interface, and address the climate crisis.
• Research effective and strategic land use and water management practices in Montana and across the West.
• Assist in the development of policies and/or legislation to implement sustainable land and water use practices and help to address the climate crisis. Work with local governments and planners to identify and encourage sustainable community development and land use practices and climate-friendly cities.
• Assist in the review of permitting activities and rule proposals that may impact water quality and quantity. Coordinate with state, regional, and national organizations and individuals to develop and implement policies promoting sustainable land and water use practices.
• Assist other staff in implementing programs that aid in the equitable transition towards electrification of buildings and transportation in Montana. Serve as a registered lobbyist during the Montana legislative session. These duties include communicating with legislators and stakeholders, research, drafting legislation and fact sheets, conducting outreach to members and supporters, testifying, and representing MEIC in a professional and competent manner and demonstrating expertise on the subject matter.
• Work closely with other conservation partners on sustainable land and water use policies.
• Work with staff to support strategic litigation that advances our goals of sustainable communities and water protection.
• Periodically work with federal elected officials, agencies, and other partners on sustainable land and water quality policies.

Organizing and Outreach: 40%

• Work with MEIC staff to develop and implement grassroots education and advocacy programs to build support for sustainable land and water use practices.
• Help build and manage effective relationships with individuals, organizations, Tribes and Tribal members, associations, businesses, and community leaders across the state to develop and defend policies that promote sustainable community development and sustainable use of water.
• Help prepare and edit…