Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii is currently seeking to hire a legislative assistant to cover policy matters related to environment and agriculture. The portfolio will include agriculture, chemicals, conservation, endangered species, hunting, invasive species, pollutants, public lands, and waste/recycling. The legislative assistant will take the lead on the senator’s work through the Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Agriculture and Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.
Responsibilities
This staffer will be responsible for:
- directly advising the senator on issues within the portfolio;
- preparing for committee hearings and markups and staffing the senator at those meetings;
- developing and implementing a Hawaii-focused environmental policy agenda;
- developing and advancing national and international environmental policy initiatives;
- conducting oversight of federal agencies;
- coordinating with all components of the senator’s office to support the senator’s work;
- addressing external requests and representing the office; and
- helping to manage and mentor interns, legislative correspondents, and fellows.
Experience and Skills
The successful applicant will:
- have a significant understanding of environment agencies (e.g., DOI, EPA, and USDA), including their budgets, programs, and policy processes
- have demonstrable experience in developing new policies or innovative approaches;
- be driven and creative;
- have excellent communication, analytical, negotiation, and organizational skills;
- work well as part of a team; and
- have experience with coalition building and policy messaging.
A law or relevant advanced degree is preferred. Hawaii ties are also preferred.
Environmental Policy Team
The senator’s environmental policy team is led by his senior advisor for climate and the environment. The team also includes three staffers who focus on 1) oceans and water policy, 2) energy policy, and 3) environmental and agricultural policy (this position). This position is a newly created position to expand the scope of the senator’s land-based environmental policy work.
The Office of Senator Brian Schatz
Senator Schatz’s office is a great place to work. The office is made up of more than 50 driven, talented, personable staffers, and it is one of the most diverse and highly educated offices in the U.S. Senate. Staffers help to advocate for the people of Hawaii, make sure the federal government does what it should, and communicate how government works for people. Most staffers are based in offices in Washington, D.C., and Honolulu—though some staffers work on the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui.
Location
The position is based in the senator’s Washington, DC, office.
Start Date
This position is available to start now.
Salary and Benefits
The starting salary for this position will be in the range of $60,000-70,000 per year. U.S. Senate employees are eligible for a number of benefits including student loan repayment, employer contribution for health care insurance, transit subsidy, car and bicycle parking, retirement plans, life insurance, borrowing privileges from the Library of Congress, access to the Senate staff gym, and personal and professional development courses.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted through this link. Please submit your application as soon as possible.