Environmental Justice Coordinator

State of Vermont•Calais, VT

About The Position

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) is seeking an Environmental Justice Coordinator to advance implementation of Act 154 of 2022, Vermont’s Environmental Justice Law, and related civil rights requirements. The position supports equitable environmental outcomes by integrating environmental justice into state agency policies, programs, and decision-making. Reporting to the Director of Civil Rights and Environmental Justice, the Coordinator works with the Director, another Environmental Justice Coordinator, ANR departments, other state agencies covered by the law, and community and technical partners. The role supports internal implementation within ANR and external implementation through interagency coordination, community engagement, and support for the Environmental Justice Advisory Council and Environmental Justice Interagency Committee. The Coordinator provides technical assistance, including practical guidance, information, training, resources, and support, to help agencies and partners understand and implement environmental justice requirements. The position leads assigned projects; conducts research and analysis; prepares policy materials and reports; coordinates meetings and workgroups; tracks statutory deadlines; and advances initiatives such as community engagement planning, environmental benefit spending guidance, and development of the Vermont Environmental Justice Mapping Tool. The position also coordinates with CREJU on civil rights priorities, including nondiscrimination, language access, disability accessibility, and inclusive public participation. The Coordinator identifies implementation challenges, recommends solutions, manages competing priorities, and communicates progress and significant issues to the Director. Work is guided by programmatic priorities established by the Director and the Secretary’s Office, and focuses on implementing established agency policies, priorities, and legal obligations rather than independently establishing policy or advancing personal advocacy positions. Travel throughout Vermont is required, and occasional evening or other nontraditional hours may be necessary.

Requirements

At least three years of lived or work experience in environmental justice advocacy, partnering with community organizations focused on addressing structural inequities, public policy, or a related field; OR a bachelor’s degree or higher in Environmental Justice, Environmental Law, Environmental Studies, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Strong writing, communication, facilitation, project management, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to independently lead complex assignments without constant supervision.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to work in a changing policy environment, respond to evolving requirements, coordinate across organizational boundaries, and maintain accountability and professionalism.
Ability to manage competing priorities and communicate progress and significant issues.

Nice To Haves

Experience or familiarity with environmental justice, environmental policy, public administration, community engagement, civil rights, data analysis, or related fields.
Organizational, analytical, and adaptable approach to work.

Responsibilities

Advance implementation of Act 154 of 2022, Vermont’s Environmental Justice Law, and related civil rights requirements.
Develop and implement policies, plans, procedures, and systems needed to meet statutory requirements and agency priorities.
Coordinate implementation within ANR and with other state agencies covered by Vermont’s Environmental Justice Law.
Conduct community engagement and support the Environmental Justice Advisory Council and Environmental Justice Interagency Committee.
Provide technical assistance, guidance, information, training, resources, and support to agencies and partners.
Lead assigned projects and conduct research and analysis.
Prepare policy materials and reports.
Coordinate meetings and workgroups and track statutory deadlines.
Advance community engagement planning, environmental benefit spending guidance, and development of the Vermont Environmental Justice Mapping Tool.
Coordinate with CREJU on nondiscrimination, language access, disability accessibility, and inclusive public participation priorities.
Identify implementation challenges, recommend solutions, manage competing priorities, and communicate progress and significant issues to the Director.
Travel throughout Vermont and attend public meetings, hearings, and seminars as required.

Benefits

80% State-paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
State defined benefit pension plan
Deferred compensation 457(b) plan
Tuition reimbursement
Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
Low-cost group life insurance
Incentive-based Wellness Program
Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program