About the Potomac Riverkeeper Network: The Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and defending the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Our team works diligently to ensure the health and sustainability of this vital waterway, serving as a strong voice for the river and its communities.
At Potomac Riverkeeper Network, we’re looking for more than just a person to fill a desk. We’re seeking team members who share our passion for healthy rivers and strong communities. If you want to become a part of our team, you will be empowered to work the way you work best. Your voice is important, you’ll help shape the role you’re in and the future of our organization. From the top down and the bottom up, we’re more than just a workplace, we work together, and play to win!
Position Summary:
The Staff Attorney will play a new and critical role on Potomac Riverkeeper Network’s team of environmental professionals. The Staff Attorney will manage legal programming, leading enforcement and supporting regulatory advocacy on behalf of each of the Network’s three Riverkeeper programs. They will also contribute to the organization’s state and federal policy advocacy and help maintain its leadership on diverse issues such as regulation of toxic pollution and protection of natural resources.
The attorney will work out of the Network’s D.C. office, with the option for a hybrid work schedule within the greater DMV area, and will report to the Vice President and General Counsel. The position will require travel, as well as occasional evening and weekend work.
Responsibilities:
Environmental Enforcement and Litigation (40%): Support management of PRKN’s docket of citizen enforcement and litigation matters; including file and document reviews, post-settlement compliance monitoring, case development, legal research, and recruitment and coordination of technical expert and pro bono litigation services.
Law and Policy Advocacy (40%): Support PRKN’s state and federal administrative and regulatory advocacy; including review and comment on proposed pollution permit and other regulatory actions, research and development of policy and legislative advocacy strategies, and recruitment and supervision of legal fellows and interns.
Communications and Outreach (10%): Support PRKN’s staff in public communications about our advocacy priorities, campaigns, and achievements; staff community outreach and engagement activities, as appropriate; and serve as a leader on relevant law and policy priorities within advocacy coalitions and the regional public interest, environmental community.
Other Duties (10%): Support fundraising initiatives and assist with a range of general legal, administrative, and organizational responsibilities as needed.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school required.
- Bar admission required: (1) Member in good standing of Maryland, D.C., or Virginia bar; or (2) member in good standing in another jurisdiction with intent and ability to become admitted to Maryland, D.C., or Virginia bar within one year.
- Professional work in public policy, environment, or law.
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest advocacy and working directly with communities affected by pollution.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and public communications skills, including oral advocacy in public fora.
- Willingness and ability for regular work travel within the watershed region, with access to reliable transportation; and for some weekend and evening work commitments.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines and to maintain communication and coordinate effectively within a team of program, communications, and executive staff.
- Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse communities and work respectfully across cultures.
Additional Preferred Qualifications:
- Three years of legal practice, principally in the field of environmental law, with experience in environmental enforcement and litigation.
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as public policy, political science, environmental studies, natural sciences, and engineering.
- Bilingual or multilingual abilities.
Compensation:
- Salary between $70,000 and $90,000, depending on experience.
- PRKN offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, generous paid leave, and professional development opportunities, among other benefits. PRKN is unable to offer relocation assistance.
Application Process: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and short (under 10-page) legal writing sample, saved as a single PDF document titled as your name (Last.First.pdf), with “Staff Attorney” in the subject line to . All additional inquiries related to this employment opportunity and submitted applications should be directed exclusively to ; please no phone calls or emails directed to PRKN staff.
Review of applications will begin on June 8, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled. We expect the selected candidate to start by September 2026.
PRKN is an equal opportunity employer. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other factor that is not related to the position.
