Organization Description:

From sandy beaches and salt marshes to freshwater swamps and farmland, the Coastal Conservation League is working to respond to rapid growth and development, as well as impacts from a changing climate on the South Carolina coastal plain. We work from our headquarters in Charleston, our legislative office in Columbia, our South Coast office in Beaufort, which covers Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, and Hampton counties, our North Coast office, which works across Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Williamsburg, and Florence counties, and our food hub, GrowFood Carolina, in Charleston. Our team of professionals works across the coastal plain to promote clean energy, protect land, water and wildlife, build strong cities and towns, and support local food and farmers to build healthy, resilient communities.

Our mission is to protect the health of the natural resources of the South Carolina coastal plain and ensure a high quality of life for all of the people who live in and love this special place.

Summary:

This is a legal research internship for 8 weeks for 35-40 hours per week, based in Charleston, SC Candidate will aid and support the Conservation Programs and Executive Director on issues related to policy and legislation. Candidate must be actively enrolled in law school.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct a policy and legislative review of items related to items such as land use, sustainable development, environmental conservation acts, wildlife protections, and more.
• Communicate with agency, conservation partners, and internal staff
• Produce a comprehensive document of existing regulatory programs, policy, and legislation in South Carolina relating to projects assigned.
• Identify and prioritize gaps in existing regulatory framework and aid in drafting recommended updates and/or new legislation
• Provide support for all other needs of Conservation Programs.
• And other duties as assigned

Special Focus:

• Research and compile conservation and preservation strategies that support settlement communities, agricultural zoning, resilience, and equitable growth in the Charleston Metro Area.

Authorities:

None

Competencies:

• Self-motivated, able to work on projects independently with exceptional research skills.
• Strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Must be comfortable calling, emailing, and meeting with diverse industry professionals.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues with a willingness to learn and engage with our work
• Strong research and organizational skills
• Strong interest and commitment to furthering estuary habitat conservation
• Strong analytical skills
• Organized with attention to detail

Required Education and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Working towards a law degree, in your 2L or 3L year

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Graduated with bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental studies, or related field
• Background knowledge of local geography

Work Environment

The position operates in a professional office environment located in Charleston, SC.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Travel

Some local travel may be required.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Other duties may be required in the job as requested by the Supervisor.

Benefits

Parking and bike racks are available on site.

Equal Opportunity

Cultivating a diverse and inclusive team is an essential component of the Conservation League’s commitment to advancing equity. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The Coastal Conservation League is an equal opportunity employer. The Conservation League does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit, and business need