Environment Oregon Zero Waste Associate

Environment Oregon is seeking an entry-level campaign associate to help lead Oregon beyond plastics, by working to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastics and support reuse. We live in an economy that encourages us to buy, use, and throw away things at the greatest speed possible. But when it comes to plastic waste, there is no “away.” Single-use plastics that we use for only a few minutes will last in our environment for hundreds of years.

This waste is filling our landfills, polluting our natural spaces and waterways, and harming wildlife. In recent years, Environment Oregon has helped lead efforts to phase out single-use plastic grocery bags, polystyrene foam food serviceware and more, and we're looking for a campaign associate to continue these efforts and help Oregon move beyond plastic. Build powerful coalitions : Reach out to a broad range of organizations and affected constituency groups across the political spectrum to demonstrate support for our campaign goals.

Earn traditional media and social media attention : Organize news conferences and write opinion pieces. Build a following on social media for your campaign. Lobby elected officials : Meet with decision makers - from city council members to state legislators - to make the case for our campaign goals. When a critical vote is happening on your campaign, work to demonstrate the support you’ve been building on the ground to help line up the votes needed to win.

Research and write persuasive campaign materials : Catalog and analyze data relevant to the issue and our policy proposals to help influence public debate and earn media attention for our cause. Recruit new people to your team : Help build your team recruiting volunteers, interns and full-time staff. Run a grassroots campaign office each summer : Run a campaign office for the summer, knocking on doors to raise money to support our campaigns, build our organization and membership, and help build critical and timely grassroots support to win key campaigns.

Your responsibilities will include meeting your own fundraising goals and managing a team of paid staff. You may be assigned to a different office location for the summer and should be flexible to move. This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in making decisions in matters of significance. Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply. Though we expect you to take your campaign and run with it, we provide training on advocacy and organizing skills, as well as oversight by an experienced advocate.

Ideal candidates will have: Passion for the environment and using the power of grassroots organizing to win campaigns Leadership experience  Top-notch writing and public speaking skills  Good listening skills An eagerness to learn Organizing experience, including building campus or community groups Compensation and Benefits  The starting annual compensation for this position is $38,250-$39,500 in the first year.

Environment Oregon offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, time off, a commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.

Location:

Portland, OR We are accepting applications on a rolling basis for a summer or fall 2026 start.  Why work with Environment Oregon? Check out 10 reasons: https://environmentoregon.org/why-work-with-us/ Our Mission and Values  Environment Oregon and Environment America are part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change.

Visit https://environmentamerica.org/core-values/ for things you should know about our network when you apply. Please do not use AI to help draft your cover letter or responses to our application questions. We want to know how you think and write. Environment Oregon is an equal opportunity employer.