Environmental Justice Coordinator

at State of Vermont in Montpelier, Vermont, United States

Job Description

Environmental justice means the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. It is a core commitment of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR). 

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. This work supports more 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 closely with the Director, the other Environmental Justice Coordinator, ANR departments, other state agencies included in the Vermont Environmental Justice Law, and community and technical partners to develop and implement policies, plans, procedures, and systems needed to meet statutory requirements and agency priorities. 

The role includes both internal implementation, meaning work within ANR, and external implementation, meaning work outside ANR, including coordination with other agencies included in the Vermont Environmental Justice Law, community engagement, and support for the Environmental Justice Advisory Council and Environmental Justice Interagency Committee. 

The Coordinator provides technical assistance-practical guidance, information, training, resources, and support to help agencies and partners understand and implement environmental justice requirements. Responsibilities include leading assigned projects, conducting research and analysis, preparing policy materials and reports, coordinating meetings and workgroups, tracking statutory deadlines, and advancing initiatives such as community engagement planning, environmental benefit spending guidance, and development of the Vermont Environmental Justice Mapping Tool. 

The position also involves coordinating with CREJU on related civil rights priorities, including nondiscrimination, language access, disability accessibility, and inclusive public participation. The Coordinator is expected to identify implementation challenges, recommend solutions, manage competing priorities, and communicate progress and significant issues to the Director. 

The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, adaptable, and able to independently lead complex assignments without constant supervision. Strong writing, communication, facilitation, project management, and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to exercise sound judgment and work effectively with diverse stakeholders. 

The Coordinator works within programmatic priorities established by the Director and the Secretary's Office. The role focuses on implementing established agency policies, priorities, and legal obligations, rather than independently establishing agency policy or advancing personal advocacy positions. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a changing policy environment, responding to evolving requirements, and coordinating across organizational boundaries while maintaining accountability and professionalism. 

Experience or familiarity with environmental justice, environmental policy, public administration, community engagement, civil rights, data analysis, or related fields is valuable. 

This is an opportunity to help build and strengthen Vermont's statewide environmental justice program and shape how environmental justice is integrated into public policy and decision-making. Travel throughout Vermont is required, and occasional evening or other nontraditional work hours may be necessary.

Duties are performed in both an office and occasional public meetings. Attendance is required at a variety of public meetings, hearings, and seminars, where strong adversarial opinions may be encountered.