WHO IS ELI?

Environmental Law Institute (ELI), a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., is a leading center of environmental research, policy analysis, and training. Founded at the beginning of the modern environmental era five decades ago, ELI has played a pivotal role in the evolution of environmental law. Today, ELI is an internationally recognized independent research and education organization whose interdisciplinary staff of lawyers and scientists works to develop creative solutions to critical problems in environmental law, policy, and management worldwide. Support for the Institute's research and training programs comes from a mix of private foundations and government agencies.

WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING EXACTLY?

Each year, ELI hires college graduates to serve as Research Associates. These staff members work directly with the 15–20 lawyers and scientists in the Research and Policy Division on projects addressing environmental and natural resource protection, climate, public health, environmental justice, and pollution prevention. A typical workload combines research and administration.

The Research and Policy Division publishes research studies and conducts a variety of training courses and workshops. Specific subject areas include air and water quality, climate change, renewable energy, hazardous waste and brownfields, international environmental policy and institutions, sustainable land use, biodiversity and species conservation, wetlands management, freshwater and ocean policy, environmental health, and environmental enforcement.

In addition to researching and writing for these studies, Research Associates help coordinate and plan various professional events at ELI, including seminars, conferences, training courses, and workshops. Other work may include creating and updating ELI web pages (no previous experience required), communications, and managing interns.

Previous Research Associates have gone on to law school, graduate school, government, and other positions in the environmental field.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO THRIVE IN THIS ROLE? (1) superior academic research, writing, and interpersonal communication skills, and (2) a strong desire to gain knowledge in the environmental field. 

An undergraduate background in environmental or related issues is preferred. 
Foreign language skills can be helpful, but not required.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM ELI?

Compensation: $45,000 annual salary, with excellent benefits including:

Health/Dental/Vision insurance
Flexible Spending Account
Employer paid life insurance & disability insurance
Long Term Care insurance
Pre-tax transportation benefit
Fitness Incentive
403(b) Retirement Savings Account with employer match
Paid time off