Zero Waste Associate

Environment Oregon Zero Waste Associate

Portland, Oregon

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.

Key responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

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

Apply

Fill out our online application: https://jobs.publicinterestnetwork.org/postings/89d62447-9adf-4fa3-97f0-94819d5559f4

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis for a summer 2026 start timeline.

Why work with Environment Oregon? Check out 10 reasons: https://environmentoregon.org/why-work-with-us/

About Environment Oregon

Environment Oregon is a part of Environment America. Environment America has one mission: to protect the natural world.

We advocate ideas and actions to guide our country onto a greener, healthier path. Our network of 30 state environmental groups promotes clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members put grassroots support behind our research, public education, advocacy and litigation.

Nothing is more important to our future than facing this fact: Infinite economic growth on a finite planet is neither wise nor possible. We must shift from deplete to preserve, from disposable to sustainable, from “never enough” to “enough.” Together, our staff, members and other supporters are committed to winning changes that allow nature to thrive and our children to live healthier, more enriching lives.

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.