Application Guide

How to Apply for Research & Policy Analyst, Midwest Regional Office

at Earthjustice

🏢 About Earthjustice

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization, wielding the power of law to protect people's health, preserve natural resources, and combat climate change. With a track record of precedent-setting cases, they partner with communities and groups to engage critical environmental issues. Working here means being part of a passionate team dedicated to a bold vision for the planet.

About This Role

This role supports the Midwest Regional Office's focus on clean transportation, air pollution, and health by providing strategic and technical assistance. You will analyze and write advocacy documents, develop factual bases for lawsuits, and maintain relationships with government decision-makers and partners. It's a chance to directly impact environmental policy and litigation in the Midwest.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing recent air quality data or policy developments, then drafting a technical memo for an ongoing lawsuit. You might have a call with a coalition partner to align on advocacy strategy, followed by editing a comment letter on a proposed transportation rule. The afternoon could involve analyzing emissions models or preparing materials for a meeting with state regulators.

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🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For

  • Strong analytical skills to interpret scientific and technical data related to air pollution and clean transportation.
  • Excellent writing and editing abilities for producing clear, persuasive advocacy documents and legal support materials.
  • Experience building relationships with government officials, clients, or community partners in environmental or policy contexts.
  • Knowledge of Midwest environmental issues and familiarity with administrative proceedings or environmental law.

📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice

1

Highlight specific experience with clean transportation, air quality, or public health issues in your resume and cover letter.

2

Demonstrate your ability to translate complex technical information into accessible advocacy documents—provide writing samples.

3

Mention any familiarity with Midwest environmental policies, such as state-level clean energy or vehicle emissions standards.

4

Showcase relationship-building with government agencies or stakeholders, especially in the Midwest region.

5

Tailor your application to Earthjustice's mission: emphasize commitment to environmental justice and collaborative advocacy.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for environmental justice and Earthjustice's mission, especially in the Midwest context.", 'Specific examples of analytical or writing work that supported advocacy or legal cases.', 'Experience working with diverse partners (government, community groups, clients) to advance policy goals.', "Understanding of the role's focus on clean transportation and air pollution, and how your skills align."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Earthjustice's recent Midwest cases, especially on clean transportation and air quality (e.g., lawsuits against EPA or state agencies).
  • → Understand the Clean Air Act and its application to transportation emissions, as well as state-level policies like California's waivers.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key partners in the Midwest environmental community, such as Sierra Club or Natural Resources Defense Council.
  • → Read Earthjustice's annual report or impact statements to grasp their strategic priorities and successes.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building a factual record for a lawsuit on air pollution from transportation?
2 Describe a time you synthesized complex data into a persuasive document for a non-technical audience.
3 What Midwest-specific environmental policies or challenges are most pressing, and why?
4 How do you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple legal and advocacy projects simultaneously?
5 Tell us about a successful partnership you built with a government agency or community group.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Earthjustice's specific work or Midwest focus.
  • Overlooking the requirement for relationship-building—focusing only on analytical skills without demonstrating collaboration.
  • Ignoring the remote/hybrid aspect; be clear about your location and willingness to work in Midwest time zones.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Earthjustice!

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