Jobs: Meet NRDC Staff

Our dedicated lawyers, scientists and other experts are the force behind NRDC's remarkable achievements. Read on to learn what some of our staff members say about working at NRDC.

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"NRDC is amazing because of the smart, talented and dedicated people who work here. Working within several teams at NRDC I have been impressed by the passion that drives each individual and creates successes for the organization as a whole. NRDC is dedicated to protecting people and their environment and it is an honor to work with such a great group of people toward such a critical objective. And its fun too!"

—Heather Allen, International Advocate, Washington, DC, with NRDC since 2009

"I love being surrounded every day with the smartest group of people I've ever worked with -- the best scientists, lawyers, and communicators. And I love knowing that if these people succeed in what they're doing, there's a fighting chance my kids will grow up in a better world."

—George Black, Articles Editor, OnEarth Magazine, New York, with NRDC since 2004

Photo: Lisa Whiteman

"As someone who works within administration, I am truly grateful to have found an organization with such an honorable and valuable mission. The work is interesting and pertinent, and what's more, it's just wonderful working alongside people I genuinely like and admire."

—Angeliki Ebbesen, Human Resources Generalist, Administration, New York, with NRDC since 2003

Photo: Lisa Whiteman

"Here's what I love about working at NRDC: the unmatched integrity and commitment of the staff and the autonomy that NRDC grants its staff to develop environmental solutions that work."

—Barbara Finamore, Senior Attorney, China Program, Beijing, with NRDC since 1996

"Nobody in our society should have to bear the brunt of environmental pollution. We all have a right to clean air and healthy water. Working to protect those rights is the inspiration that led me to become a lawyer."

Watch a short video of Al describing NRDC's environmental justice work in post-Katrina New Orleans.

—Albert Huang, Environmental Justice Attorney, Urban Program, New York, with NRDC since 2005

Photo: Lisa Whiteman

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"I love the feeling of being surrounded by attorneys who are truly working to better the world, rather than just to earn a high salary in a private firm. NRDC staffers are incredibly dedicated not only to protecting the environment, but to building the next generation of young, motivated people who care for the planet and each other. The enthusiasm at NRDC is absolutely contagious."

—Valerie Jaffee, Program Assistant, San Francisco, with NRDC since 2009

"Being an environmentalist is about protecting public health; it's about ensuring that everyone has the basic right to clean air and clean water. I love working at NRDC because it gives me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of real people every day."

Watch a short video of Melissa discussing her work fighting port pollution ... and winning!

—Melissa Lin Perrella, Staff Attorney, Southern California Air Project, Los Angeles, with NRDC since 2004

Photo: Laura Kleinhenz

"NRDC is remarkably collegial and entrepreneurial. Working on the biggest environmental problems in the nation and the world is not easy. So when you find someplace that is functional, effective and fun, you plan to stick around for a while."

—Barry Nelson, Senior Policy Analyst, Western Water Program, San Francisco, with NRDC since 2000

"I like working at NRDC because it allows me to focus on the problems that move me the most, to function with a high level of autonomy and control, and to have the support of the environmental organization generally recognized as the most effective in the country. And it is difficult to imagine finding a better group of colleagues anywhere."

—Joel Reynolds, Senior Attorney, LA Urban Program, Los Angeles, with NRDC since 1990

Photo: Matt Greenslade

"Working here gives you the chance to make a real difference in the world. Plus I love working with the smartest, most dedicated, most effective advocates on the planet. After 30 years at NRDC, I still look forward to coming to work."

—Jacob Scherr, Senior Attorney, International Program, Washington, DC, with NRDC since 1976

Photo: Matt Greenslade

"NRDC is strategic, targeted, and effective in its efforts to address critical environmental challenges. While I only have the time to work on one aspect of the environmental challenges that face us, it is a relief to know that my colleagues are working on all the other issues that I personally care about. I know that they are helping to win on these issues as they work for NRDC -- it is what we do."

—Jake Schmidt, International Climate Policy Director, Washington, DC, with NRDC since 2008

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"I love NRDC because I have NEVER -- in my 15 years working here -- been bored. I am challenged daily, have had to learn continuously, and just when I think I know my job, something new comes up! I love working with a multidisciplinary team of brilliant and fun people. I also love the fact that people at NRDC expect a lot of each other, but also support each other and will cut each other slack when necessary."

—Gina Solomon, Senior Scientist, San Francisco, with NRDC since 1996

"What I love about working at NRDC is talking with our Members and helping them take personal action to help save the environment."

—Gina Trujillo, Director of Membership Development and Services, New York, with NRDC since 1991

Photo: Lisa Whiteman

"NRDC staffers are incredibly talented, terrifically smart and able, committed to environmental protection, loyal to their colleagues, and fun and interesting to be around."

Watch a short video of Johanna talking about the impact global warming has on our national parks.

—Johanna H. Wald, Senior Attorney, Lands Program, San Francisco, with NRDC since 1973

Photo: Matt Greenslade

"I have the privilege of working with a team of talented people whose daring and fierce dedication to saving the earth inspire me every day."

Watch a short video of Louisa talking about bears.

—Louisa Willcox, Senior Wildlife Advocate, Livingston, MT, with NRDC since 2002

Photo: Stenzel Photography