Full-Time Oil and Gas Researcher
Job Description
Documented is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our country, and an equitable and inclusive environment that values team members’ unique skills and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from members of marginalized communities that have been disproportionately affected by ongoing threats to democracy to apply, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, and the non-binary, LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities.
Please note the qualifications listed in our job descriptions are only guidelines. We encourage candidates who meet some, not necessarily all, of the requirements listed to apply. We value transferable skills, including academic, unpaid, and volunteer experience. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.
Oil and Gas Researcher
Location: Virtual, TX, LA, OH, PA strongly preferred.
Experience: 3-7 years relevant experience
Term: Full-time employee
Summary:
Documented is expanding its focus on the oil gas industry and growing its team of seasoned researchers and analysts. Our investigations have exposed the dark-money organizations and oil industry lobby groups who are undermining climate policy and threatening the health and wellbeing of communities. In the coming year, we will launch our most ambitious investigations yet, and we need motivated researchers to help us expose the industry’s most egregious influence campaigns.
In addition to supporting investigative research, the Researcher will build partnerships with state and national partners, connecting our research to on-the-ground efforts. The job requires someone who is adaptable to a fast-changing environment, and doggedly interested in exposing corporate power and influence. This is a position with genuine room for growth and advancement within the organization.
About Documented:
Documented is a nonpartisan investigative watchdog and journalism project that conducts innovative, forward-looking research that exposes the ways in which organized special interests are undermining our democracy. Formed in 2017, Documented has conducted groundbreaking and award-winning investigations into the strategies, funding, and networks of the powerful interests attacking the pillars of our political system. We’ve revealed how the same actors who sought to overturn the 2020 election are working to set the rules for the 2024 election and beyond, and we’ve played a central role in exposing how far-right political actors are seeking to reshape the judiciary and legal system in order to advance an extreme political agenda through the courts. Documented has published co-branded, co-bylined pieces with outlets like ProPublica and The Guardian, and our research has been featured in front-page in outlets like the New York Times, Washington Post and the New Yorker, and in broadcast stories in outlets like CBS Morning News and NPR. For more on our work, see our About Us page.
Role & Responsibilities
This person will help the Documented investigative team expand our oil and gas project. The exact job responsibilities are fluid day to day, require creative thinking, and both collaborative and independent work.
Day to day responsibilities may include:
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Conducting research using a variety of databases such as campaign finance tools, lobbying and ethics disclosures, and legislation trackers.
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Drafting state and federal public record requests.
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Building relationships with state partners and policy experts and communicating research findings to diverse audiences, including national and local media.
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Communicating findings from research in succinct ways that maximize impact on the political environment.
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Reviewing, organizing, and analyzing large volumes of material and data to identify and summarize key research findings. Contributing regularly in strategy and planning meetings to identify new research and partnership opportunities.
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Balancing multiple projects and responsibilities at once while maintaining strong time management skills.
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Work with the research team to develop content for publication across Documented platforms, including our website, newsletter, as well as preparing research memos.
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Assist others in the research team on a variety of projects.
You might be a great candidate if you have the following demonstrable knowledge, skills, and/or experience:
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Relationships with individuals and organizations at the state and national level who are working to address climate change, including campaigners, policy makers and their staff, and experience collaborating across entities.
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A creative and innovative approach to strategy, research and problem solving. Experience developing and executing campaign and media strategies.
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Experience researching political and corporate actors, including background, opposition, and power mapping research. Awareness of investigative research methods including public records requests and human source development.
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Working knowledge of the oil and gas and petrochemical industry, including major corporate players, trade associations, and regional issues a plus.
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Ability to stay organized and on top of multiple projects, databases, and large collections of interrelated documents.
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A keen eye for detail and accuracy in research, writing, editing, and project management.
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Ability to work collaboratively with allies and teammates and flexibly respond to changing priorities, as well as the self-motivation to work independently when needed.
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Willingness to travel for events or other research needs.
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Willingness to dive in, make mistakes, learn quickly, and have some fun. Our team will be here to support you.
The compensation for this position will depend on experience but will be between $58,000- $82,000. We are a family-friendly organization. We offer a generous and competitive benefits package, including health insurance, which includes vision and dental care. We also provide life insurance and disability coverage, as well as paid parental leave, sick and vacation time.
How to Apply
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. If interested, please apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, and writing sample on this application form. Please direct questions to [email protected].Apply for this Job
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