Human Rights Investigator

The MDSC is seeking to hire a Human Rights Investigator. The successful candidate will play a major role in fostering the growth of a new model of agricultural cooperation between dairy workers and farmers.

Investigators conduct detailed interviews of farm workers, supervisors, and farm management. Investigators also receive and investigate complaints from workers through a 24-hour confidential support line. Working in small teams, investigators play a key role in investigating and resolving complaints, designing Corrective Action Plans, and assisting with written audit reports that clarly explain MDSC's findings about relevant working and housing conditions.

MDSC is based in Burlington, Vermont. The position involves work-related travel throughout Vermont, with the possibility of future expansion. The compensation range starts at $50,000 annually. Benefits include employer-paid health insurance, generous paid vacation and sick leave policies, thirteen paid holidays per year, employer and pre-tax contributions to a SIMPLE IRA, and mileage reimbursement.

Required Qualifications:

• Fluency in Spanish and English;
• A demonstrated commitment to worker and social justice;
• Strong communication and interviewing skills;
• Excellent writing and documentation skills, including attention to detail;
• Ability to connect facts and discern patterns;
• Ability to interact well with people of different nationalities, genders, and professional and educational backgrounds;
• Comfort working in rural areas, including on farms and outdoors;
• Willingness to work occasional irregular hours;
• Ability to work well as part of a team as well as independently; and
• Driver's license and willingness to drive long distances in rural communities in all seasons.

Desired Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree, graduate degree, or comparable experience in law, food studies, agriculture, immigrant justice, labor or housing rights, or a related field
• Experience working with low-income and/or immigrant communities
• Experience facilitating contentious conversations
• Knowledge of occupational safety and health concepts are also desirable skills but not required.