Staff Attorney

The Center for Biological Diversity seeks a full-time Staff Attorney in our Urban Wildlands Program, which uses innovative campaigns, policy and litigation to protect wildlife and communities threatened by unsustainable development.

General Position Overview: The Urban Wildlands program works to protect wildlife and habitats vulnerable to unsustainable development while advocating for healthy and climate resilient communities. The Staff Attorney will work as part of a team using law, science, media outreach and advocacy to protect the environment and fight destructive land use policies. In particular, the staff attorney will work to advance land-use policies and practices to protect habitats and important wildlife connectivity areas in the urban-wildland interface that support endangered and sensitive species. The ideal candidate will have excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills with an ability to think strategically and creatively. The working environment is fast-paced, exciting and supportive.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and litigate cases in state and federal court targeted at stopping destructive development and supporting environmental conservation.
• Work with frontline communities and conservation organizations in local, regional and statewide coalitions to proactively protect vulnerable ecosystems while also opposing destructive and polluting projects.
• Engage in analysis and advocacy, including meeting with public decisionmakers and providing public comment on proposed land use regulations, plans and projects.
• Communicate with the media, decision-makers, the public, allies and opinion leaders through writing, outreach and public speaking.

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

• At least three years of environmental law experience, including familiarity with the California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act;
• Member of the California state bar;
• Excellent writing, communication, research and oral advocacy skills;
• An ability to develop cases and manage a busy docket;
• Passion for, and knowledge of, the natural world, wildlife and waters, and a demonstrated commitment to conservation and environmental justice.

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $69,000-$85,000. Salary bound may vary commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• Fully paid medical premiums for staff, and greatly discounted for families.
• Fully paid dental and vision premiums for staff and their families.
• Generous employer contribution to HSA and HRAs.
• Center paid premiums for Short Term and Long Term Disability provided for all staff.
• Center paid premiums for Basic Life Insurance for all staff.
• Discounted premiums for pet discount program.
• 403(b) plan with employer match and increasing employer paid contributions.
• Generous time off policies, including 13 paid holidays per year, 5 personal days per year and 10 paid sick days awarded each year.
• Vacation accrual starts at 15 days annually, but it may be higher commensurate with experience.
• Center Paid Time Off for parental leave, personal leave, caretaker leave and even pet caretaker leave.
• After 5 years of service, all employees receive a 12-week paid sabbatical.
• Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code.

Application process:

Please apply on our website by submitting a cover letter, resume, writing sample (of less than 5 pages) and 3 references with your application. The position will remain open until filled. No telephone calls, please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Center for Biological Diversity deeply values, and is committed to sustaining and promoting, both biological and cultural diversity. We welcome, embrace and respect diversity of people, identities and cultures. We are committed to fostering an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion. The Center believes staff and board diversity is critical to saving life on Earth.

We are an equal opportunity employer.