Staff Attorney - Urban Wildlands

The Center for Biological Diversity seeks a Staff Attorney for its Urban Wildlands Program. The Urban Wildlands program works to protect wildlife and habitats vulnerable to unsustainable development while advocating for healthy and climate resilient communities.

Job Title: Staff Attorney

Program: Urban Wildlands

Employment Type:

[X] Salary [ ] Hourly (exempt – this position is not eligible for over-time)

[ ] Part-time [X] Full-time

[ ] Temporary [X] Regular

Reports to: Program Director

Direct Reports to this position: N/A

Salary Range: Staff Attorney: $72,500 - $89,500

Location: Remote, California (Sacramento, Bay Area or Los Angeles region preferred)

Is this position in the Bargaining Unit? [X] Yes [ ] No

Job Classification: Attorney, Staff

• Because this position is in the Bargaining Unit, some fees may be required depending on where the candidate lives as a condition of employment.

How to apply: Please apply online by completing our application and submitting a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and reference list. The position will remain open until filled. The desired start date is January 15, 2026. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls, please.

ABOUT THE CENTER

The Center for Biological Diversity, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, believes the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence of a vast diversity of wild animals, plants and people. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law, activism and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that humans, other species and all communities need to survive and thrive.

We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Staff Attorney will work as part of a team in the Urban Wildlands program using law, science, media outreach and advocacy to protect the environment. Attorneys at the Center bring cutting edge cases that are designed to have a conservation impact that addresses key threats to biodiversity. The main duties of this role include impact litigation, administrative advocacy, and advancing environmental campaigns. The ideal candidate will have excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills with an ability to think strategically and creatively. Attorneys are motivated and use their experience in law and activism to develop cases and win campaigns. The working environment is dynamic, exciting and supportive.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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;
• Identify, develop, and litigate cases and administrative actions to further the program’s campaign goals;
• Draft legal and/or scientific comments on proposed rules and environmental review documents;
• Advocate for conservation policies, including through oral testimony, policy analysis, petitions for rulemaking, and effective communications;
• Engage in media advocacy by writing press releases, crafting op-eds, developing relationships with media contacts, and delivering effective, timely statements to reporters;
• Raise awareness among the public and opinion leaders through campaign activities such as public speaking, action alerts, reports, and meetings;
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, coalitions, government officials, and scientists;
• Produce consistently high-quality work, including typically delivering weekly legal work such as a brief, memo, petition, technical comment letter, or oral argument as needed;
• May include supervision of law clerks and legal fellows;
• Complete other project work outside of the program as needed to meet changing organizational priorities.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Law school graduate admitted to California state bar;
• Minimum two years of civil litigation experience;
• Preferred familiarity with the California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act;
• Excellent writing, communication, research, and oral advocacy skills;
• Strong work ethic, time management, and organizational skills;
• Proactive approach to identify opportunities, solve problems, and take initiative to drive projects forward;
• Ability to develop cases and manage a full docket;
• Familiarity with environmental laws;
• A high degree of scientific literacy;
• A demonstrated commitment to environmental protection;
• Ability to work independently and as a part of an effective team;
• Competence in and commitment to principles of justice, equity and inclusion;
• Track record of effective coalition work preferred;
• Ability to work 40+ hours per week.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Semi-frequent travel required for hearings and meetings, at times on short notice. Requires work in an office setting, with a typical schedule of Monday-Friday with some night and weekend work required at times due to deadlines. Will need to use typical office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation. This is not a complete description of all workplace conditions, and conditions are subject to change per the Organization’s discretion.

Cognitive

• Ability to process and analyze information: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently
• Exchange accurate information: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently
• Communicate and express oneself with others: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently
• Interaction with other colleagues: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently
• Interaction with the public/co-collaborators: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently

Physical

• Reading (ingest data): [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently
• Working on a computer: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently
• Typing: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently
• Writing by hand: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
• Sitting: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently
• Walking: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
• Standing: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
• Lift/Carry 0-25 lbs: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
• Lift/Carry 25-75 lbs: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
• Climbing up or down stairs: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
• Bending: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
• Squatting: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
• Reaching overhead: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
• Repetitive motions: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently
• Ability to drive: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently

Location Conditions

• In person required (versus remote work): [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
• Travel required: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
• Night or weekend work: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
• Work in outdoor conditions: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently

BENEFITS (Subject to change—see Handbook for more details)

For regular staff working 30+ hours a week

• 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 HRA’s.
• Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) provided for reimbursement of eligible wellness expenses.
• 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.

For all regular staff

• 403(b) plan with employer match and increasing employer paid contributions.
• Generous time off policies, including 13 paid holidays per year and 5 “personal” days awarded each year.
• Vacation accrual starts at a rate of 15 days annually, but it may be higher commensurate with experience, and paid sick days accrue at a rate of 10 days per year.
• 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.

JEDAI STATEMENT

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.

The Center complies with all federal and local laws regarding work authorization for new hires. We welcome and encourage anyone interested to apply to any of our open positions. Everyone, regardless of current work authorization, will be considered.

Exempt Classification: Exempt

Applicable Exemption: Professional

• Reasoning behind this classification: Attorneys are classified as “learned professionals” as their work is primarily intellectual and requires a high level of specialized knowledge gained through extensive education.

BENEFITS (Subject to change—see Handbook for more details)

For regular staff working 30+ hours a week

• 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 HRA’s.
• Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) provided for reimbursement of eligible wellness expenses.
• 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.

For all regular staff

• 403(b) plan with employer match and increasing employer paid contributions.
• Generous time off policies, including 13 paid holidays per year and 5 “personal” days awarded each year.
• Vacation accrual starts at a rate of 15 days annually, but it may be higher commensurate with experience, and paid sick days accrue at a rate of 10 days per year.
• 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.