Urban Wildlands Staff Attorney

Job Title: Staff Attorney Program: Urban Wildlands Employment Type: Salary, Full‑time, Exempt – this position is not eligible for overtime. Reports to: Program Director Salary Range: $72,500 – $89,500 Location: Remote, California (Sacramento, Bay Area or Los Angeles region preferred) Bargaining Unit: Yes – fees may be required depending on the candidate’s residence as a condition of employment. About the Center The Center for Biological Diversity, a national 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization, believes that 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 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. 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. The program works to protect wildlife and habitats vulnerable to unsustainable development while advocating for healthy and climate‑resilient communities. Attorneys at the Center engage in cutting‑edge cases designed to have a conservation impact that addresses key threats to biodiversity. The primary duties include impact litigation, administrative advocacy, and advancing environmental campaigns. The ideal candidate will have excellent research, writing, and public‑speaking skills with the 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 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 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, 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 the 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 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 is required for hearings and meetings, sometimes on short notice. The work involves an office setting with a typical Monday‑Friday schedule and may include night and weekend work due to deadlines. Typical office equipment such as computers, printers, and copiers will be used. Physical Requirements The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Conditions are subject to change at the Organization’s discretion. Location Conditions In person required (versus remote work) – Occasionally Travel required – Occasionally Night or weekend work – Occasionally Work in outdoor conditions – Occasionally 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 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 five “personal” days awarded each year. Vacation accrual starts at 15 days annually, possibly higher for experience; paid sick days accrue at 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. JEDI 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 the diversity of people, identities and cultures, fostering an inclusive organizational culture. The Center believes staff and board diversity is critical to saving life on Earth. We are an equal‑opportunity employer. We comply 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. How to Apply Please apply online at Submit a cover letter, resume, references and a writing sample. The position will remain open until filled with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. The desired start date is May 18, 2026. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls please. When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board. To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email or cover letter where you saw this job posting. #J-18808-Ljbffr tendersglobal