Great Basin Staff or Senior Attorney

Center for Biological Diversity•Remote, NV

9d•$72,500 - $131,500•Remote

About The Position

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. The position will involve using applicable laws, including the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Administrative Procedures Act, various Nevada environmental statutes, and others, to engage in a range of efforts to protect federal public lands and imperiled species in the Great Basin and northern Mojave Deserts of Nevada and Utah from mining, energy development, public lands sell offs or transfers, water grabs and other harmful activities. The position requires a dynamic, dedicated, organized, and self-motivated individual with experience in public lands law and litigation. The focus of this position will be to support existing work and to expand the scope of work with a broader litigation focus.

Requirements

Law school graduate, admitted to a relevant state bar
Minimum three years (Staff Attorney) or eight years (Senior Attorney) of environmental and natural resources litigation experience
Experience developing strategic litigation and litigating under relevant federal statutes, specifically: ESA, NEPA, FLPMA, APA
Knowledge of federal laws relating to public lands and endangered species management and protection
General knowledge of water law
Knowledge of or ability to quickly get up to speed on biology of, and threats to public lands and imperiled species in the Great Basin and northern Mojave deserts
Excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills
Ability to manage a full work docket with shifting timelines, priorities and emergent needs with a commitment to meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards
Experienced communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work both independently and as part of an effective team
Competence in and commitment to principles of justice, equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion
Ability to work 40+ hours per week, including some long days and weekends.

Responsibilities

Track, analyze, and comment on harmful proposals including plan amendments and revisions and site-specific projects as appropriate.
Litigate to challenge harmful projects in federal and state court. Engage in administrative advocacy, such as commenting on proposed plans, projects, and rulemakings and the preparation of petitions for rulemaking.
Analyze pending state and federal legislation.
Participate in strategic planning and execution of both legal and campaign strategies.
Develop cases to further the goals of the Center's Great Basin Program.
Work with regional, local, and national partners.
Work with scientists and other related experts.
Work with relevant staff to prepare external communications; and give talks at relevant conferences.
Occasional travel required (meetings, conferences, hearings, oral arguments, field visits, etc.).
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

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 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.
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.