Conservation Advocate - California Desert & Public Lands

Center for Biological Diversity

6d•$60,000 - $110,000•Remote

About The Position

The Center for Biological Diversity, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of imperiled plants, animals and wild places, seeks an experienced person to advocate for the conservation of California’s public lands, with a particular focus on the California Desert. We seek a highly motivated, visionary, creative, and talented individual to initiate, develop, and lead efforts to protect the species and ecosystems of the California Desert and nearby areas from the many threats they face. The ideal candidate will have on-the-ground familiarity with California’s public lands and experience engaging with federal agencies and elected officials. The position will involve commenting on projects proposed by federal and state agencies, building and maintaining effective relationships with partner organizations and individuals, conducting traditional and social media advocacy, and engaging the public through campaign activities. While degrees in biology, natural resources management, or law are not required, the position requires scientific literacy, a general familiarity with environmental law, and the ability to read, review, and comment upon technical government documents and proposals. The position will work closely with attorneys in our Public Lands Law Center, our Conservation Director, and other relevant Center staff. The position may require work on other organizational priorities as well. The position will require frequent travel and field time.

Requirements

Minimum three years of environmental field work, research, and/or advocacy experience, or three years of related legal experience.
Excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.
Exceptional organizational and time management skills with proven record of completing deliverables on schedule.
Strong work ethic and ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
Ability to communicate and engage with diverse communities of all political, social and cultural backgrounds.
A demonstrated commitment to public lands, wildlife, and endangered species conservation.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with working with Native American Tribes, leaders, and communities preferred.
Strong scientific literacy with background in wildlife biology and ecology or environmental law preferred.
Familiarity with relevant environmental laws and regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and Federal Land Policy and Management Act preferred.
Experience with public speaking, community outreach, and engagement with the media.

Responsibilities

Advocate for the protection of the California Desert and other public lands from various threats, including development, mines, off-road vehicles, and livestock grazing.
Identify, develop, and carry out actions to further campaign goals.
Participate in agency planning efforts for the western Joshua tree, desert tortoise, national monuments, and other species and areas of the desert.
Advocate for administrative and legislative policies through scientific and legal comments, oral testimony, policy analysis and petitions for rulemaking.
Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations and activists, tribes, scientists, agency personnel, and decisionmakers.
Conduct media advocacy, including writing press releases, fact sheets, drafting opinion editorials, delivering effective statements to reporters, and touring reporters to field sites.
Engage the public through campaign activities such as action alerts and public speaking.
Provide support to other staff in the organization.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

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.