Southwest Conservation Advocate

Center for Biological Diversity•Tucson, AZ

21h•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 endangered species and public lands in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah’s Colorado Plateau. We seek a highly motivated, visionary, creative, and talented individual to initiate, develop, and lead efforts to protect the species and ecosystems of the region from the many threats they face. The ideal candidate will have on-the-ground familiarity with the regions’ public lands and endangered species, and experience. 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, familiarity with the Endangered Species Act and other environmental laws, and the ability to read, review, and comment upon technical government documents and proposals. The position will work closely with attorneys in our Southwest Program and Public Lands Law Center, our Southwest director, and other relevant Center staff. The position may require work on other organizational priorities as well. The position requires 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.
Working knowledge of environmental laws and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.
A demonstrated commitment to endangered species and public lands conservation.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with working with Native American Tribes, leaders, and communities preferred.
Strong scientific literacy with background in endangered species, conservation biology, ecology, or environmental law preferred.
Experience with public speaking, community outreach, and engagement with the media.

Responsibilities

Advocate for the protection of public lands and endangered species in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah’s Colorado Plateau from various threats, including development, mines, off-road vehicles, and livestock grazing.
Monitor and engage federal agency planning and projects to safeguard public lands and endangered species.
Identify, develop, and carry out actions to engage agencies, partner organizations, elected officials, Center members, and the public in endangered species and public lands protection.
Advocate for administrative and legislative policies through technical written 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, public events, and public speaking.
Provide support to other staff in the organization.
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.