Scientist - Urban Wildlands

Center for Biological Diversity•San Leandro, CA

25d•Remote

About The Position

The Urban Wildlands program aims to stop development and land use policies that threatens critical wildlife habitat, creates pollution, disrupts hydrology and freshwater systems, exhausts limited water supplies, increases wildfire risk, amplifies climate change, and drives species extinction. We are seeking an experienced, proactive staff scientist to join our team. By working closely with scientists, lawyers, organizers and media professionals, the staff scientist will be expected to play an active role in influencing and shaping land-use decision-making and planning in California and beyond. In particular, the staff scientist will work to advance land-use policies and practices to protect habitats and important wildlife connectivity areas in the urban-wildland interface that support endangered and sensitive species. The ideal candidate will have excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills with an ability to think strategically and creatively. The working environment is fast-paced, exciting and supportive.

Requirements

Minimum three years of professional experience or advanced degree in conservation biology, ecology, planning or a related field.
Scientific literacy and familiarity with scientific literature on specific program issues.
Excellent research and analytical skills.
Excellent communication skills, including public speaking skills.
Demonstrated abilities to write clear, organized, research documents.
Familiarity with relevant environmental laws and regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act and state and federal Endangered Species Act.
Proven experience working with coalitions and diverse groups of people and organizations.
Demonstrated abilities to balance multiple tasks and deadlines in a busy working environment.
A strong work ethic and good time-management skills.
Ability to complete long term projects like listing petitions and comments in a timely manner and produce high quality work products.
Ability to communicate politely and effectively with individuals from different regions and cultures around the world.
A demonstrated commitment to environmental protection.
Ability to work 40+ hours per week.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of state level policies and trends related to land use and growth, climate change, private land development and endangered species protection preferred.
Experience with public speaking, community outreach, and engagement with the media.
Experience working with a conservation organization preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a public expert on wildlife connectivity and water issues, focusing on the threats from unchecked urban sprawl, habitat loss, and climate change.
Research and draft comment letters, reports, policy documents, factsheets, and educational materials for social media posts based on sound science and principles.
Support the development, identification, and advancement of strategic policy positions and initiatives that benefit freshwater systems and wildlife connectivity vital to threatened and endangered species survival and climate change adaptability and resilience.
Give presentations at public hearings for decision-makers, work with local planning staff and be available for interviews with the media.
Help build alliances with other environmental and community groups, including environmental justice and frontline communities.
Work collaboratively with lawyers, scientists, organizers and media professionals to challenge poorly-planned, destructive developments while advocating for proactive and environmentally-protective land use policies.
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.