Staff Attorney - Urban Wildlands

Job Title: Senior Attorney Program: Urban Wildlands Employment Type: [X] Salary [ ] Hourly (exempt – this position is not eligible for over-time) [ ] Part-time [X] Full-time [ ] Temporary [X] Regular Reports to: Urban Wildlands Director Direct Reports to this position: N/A Salary Range: $95,000 - $140,000 Location: Remote, California (Sacramento, Bay Area or Los Angeles region preferred) Is this position in the Bargaining Unit? [X] Yes [ ] No Because this position is in the Bargaining Unit, some fees may be required depending on where the candidate lives as a condition of employment. How to apply: Please apply online by completing our application ( https://biologicaldiversity.bamboohr.com/careers/182?source=aWQ9Mjc%3D) and submitting 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 December 7, 2026. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls please. ABOUT THE CENTER 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. POSITION SUMMARY The Senior 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 Urban Wildlands program works to protect wildlife and habitats vulnerable to unsustainable development while advocating for healthy and climate resilient communities. Attorneys at the Center bring cutting edge cases that are designed to have a conservation impact that addresses key threats to biodiversity. The main duties of this role include impact litigation, administrative advocacy, and advancing environmental campaigns. The ideal candidate will have excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills with an 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 also opposing destructive and polluting projects; Identify, develop, and litigate cases in state and federal court targeted at private land development, road construction, species conservation, climate change and water supply; 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; Track relevant land use legislation and regulation at the state, regional and local level; Engage in media advocacy by writing press releases, crafting op-eds, developing relationships with media contacts, and delivering effective, 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, including 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, legal fellows, and associate and staff attorneys; 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 California state bar; Minimum eight years of civil litigation experience; 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 a 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 required for hearings and meetings, at times on short notice. Requires work in an office setting, with a typical schedule of Monday-Friday with some night and weekend work required at times due to deadlines. Will need to use typical office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, etc. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation. This is not a complete description of all workplace conditions, and conditions are subject to change per the Organization’s discretion. Cognitive Ability to process and analyze information: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently Exchange accurate information: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently Communicate and express oneself with others: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently Interaction with other colleagues: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently Interaction with the public/co-collaborators: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently Physical Reading (ingest data): [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently Working on a computer: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently Typing: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently Writing by hand: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Sitting: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently Walking: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Standing: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Lift/Carry 0-25 lbs: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Lift/Carry 25-75 lbs: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Climbing up or down stairs: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Bending: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Squatting: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Reaching overhead: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Repetitive motions: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently Ability to drive: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Location Conditions In person required (versus remote work): [] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Travel required: [ ] Rarely[X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Night or weekend work: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Work in outdoor conditions: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently 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 provided for all staff. Center paid premiums for Basic Life Insurance for all staff. Discounted premiums for pet discou