Reports to: Conservation Director
Direct Reports to this position: N/A
Salary Range: Salary/position tier DOE:
Staff Advocate: $60,000 - $80,000
Senior Advocate: $80,000 - $110,000
Location: California Desert or adjacent areas of Southern California and Eastern Sierra.
Is this position in the Bargaining Unit? [X ] Yes [ ] No
Job Classification: Advocate (Staff or Senior – DOE)
*Because this position is in the Bargaining Unit, some fees may be required depending on where the candidate lives as a condition of employment.
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.
How to apply: Please apply online (https://biologicaldiversity.bamboohr.com/careers/148?source=aWQ9MzE%3D) by completing our application and submitting a document that includes a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and reference list. The position will remain open until filled. The desired start date is 4/13/2026. 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 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.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND 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.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- 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.
- 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.
- A demonstrated commitment to public lands, wildlife, and endangered species conservation.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is generally done from a home office. Frequent travel required, evening or weekend work may be required at times due to project deadlines, periodic field trips expected to build familiarity with subject matter and may require appropriate safety precautions. Occasional travel also required for court hearings, conferences, and public engagement events. 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