Staff Scientist

The Center for Biological Diversity seeks a full-timeStaff Scientistin ourUrban Wildlands Program,which uses innovative campaigns, policy and litigation to protect wildlife and communities threatened by unsustainable development.

General Position Overview: The Urban Wildlands programaims 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. The position is located in the San Francisco Bay Area (Oakland) or Los Angeles.

Main Duties

• 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

Essential qualities, qualifications and skills:

• Minimum three years of professional experience or advanced degree in conservation biology, ecology, planning or a related field
• 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
• 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
• Demonstrated abilities to balance multiple tasks and deadlines in a busy working environment
• Experience working with a conservation organization preferred

Salary Range:The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $75,000. Salary bound may vary commensurate with experience.

Benefits Package:

• Paid generous medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance
• 403(b) plan with opportunity for match
• Generous time-off policies
• Relaxed work atmosphere

Application process:

Please apply on ourwebsiteby submitting a cover letter, resume, writing sample (of less than 5 pages) and 3 references with your application. The position will remain open until filled. No telephone calls, please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

TheCenter for Biological Diversitydeeply values, and is committed to sustaining and promoting, both biological and cultural diversity. We welcome, embrace and respect diversity of people, identities and cultures. We are committed to fostering an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion. The Center believes staff and board diversity is critical to saving life on Earth.We are an equal opportunity employer.