Conservation Advocate - California Desert & Public Lands

Job Title:

Conservation Advocate – California Desert & Public Lands

Program:
Conservation

Employment Type:

[X ] Salary [ ] Hourly (exempt – this position is not eligible for overtime)

[ ] Part-time [ X ] Full-time

[ ] Temporary [ X ] Regular

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‑ground familiarity with California’s public lands and experience engaging with federal agencies and elected officials.

We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive.

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.

• 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 rule making.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations and activists, tribes, scientists, agency personnel, and decision makers.
• 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.

• 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…