Job Title: Conservation Advocate (Staff or Senior – DOE)
Program: Southwest
Employment Type: [X] Salary [ ] Hourly (exempt – this position is not eligible for overtime)
[ ] Part-time [X] Full-time
[ ] Temporary [X] Regular
Reports to: Southwest 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: Remote, Arizona, New Mexico, or Southern Utah
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.
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 endangered species and public lands in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah’s Colorado Plateau. We seek a highly motivated, visionary, creative, and talented individual to initiate, develop, and lead efforts to protect the species and ecosystems of the region from the many threats they face. The ideal candidate will have on-the-ground familiarity with the regions’ public lands and endangered species, and experience.
How to apply: Please apply online by completing our application and submitting a document that includes a cover letter, resume, two original writing samples, and reference list. The position will remain open until filled. The desired start date is 7/01/2026. 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, familiarity with the Endangered Species Act and other environmental laws, and the ability to read, review, and comment upon technical government documents and proposals. The position will work closely with attorneys in our Southwest Program and Public Lands Law Center, our Southwest director, and other relevant Center staff. The position may require work on other organizational priorities as well. The position requires frequent travel and field time.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Advocate for the protection of public lands and endangered species in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah’s Colorado Plateau from various threats, including development, mines, off-road vehicles, and livestock grazing.
- Monitor and engage federal agency planning and projects to safeguard public lands and endangered species.
- Identify, develop, and carry out actions to engage agencies, partner organizations, elected officials, Center members, and the public in endangered species and public lands protection.
- Advocate for administrative and legislative policies through technical written 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, public events, 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.
- Working knowledge of environmental laws and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.
- Strong scientific literacy with background in endangered species, conservation biology, ecology, or environmental law preferred.
- Experience with public speaking, community outreach, and engagement with the media.
- A demonstrated commitment to endangered species and public lands 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
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 [] Occasionally [X ] Frequently
Standing: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ X ] Frequently
Lift/Carry 0-25 lbs: [] Rarely [x ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Lift/Carry 25-75 lbs: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Hiking: [] Rarely [ X ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Climbing up or down stairs: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Bending: [] Rarely [X ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Squatting: [] Rarely [ X ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Reaching overhead: [] Rarely [ X ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Repetitive motions: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently
Ability to drive: [] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ X ] Frequently
Location Conditions
In person required (versus remote work): [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Travel required*: [ ] Rarely [] Occasionally [ X ] Frequently
Night or weekend work: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Work in outdoor conditions: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently
Other? _________________ [ ] Rarely [ ] 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 discount program.
For all regular staff
- 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.
JEDAI STATEMENT
The Center for Biological Diversity deeply 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.
The Center complies with all federal and local laws regarding work authorization for new hires. We welcome and encourage anyone interested to apply to any of our open positions. Everyone, regardless of current work authorization, will be considered.
Exempt Classification: Exempt
Applicable Exemption: Professional
Reasoning behind this classification: High degree of discretion and work is predominantly intellectual in nature and varied in character. The output produced can’t be standardized in relation to a given period of time.
