Scientist - Urban Wildlands

The Urban Wildlands program aims 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.

Job Title:

Staff Scientist 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:

$55,000 - $75,000 Salary will be determined based on experience, and will strictly comply with local and state minimum wage and salary threshold laws in California and other applicable locations.

Location:

Remote, California 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.

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

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.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Minimum three years of professional experience or advanced degree in conservation biology, ecology, planning or a related field. Scientific literacy and familiarity with scientific literature on specific program issues. Excellent research and analytical skills. Excellent communication skills, including public speaking skills. 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. A strong work ethic and good time-management skills. Ability to complete long term projects like listing petitions and comments in a timely manner and produce high quality work products. Ability to communicate politely and effectively with individuals from different regions and cultures around the world. A demonstrated commitment to environmental protection. Ability to work 40+ hours per week.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Occasional travel to conferences and meetings. 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: [ ] 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:

[X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ]

Frequently Squatting:

[X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Reaching overhead: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Repetitive motions: [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [X] Frequently Ability to drive: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Location Conditions In person required (versus remote work): [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Travel required•: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Night or weekend work: [ ] Rarely [X] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Work in outdoor conditions: [X] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently Other? _________________ [ ] Rarely [ ] Occasionally [ ] Frequently

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.