Application Guide

How to Apply for Great Basin Attorney - Staff or Senior

at Center for Biological Diversity

🏢 About Center for Biological Diversity

The Center for Biological Diversity is a nonprofit environmental organization known for its aggressive, science-based legal advocacy to protect endangered species and wild places. Working here means joining a passionate team that uses the law as a tool for systemic change, with a track record of landmark victories for imperiled species and ecosystems.

About This Role

As a Great Basin Attorney, you'll be the frontline legal defender of the sagebrush sea and its wildlife—like the greater sage-grouse and pygmy rabbit—by challenging destructive land-use plans and projects. Your work directly shapes public lands management across millions of acres, making it a high-impact role for someone who wants to litigate for biodiversity.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start by reviewing a new BLM environmental impact statement for a mining project, drafting detailed legal comments with deadlines looming. Afternoon could involve a strategy call with partner groups, followed by preparing a motion for preliminary injunction to stop a grazing plan that threatens sage-grouse habitat. You'll likely juggle multiple cases at once, with frequent court deadlines and document reviews.

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🎯 Who Center for Biological Diversity Is Looking For

  • An attorney with at least 3 years (staff) or 8 years (senior) of environmental litigation experience, specifically under ESA, NEPA, FLPMA, and the APA, with a demonstrated record of challenging federal land management decisions.
  • A strategic thinker who can track complex land-use planning processes (e.g., BLM resource management plans) and identify the most impactful legal angles to halt habitat destruction.
  • An excellent writer and oral advocate comfortable with both technical legal arguments and persuasive storytelling for public interest litigation.
  • A self-motivated remote worker who thrives on collaborating with scientists, policy experts, and grassroots partners to build cases from the ground up.

📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Biological Diversity

1

Tailor your cover letter to the Great Basin region: mention specific species (e.g., sage-grouse, pygmy rabbit) or recent BLM plans you've analyzed or opposed.

2

Highlight any experience with administrative advocacy (e.g., commenting on NEPA documents, preparing petitions) alongside litigation, as the role involves both.

3

Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to dissect a federal land management decision or ESA listing determination—preferably one with a conservation outcome.

4

In your resume, quantify your impact: number of cases litigated, acres of habitat protected, or successful challenges to agency actions.

5

Show familiarity with the Center's culture by referencing their use of the Freedom of Information Act, citizen suits, or their 'take no prisoners' approach.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your specific experience with the Great Basin landscape or similar arid ecosystems, and your understanding of the threats from mining, grazing, and energy development.', "Demonstrate your commitment to biodiversity and the Center's mission—mention why you care about endangered species and public lands.", 'Showcase your ability to work independently and remotely, with examples of managing complex dockets or collaborating across time zones.', 'Highlight any experience with coalition building or working with local groups, as the role involves partnering with grassroots organizations.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Center's Great Basin Program page and recent press releases to understand their current campaigns (e.g., sage-grouse conservation, mining in the Ruby Mountains).
  • → Read the Center's annual report or impact statements to see how they measure success (e.g., acres protected, lawsuits won).
  • → Familiarize yourself with the BLM's ongoing land-use planning efforts in Nevada, Utah, and Oregon, and any pending administrative appeals.
  • → Look up recent case law under FLPMA and NEPA related to public lands grazing or mining—these are likely battlegrounds.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach challenging a BLM Resource Management Plan amendment that opens up critical habitat to oil and gas leasing?
2 Describe a time you had to litigate under a tight deadline (e.g., ESA listing petition response). How did you prioritize?
3 What is your experience with the Endangered Species Act's Section 7 consultation process, and how have you used it to halt projects?
4 How do you stay current on land management agency policies and proposed rule changes across multiple states?
5 Given the Center's reputation for aggressive litigation, how do you balance strategic risk with the need for quick injunctions?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Great Basin or the Center's specific focus—it will feel impersonal.
  • Avoid downplaying the importance of administrative advocacy; this role requires commenting on plans, not just suing.
  • Don't ignore the remote work aspect—failure to demonstrate self-discipline or past remote work success could be a red flag.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Center for Biological Diversity!

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