Application Guide
How to Apply for Scientist - Urban Wildlands
at Center for Biological Diversity
🏢 About Center for Biological Diversity
The Center for Biological Diversity is a renowned nonprofit known for its aggressive legal and policy advocacy to protect endangered species and ecosystems. Working here means joining a team of passionate scientists and activists who use science, law, and creative media to achieve tangible conservation wins.
About This Role
As a Scientist for Urban Wildlands, you'll be the go-to expert on wildlife connectivity and water issues in urbanizing landscapes. Your research and policy work will directly influence land-use decisions and help preserve critical habitats for species like the California gnatcatcher and San Joaquin kit fox.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing a draft environmental impact report for a new development, writing a comment letter highlighting connectivity impacts, and then preparing a presentation for an evening planning commission hearing. You might also collaborate with the legal team to provide scientific support for a lawsuit, or speak with a reporter about a new study on habitat fragmentation.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Center for Biological Diversity Is Looking For
- A conservation biologist or ecologist with at least 3 years of applied experience in land-use planning, habitat connectivity, or water resource management.
- Deep familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, and ESA, and a track record of drafting effective comment letters or policy documents that shaped environmental outcomes.
- Strong public speaking skills and comfort presenting at hearings, planning commission meetings, or in media interviews.
- Collaborative and coalition-minded, with experience working alongside local governments, community groups, and other NGOs.
📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Biological Diversity
Tailor your resume to highlight specific projects where you influenced land-use policy or wildlife connectivity, quantifying outcomes where possible.
In your cover letter, mention a specific California or Southwest urban-wildland issue you've worked on and how it connects to the Center's mission.
Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to translate complex science into clear, persuasive policy language (e.g., a comment letter or factsheet).
Research the Center's recent campaigns on urban sprawl and water (e.g., the 30x30 initiative or desert tortoise protection) and reference them in your application.
Emphasize any experience with GIS, spatial analysis, or climate adaptation planning, as these are often key tools for this role.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for protecting biodiversity in the face of urban development and climate change.', "Specific examples of how you've used science to influence land-use decisions or environmental policy.", 'Your familiarity with California environmental laws (CEQA, NEPA, ESA) and experience with public hearings or planning processes.', 'Your ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, from agency staff to grassroots advocates.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read the Center's 'Urban Wildlands' program page and recent reports on habitat fragmentation and water policy.
- → Review the Center's current litigation and campaigns related to urban sprawl, such as the fight against the High Desert Power Plant or the 30x30 initiative.
- → Look into key California environmental laws (CEQA, NEPA, ESA) and recent court decisions affecting land-use planning.
- → Familiarize yourself with the Center's media approach—watch a few press conferences or interviews with their scientists.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference the Center's specific mission or recent work.
- Overlooking the importance of public speaking and media engagement—this role requires comfort in front of cameras and at podiums.
- Failing to demonstrate a clear understanding of how science translates into policy and legal advocacy.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Center for Biological Diversity!