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 national nonprofit known for its aggressive legal advocacy and science-based approach to protecting endangered species and their habitats. Working here means joining a team of passionate activists and scientists who prioritize impact over institutional politics, with a strong track record of winning landmark protections for wildlife and ecosystems.

About This Role

This role focuses on combating habitat fragmentation and water degradation caused by urban sprawl and climate change, particularly in wildlands near cities. You'll serve as a public expert, translating complex ecological science into policy recommendations, public comments, and legal arguments to influence land-use planning and water management decisions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing a draft environmental impact report for a new housing development, then writing a comment letter citing species vulnerability data. Afternoon could involve a coalition call with local groups to strategize on a water rights hearing, followed by preparing a presentation for a city council meeting on wildlife crossings.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Center for Biological Diversity Is Looking For

  • A conservation biologist or ecologist with at least 3 years of experience in wildlife connectivity or freshwater systems, who can independently design research and synthesize scientific literature for policy use.
  • Highly skilled in written advocacy, with demonstrated ability to draft comment letters, reports, or policy documents that cite CEQA, NEPA, or ESA.
  • Comfortable with public speaking and media engagement, able to present technical information to diverse audiences including planning commissions and journalists.
  • A collaborative self-starter who can manage multiple campaigns simultaneously, working remotely while staying aligned with the Center's legal and advocacy teams.

📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Biological Diversity

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with CEQA, NEPA, or ESA comment letters or environmental impact reports, not just academic research.

2

In your cover letter, name a specific urban wildland or water issue you've worked on (e.g., a threatened species corridor in your region) and connect it to the Center's campaigns.

3

Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to translate science into policy language—preferably a public comment or policy memo, not just a journal article.

4

Research the Center's current campaigns on wildlife crossings or water rights (e.g., for the California tiger salamander) and reference them in your application.

5

If you have coalition or partnership experience (e.g., with local land trusts or community groups), emphasize it—this role requires working with diverse stakeholders.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific expertise in wildlife connectivity or freshwater ecology, with examples of how you've applied it to land-use or water policy.", 'Your familiarity with environmental laws like CEQA, NEPA, or ESA, and your experience using them in advocacy.', 'Your ability to communicate science to non-scientists, including public speaking or media work.', "Your alignment with the Center's mission and urgency—show that you understand the stakes of habitat loss and climate change."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Center's recent press releases and blog posts on urban wildlands and water issues (e.g., 'Urban Wildlands' program page).
  • → Look up the Center's legal petitions and lawsuits related to the Endangered Species Act and habitat conservation in urban areas.
  • → Read about the '30x30' initiative and how the Center is involved in state-level land conservation planning.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key terms like 'wildlife connectivity modeling' and 'environmental flow' as used in the Center's publications.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you used CEQA or NEPA to influence a development or water project—what was your role and outcome?
2 How would you prioritize competing conservation needs in a rapidly urbanizing area (e.g., protecting a rare plant vs. a wildlife corridor)?
3 The Center often takes controversial stances. How would you handle pushback from local government or developers during a public hearing?
4 Explain how you would research and draft a comment letter on a proposed urban development that threatens a listed species.
5 What's your experience with coalition building? Give an example of a successful partnership you've fostered.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application that doesn't reference the Center's specific campaigns or legal approach—they value tailored, mission-driven candidates.
  • Avoid overemphasizing pure academic research without connecting it to policy or advocacy—the Center needs actionable science.
  • Don't downplay the importance of public speaking or media work—this role requires being a visible public advocate.

📅 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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