How to apply for Urban Wildlands Staff Attorney

About Center for Biological Diversity

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to protect endangered species and the lands, waters, and climate they depend on. It uses science, law, and activism together. The Urban Wildlands program focuses on protecting habitat and species in and around urban areas. The organization has a bargaining unit, and this position is in it, so some union fees may apply depending on where the candidate lives.

About the role

This staff attorney role is in the Urban Wildlands program and reports to the program director. The attorney will likely handle legal work aimed at preserving critical lands and waters in California's urban and wildland interface. The position is remote but based in California, with Sacramento, the Bay Area, or Los Angeles preferred. The start date is May 18, 2026, and the salary range is $72,500 to $89,500.

A typical day

A typical day may involve legal research, drafting comments or briefs, and communicating with the program director and other staff. The attorney might also review scientific reports or coordinate with activists and partners. Because the role is remote and based in California, the day could include virtual meetings and independent work. Specific daily routines are not described in the posting, so ask about typical tasks and team communication during the interview.

Who Center for Biological Diversity is looking for

• A licensed attorney in California, or willing to become licensed, with a strong interest in environmental and conservation law.
• Experience or coursework in endangered species law, land use, or administrative law, especially as it relates to urban wildlands.
• Able to work independently in a remote setting and manage a caseload with minimal supervision.
• Strong legal writing and research skills, as a writing sample is required and the role likely involves briefs, comments, and petitions.

Tips for this application

• Submit a cover letter that names the Urban Wildlands program and explains why you want to work on urban wildlands issues in California specifically.
• Include a writing sample that shows your legal analysis and writing ability, preferably on an environmental or land use topic.
• Provide references who can speak to your legal research, writing, and any environmental law experience.
• Apply online as instructed, and do not call the organization; only selected applicants will be contacted.
• Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with the Center's tools: science, law, and activism, and any work on endangered species or habitat protection.

What to cover in your cover letter

Explain why you want to work for the Center for Biological Diversity and specifically in the Urban Wildlands program. Describe any experience you have with environmental law, land use, or endangered species. Show that you understand the remote nature of the role and that you are based in or willing to work from California, preferably Sacramento, the Bay Area, or Los Angeles. Mention your available start date and confirm you understand the position is in the bargaining unit.

Research before applying

• Read about the Center for Biological Diversity's Urban Wildlands program and recent cases or campaigns.
• Look up the Center's legal work on endangered species and habitat protection in California.
• Check the organization's structure and any public information about the bargaining unit and union fees.
• Review the Center's website and recent press releases to understand its current priorities and tone.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Your experience with environmental law and how it relates to urban wildlands and endangered species.
• How you handle legal research and writing under deadlines, with examples from your writing sample.
• Your ability to work remotely and stay connected with a program director and team across California.
• Your familiarity with the Center for Biological Diversity's approach, which combines science, law, and activism.
• Your understanding of the bargaining unit and any questions about union fees or working conditions.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Do not submit a generic cover letter that does not mention the Urban Wildlands program or the Center's work.
• Do not forget to include all required materials: cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample.
• Do not call the organization to follow up; the posting says no telephone calls please.