How to apply for Wildlife Conservation Advocate

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. The organization focuses on the intrinsic value of diversity and the link between human welfare and nature. This role sits within the Urban Wildlands program, which addresses conservation in urban and urban-adjacent areas.

About the role

As a wildlife conservation advocate, you will work under the Urban Wildlands Director to advance policies and campaigns that protect species and habitats in urban wildland interfaces. The position is remote but based in California, with preference for the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, or Los Angeles. Your work will directly support the Center's mission to preserve biodiversity through legal, scientific, and advocacy efforts.

A typical day

A typical day might involve researching a proposed development project that threatens local habitat, drafting comments on an environmental impact report, and coordinating with colleagues on a campaign strategy. You may also attend virtual meetings with stakeholders or participate in calls with the Urban Wildlands Director to align on priorities. The role is remote, so much of the work is done independently, but collaboration with the team is frequent.

Who Center for Biological Diversity is looking for

• Experience in environmental advocacy, policy, or campaign work, particularly in urban or wildland settings.
• Familiarity with California environmental laws and regulations, such as the Endangered Species Act and California Environmental Quality Act.
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills for producing reports, comment letters, and advocacy materials.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting and collaborate with a distributed team.

Tips for this application

• Submit all required materials: cover letter, resume, reference list, and unofficial transcripts. Missing documents may disqualify you.
• In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to the Urban Wildlands program and the Center's mission.
• Highlight any past work with California-specific environmental issues or species.
• Mention your ability to work remotely and your location if you are in the preferred areas (SF Bay Area, Sacramento, LA).
• Apply before the October 15 deadline; the position may close once filled.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your specific experience with wildlife or habitat conservation, especially in urban or wildland contexts.', "Your understanding of the Center for Biological Diversity's approach and the Urban Wildlands program's goals.", 'Examples of advocacy or policy work you have done, including any legal or regulatory components.', 'Your ability to work independently and manage projects remotely.']

Research before applying

• Read the Center for Biological Diversity's website, especially the Urban Wildlands program page, to understand current campaigns.
• Review recent press releases or reports from the Center to learn about their advocacy priorities and successes.
• Research California's key environmental laws and recent policy debates related to urban wildlands and species protection.
• Look into the Center's union and bargaining unit status to understand employment conditions.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Your familiarity with California environmental laws and how you have applied them in past work.
• A specific campaign or advocacy effort you led or contributed to, and its outcomes.
• How you prioritize and manage multiple projects in a remote work environment.
• Your approach to working with scientists, lawyers, and community stakeholders.
• Why you want to work for the Center for Biological Diversity and specifically in the Urban Wildlands program.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic cover letter that does not mention the Urban Wildlands program or the Center's mission.
• Failing to provide all required documents, such as transcripts or a reference list.
• Not demonstrating knowledge of California-specific environmental issues or the Center's work.