Application Guide
How to Apply for Wildlife Conservation Advocate
at Center for Biological Diversity
🏢 About Center for Biological Diversity
The Center for Biological Diversity is a leading nonprofit conservation organization known for its aggressive, science-driven legal and advocacy work to protect endangered species and wildlands. Working here means joining a passionate, mission-focused team that punches above its weight in environmental impact, often taking on powerful interests to defend biodiversity.
About This Role
As a Wildlife Conservation Advocate in the Urban Wildlands program, you will spearhead campaigns to protect species and habitats in urban-adjacent wildlands, primarily in California. This role combines policy advocacy, legal strategy, grassroots organizing, and media outreach to influence land-use decisions and safeguard biodiversity in one of the most biodiverse regions in the country.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve drafting comments on an environmental impact report, coordinating with legal staff on a lawsuit, pitching a story to a journalist, and organizing a community webinar—all while managing emails and virtual meetings. You'll balance desk work with occasional field visits or events, depending on campaign needs.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Center for Biological Diversity Is Looking For
- Proven experience in environmental advocacy, campaign organizing, or policy work, ideally focused on wildlife or land conservation.
- Strong understanding of California environmental laws (e.g., CEQA, Endangered Species Act) and land-use planning processes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex science and legal issues for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently in a remote setting while collaborating effectively with a distributed team.
📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Biological Diversity
Tailor your cover letter to the Urban Wildlands program: mention specific campaigns or issues the Center has worked on in California, such as protecting mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains or desert tortoise habitat.
Highlight any experience with California-specific environmental regulations (CEQA, CESA) and land management agencies (e.g., BLM, USFS, local planning departments).
Demonstrate your ability to work remotely: provide examples of successful remote collaboration, self-management, and proactive communication.
Include a reference list that includes supervisors who can speak to your advocacy, campaign, or policy accomplishments.
Submit unofficial transcripts as requested; if your degree is in a related field, ensure it's clearly listed. If not, emphasize relevant coursework or training.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience advocating for wildlife or wildlands, especially in California or similar ecoregions.', "Familiarity with the Center's approach: combining science, law, and media to achieve conservation outcomes.", 'Your ability to manage campaigns independently and adapt to shifting priorities in a remote work environment.', "Commitment to the Center's mission and understanding of the Urban Wildlands program's goals."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the Center for Biological Diversity's website, especially the Urban Wildlands program page, to understand their current campaigns and recent victories.
- → Read recent press releases or reports from the Center about California wildlands and species they are focused on (e.g., mountain lions, kit foxes, burrowing owls).
- → Research key California environmental laws and agencies relevant to urban wildlands, such as CEQA, CDFW, and regional conservation plans.
- → Look up the backgrounds of the Urban Wildlands Director and other team members to understand their expertise and approach.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Center, the Urban Wildlands program, or California-specific conservation issues.
- Failing to demonstrate familiarity with the Center's litigious and science-based advocacy style; emphasizing only grassroots organizing without legal/policy strategy.
- Neglecting to address remote work experience or showing hesitation about working independently, as the role is fully remote.
📅 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!