Scientist - Urban Wildlands

The Center for Biological Diversity is seeking a full-time Staff Scientist for the Urban Wildlands program, focusing on land-use policies that protect wildlife habitats in California. The role involves research, public expertise on wildlife issues, and collaboration with various professionals. The salary ranges from $55,000 to $75,000, based on experience. This position is remote, with a preference for candidates in California.
Job Title: Staff Scientist
Program: Urban Wildlands
Employment Type: [X] Salary [ ] Hourly (exempt – this position is not eligible for over-time)
[ ] Part-time [X] Full-time


[ ] Temporary [X] Regular


Reports to: Urban Wildlands Director


Direct Reports to this position: N/A


Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000



Salary will be determined based on experience, and will strictly comply with local and state minimum wage and salary threshold laws in California and other applicable locations.

Location:Remote, California preferred
Is this position in the Bargaining Unit? [X] Yes [ ] No

Because this position is in the Bargaining Unit, some fees may be required depending on where the candidate lives as a condition of employment.

The Urban Wildlands program aims to stop development and land use policies that threatens critical wildlife habitat, creates pollution, disrupts hydrology and freshwater systems, exhausts limited water supplies, increases wildfire risk, amplifies climate change, and drives species extinction. We are seeking an experienced, proactive staff scientist to join our team.
How to apply:
Please apply online by completing our application and submitting a cover letter, resume, references, and a writing sample. The position will remain open until filled with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. The desired start date is May 18, 2026. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls please.
ABOUT THE CENTER The Center for Biological Diversity, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, believes the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence of a vast diversity of wild animals, plants and people. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law, activism and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that humans, other species and all communities need to survive and thrive.


We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive.


POSITION SUMMARY
By working closely with scientists, lawyers, organizers and media professionals, the staff scientist will be expected to play an active role in influencing and shaping land-use decision-making and planning in California and beyond. In particular, the staff scientist will work to advance land-use policies and practices to protect habitats and important wildlife connectivity areas in the urban-wildland interface that support endangered and sensitive species. The ideal candidate will have excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills with an ability to think strategically and creatively.
The working environment is fast-paced, exciting and supportive.


ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



Serve as a public expert on wildlife connectivity and water issues, focusing on the threats from unchecked urban sprawl, habitat loss, and climate change.
Research and draft comment letters, reports, policy documents, factsheets, and educational materials for social media posts based on sound science and principles.
Support the development, identification, and advancement of strategic policy positions and initiatives that benefit freshwater systems and wildlife connectivity vital to threatened and endangered species survival and climate change adaptability and resilience.
Give presentations at public hearings for decision-makers, work with local planning staff and be available for interviews with the media.
Help build alliances with other environmental and community groups, including environmental justice and frontline communities.
Work collaboratively with lawyers, scientists, organizers and media professionals to challenge poorly-planned, destructive developments while advocating for proactive and environmentally-protective land use policies.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Minimum three years of professional experience or advanced degree in conservation biology, ecology, planning or a related field.
Scientific literacy and familiarity with scientific literature on specific program issues.
Excellent research and analytical skills.
Excellent communication skills, including public speaking skills.
Demonstrated abilities to write clear, organized, research documents.
Familiarity with relevant environmental laws and regulations, including the Califo