Staff Attorney for our Environmental Health Program – Center for Biological Diversity – Oakland, CA

At the Center for Biological Diversity, we believe that the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence in our world of a vast diversity of wild animals and plants. 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 and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that species need to survive.

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

The Center is currently looking for a Staff Attorney in our Environmental Health Program. This position will work as part of a team using law and advocacy to stop or reform toxic practices that are imperiling wildlife, native plants and human health. Core areas of focus will be pesticides and their impacts on imperiled species, as well as the impacts of lead, mining, industrial pollutants, and air and water pollution. The Staff Attorney will be supervised by the Environmental Health Director and Legal Director and will also work closely with other program staff.

Main duties:

Develop cases to further the goals of the Center’s environmental health program.
Engage in administrative advocacy, such as commenting on proposed plans, projects and rulemakings, and prepare petitions for rulemaking.
Engage in analysis of and advocacy regarding pending state and federal legislation.
Litigate cases in state and federal court that will protect both imperiled species and humans throughout the United States.
Participate in planning and execution of both legal and campaign strategies.
Prepare communications such as press releases, factsheets and white papers; deliver effective messages to reporters; and give talks at relevant conferences.

Essential qualities, qualifications and skills:

A minimum of two years of litigation experience, preferably in environmental law.
A strong interest and some experience working on toxics.
Familiarity with key laws such as the Administrative Procedure Act; the Endangered Species Act; the Clean Water Act; the National Environmental Policy Act; the Federal Insecticide, Rodenticide and Fungicide Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act; the California Environmental Quality Act; and Proposition 65.
Excellent writing, communication, research and oral advocacy skills.
A proven ability to develop cases and manage a busy docket.
Experience consistently meeting internal and external deadlines and producing excellent finished products in a timely manner.
Member of a state bar.
Experience participating in environmental or advocacy campaigns.
A strong work ethic and good time-management skills.
A dynamic and assertive personality.
A self-starter personality with the ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
Proficiency in environmental health issues and scientific literacy, and a deep commitment to environmental protection.
Interest in helping successfully execute strategic campaigns.

The Center for Biological Diversity deeply values diversity both in the workplace and the world. We recognize an intrinsic link between protecting the diversity of the Earth’s cultures, languages, plants and animals, and doing that work with a staff diverse in gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic background. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

Generous medical, dental and vision plan.
Paid STD and LTD.
403(b) plan with opportunity for match.
Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code.

How to apply

To apply, please send a thoughtful cover letter, a résumé, references and a writing sample toattorney_ehp@biologicaldiversity.org, with “Environmental Health Staff Attorney” in the subject line. The position will remain open until filled. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls, please.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

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