Oceans Staff Attorney

Job Title: Staff Attorney

Program: Oceans

Employment Type: [X] Salary   [  ] Hourly (exempt – this position is not eligible for over-time)

                                   [  ] Part-time [X] Full-time

                                   [  ] Temporary [X] Regular

Reports to: Oceans Program Director

Direct Reports to this position: N/A

Salary Range: $72,500 - $89,500

Location: California, DC, or Gulf Coast preferred, remote.

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.

We are seeking a relentless, proactive advocate who excels at taking a leadership role in complicated initiatives and building relationships to advance a rapid phase out and clean-up of offshore oil and gas activities.

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 27, 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
The Staff Attorney will work as part of a team using law and advocacy to address threats and increase marine wildlife and habitat protections. The Oceans program leverages our bedrock environmental laws to protect coral reefs, sea turtles, whales and other marine animals. The attorney will work primarily on cutting edge and novel approaches to address offshore drilling, including fierce advocacy to hold agencies and operators accountable for the impacts of oil and gas pollution. The ideal candidate will have excellent leadership, writing, and public speaking skills with an ability to think strategically and creatively.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and litigate cases in state and federal court targeted at offshore oil and gas to gain results that will protect marine species and habitats.

Build relationships and work with policy leaders, conservation organizations, and frontline communities to advance initiatives to phase out and clean-up offshore drilling developments.

Advocate for administrative and legislative policies through scientific and legal comments, oral testimony, policy analysis, petitions for rulemaking, and effective communications.

Communicate with the media, decision-makers, the public, allies and opinion leaders through writing, outreach and public speaking.

Develop expertise in the technical aspects of energy policy, oil production and decommissioning obligations, corporate law related to environmental accountability and compliance, state and federal regulatory bodies and oversight.

Investigate and monitor offshore drilling activities to watchdog that government regulators and industry operators are adhering to requirements.

Complete other project work outside of program as needed to meet changing organizational priorities.

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Law school graduate and member of the California, District of Columbia, or other relevant bar.

At least three years of civil litigation experience, environmental law preferred.

Strong leadership skills that can produce results through strategic thinking, self-motivation, project management, and inspiring the action of others to achieve impactful outcomes.

Excellent writing, communication, research, and oral advocacy skills.

Strong work ethic and time management skills with an ability to manage a busy docket while engaging in a variety of other advocacy efforts.

Proactive approach to identify opportunities, solve problems, and take initiative to drive projects forward.

Ability to develop cases and manage a full docket.

Ability to work independently and as a part of an effective team.

Ability to work in cross-cultural settings, with competency in diversity and inclusion.

Demonstrated commitment and passion for securing wildlife and environmental protections.

Ability to work 40+ hours per week.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is available for remote work, but it will require travel for meetings, site visits, public speaking, and court appearances. Requires work in an office setting with a typical schedule of Monday – Friday with some night and weekend work required at times due to deadlines. Will need to use typical office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation. This is not a complete description of all workplace conditions, and conditions are subject to change per the Organization’s discretion.

Cognitive

Ability to process and analyze information: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  

Exchange accurate information: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  

Communicate and express oneself with others: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  

Interaction with other colleagues: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  

Interaction with the public/co-collaborators: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  

Physical

Reading (ingest data): [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  

Working on a computer: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  

Typing: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  

Writing by hand: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Sitting: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  

Walking: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Standing: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Lift/Carry 0-25 lbs: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Hiking: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Climbing up or down stairs: [] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Bending: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Squatting: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Reaching overhead: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Repetitive motions: [  ] Rarely    [] Occasionally   [X] Frequently  

Ability to drive: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Location Conditions

In person required (versus remote work): [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Travel required*:  [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Night or weekend work: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Work in outdoor conditions: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

BENEFITS (Subject to change—see Handbook for more details)
For regular staff working 30+ hours a week

Fully paid medical premiums for staff, and greatly discounted for families.

Fully paid dental and vision premiums for staff and their families.

Generous employer contribution to HSA and HRA’s.

Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) provided for reimbursement of eligible wellness expenses.

Center paid premiums for Short Term and Long-Term Disability provided for all staff.

Center paid premiums for Basic Life Insurance for all staff.

Discounted premiums for pet discount program.

For all regular staff

403(b) plan with employer match and increasing employer paid contributions.

Generous time off policies, including 13 paid holidays per year and 5 “personal” days awarded each year.

Vacation accrual starts at a rate of 15 days annually, but it may be higher commensurate with experience, and paid sick days accrue at a rate of 10 days per year.

Center Paid Time Off for parental leave, personal leave, caretaker leave and even pet caretaker leave.

After 5 years of service, all employees receive a 12-week paid sabbatical.

Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code.

JEDAI STATEMENT

The Center for Biological Diversity deeply values, and is committed to sustaining and promoting, both biological and cultural diversity. We welcome, embrace and respect diversity of people, identities and cultures. We are committed to fostering an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion. The Center believes staff and board diversity is critical to saving life on Earth.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

The Center complies with all federal and local laws regarding work authorization for new hires. We welcome and encourage anyone interested to apply to any of our open positions. Everyone, regardless of current work authorization, will be considered.

Exempt Classification: Exempt

Applicable Exemption: Professional

Reasoning behind this classification:
Attorneys are classified as “learned professionals” as their work is primarily intellectual and requires a high level of specialized knowledge gained through extensive education.