Alaska Attorney – Staff or Senior

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.

The Alaska Staff or Senior Attorney will work as part of a highly motivated, dynamic and collaborative team in the Alaska program to protect Alaska’s wildlife, public lands, and oceans. Organizational priorities in Alaska include protecting and recovering imperiled terrestrial and marine species and securing the habitat they need, fighting toxic mining projects, stopping road developments through intact wildlands, defending old-growth forests, opposing destructive industrial fisheries, halting new and phasing out existing onshore and offshore oil and gas projects, and stopping federal public land giveaways. This position may require work on other program and organizational priorities as well.

The primary focus of this role is impact litigation, with additional administrative advocacy and environmental campaign work. The attorney will build and maintain effective relationships with partners and co-plaintiffs, including Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal entities. Media advocacy is a prominent aspect of this role. The ideal candidate will have excellent legal research and writing, relationship building, communication, time management, and public speaking skills, with an ability to think strategically and creatively, respond gracefully to shifting priorities, timelines and emergent needs, and contribute to a positive, collaborative, and enjoyable workplace.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Law school graduate admitted to the Alaska bar;
Minimum three years (Staff Attorney) or eight years (Senior Attorney) of civil environmental and natural resources litigation experience;
Experience with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and/or Clean Water Act preferred;
Familiarity and cultural competency working with Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal entities, Native organizations, and Native communities strongly preferred;
Scientific literacy with a background in wildlife, biology, ecology, natural resources, or climate science preferred;
Excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills;
Ability to manage a full work docket with shifting timelines, priorities and emergent needs with a commitment to meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards;
Experienced communication and interpersonal skills;
Ability to work both independently and as part of an effective team;
Competence in and commitment to principles of justice, equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion;
Ability to work 40+ hours per week, including some long days and weekends.

Salary Range:
Staff Attorney: $72,500 – $89,500; Senior Attorney: $89,500 – $131,500

Tagged as: Law/Policy