Senior Attorney

Job Title: Senior Attorney

Program: Endangered Species

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

                                   [  ] Part-time Full-time

                                   [  ] Temporary Regular

Reports to: Endangered Species Director

Direct Reports to this position:  n/a

Salary Range: $89,500 - $131,500

Location: Remote, Portland, OR

Is this position in the Bargaining Unit?  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.

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 June 8, 2026. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Attorney advocates for the conservation of endangered species utilizing administrative and legal tools, including the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Administrative Procedures Act and others with a goal of protecting endangered species from the many threats they face. The ideal candidate will have excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills with an ability to think strategically and creatively.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Expand the Center’s work to protect endangered species.

Identify and carry out opportunities to protect endangered species from habitat destruction, pollution, exploitation and other threats through litigation and other advocacy.

Identify, develop, and litigate cases and administrative actions to further campaign goals.

Mentor new program attorneys.

Develop detailed knowledge of the status of endangered species across the country.

Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, coalitions, government officials, scientists.

Utilize litigation and media campaigns to highlight the threats to imperiled wildlife.

Advocate for comprehensive protection of endangered species as a response to litigation and other pressure.

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

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Law school graduate admitted to a relevant state bar

At least eight years of experience as an environmental attorney

Experience litigating under the Endangered Species Act

Knowledge of the status, biology of, and threats to endangered species

Background in leading litigation projects and working collaboratively with peers

Excellent writing, communication, research, and oral advocacy skills

Strong work ethic, time management, and organizational skills

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

Proven ability to develop complex cases and manage a full docket

A high degree of scientific literacy

A demonstrated commitment to environmental protection

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

Competence in and commitment to principles of justice, equity and inclusion

Ability to work 40+ hours per week

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Semi-frequent travel required for hearings and meetings, at times on short notice. 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. May 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   Frequently  

Exchange accurate information: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   Frequently  

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

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

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

Physical

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

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

Typing: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   Frequently  

Writing by hand: [  ] Rarely    Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Sitting: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   Frequently  

Walking: [  ] Rarely    Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Standing: [  ] Rarely    Occasionally   [  ] Frequently

Hiking: [  ] Rarely    Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

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

Lift/Carry 25-75 lbs: Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

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

Bending: Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Squatting: Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Reaching overhead: Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently  

Repetitive motions: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   Frequently  

Ability to drive: [] Rarely    Occasionally   [  ] Frequently

Location Conditions

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

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

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

Work in outdoor conditions: [] 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